I have been in the Air Force for almost 13 years but it seems like yesterday that I started as a B-52 mechanic at Sheppard Air Force Base, La. I remember going through tech school not knowing anything about the B-52. In fact, at first, I thought it was the "stealth bomber". Much to my surprise, it wasn't even close.
My first day at my first duty station was intimidating. It started with me in an office with two Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO's) saying that I was the First and Only female the in the Repair and Reclamation (R/R) shop. Throughout the day I had many interactions with others in the shop, but most laughed thinking I'd never cut it.
Technical Sergeant Jake Dell was apparently among most that, before meeting me, doubted me. He was the most knowledgeable R/R mechanic in the shop and didn't believe that females could handle the rough, tough job of repairing multi-million dollar bomber aircraft. However, TSgt Dell realized soon after meeting me that I had grit and determination. Looking back, I never really thought of TSgt Dell as a "leader" but he was one hell of a worker, mechanic and always made the mission a success. That first day, I told him I was there to stay and he gave me a chance to prove myself. After several years of working with him, I believe I influenced him to not judge a book by its cover and that determination can trump mechanical ability. 
Day 1, I was 18 years old, straight out of high school, 5'3", 115 pounds, and absolutely no mechanical background. How was I expected to survive in a shop of 35 male crew chiefs? Much to their surprise, although not mechanically inclined, I love to learn and outsmart others. I dug into the books and asked a million questions. I learned more than the guys that were there before me. Also, being a small female gave me an advantage. I could fit into places in the plane that others couldn't. Once TSgt Dell realized that I was eager to learn, he accepted me and put me to the test, teaching me everything he could.
My experience with TSgt Dell taught me a lot about myself. Although I think I've always had good work ethic, being "greeted" with ridicule allowed me to grow and become more determined than ever. I'm not sure I would've been that headstrong otherwise. His doubt made me more determined. His acceptance, after time, made me realize my potential. That realization has made me the leader I am today.
As a Master Sergeant, I am now at a higher rank than he was when I met him. I use the information I learned from him but also learn from his leadership mistakes. His expectations were high but his patience was low. I now set high expectations for my troops but also leave room for mistakes. I believe you learn more from your mistakes and can grow from them. Furthermore, although Jake was not a good trainer, I believe I influenced him to become better. My thirst for knowledge required him to think outside the box for ways to train me. To this day, I make it my mission to pass on as much knowledge and experience I can to others and to not make assumptions based on gender or other characteristics. 
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