Thread by @awomanadayyyc

Shalee (@shaleestair) has been a Calgary Firefighter for 15 years. She tells us about the hurdles she had to jump to achieve her dream and how overcoming addiction has led her to become a mentor for other women.
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"My name is Shalee. I have 2 beautiful daughters, Jaxon (21) and Reiss (19). From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a firefighter and help people. I applied at 18, but they said I needed more life experience. I kept working at Safeway and started my family.
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When I turned 30, I decided I had nothing to lose and applied for my dream job. I was so afraid of not making it, but I knew I had to try. The interview, workouts and prep with 2 small kids was not easy. My 1st year of the job was extremely challenging.
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My husband left me, my best friend got diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma and passed away 4 months later. It was a struggle to be a single mom, while putting all I had into a challenging new career. I missed holiday dinners, birthdays, school concerts, but I knew my hard work
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and determination would pay off. I have been with Calgary
Fire Department for 15 years, it is an incredible career. Working as a firefighter is always a challenge, everyday at work is different. I love the support of my work family. I have always "given my all" in life
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but 5 years ago my addiction to alcohol had me beat. I knew I had to quit drinking, I was losing myself and that is a scary place to be.
I have been in recovery for 5 years. I am humbled to mentor other women struggling with addiction, I want
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Them to feel supported. I am proud to show my girls they can succeed at anything they put their minds to, and women are unstoppable! As difficult as it was, I am grateful for what I have been through. It has shaped who I am today."
#AWomanADay #YYC #Calgary #FireFighter