I'm a 56-year-old African American woman from Yanceyville, NC, and a high school graduate of Bartlett Yancey Senior High School. I was actively involved in various sports during my school years, with basketball, track and field, and softball being my favorites. My journey in softball began at the age of 13, learning from the best. I graduated in the class of 1980. I started college at A&T State University with a major in Health and Physical Education, but I chose to leave after a year to support my family by working in the Mill industry. After about six years, I felt the desire for a career change and pursued a role in Law Enforcement. I joined the North Carolina Institute for Women (NCCIW) as a Correctional Officer on December 1, 1988, working various shifts and areas. Over the years, I progressed through the ranks, serving as a Sergeant for about 7 years, then as a Lieutenant for 6 years, followed by 6 years as a Unit Manager. My final position was as a Captain, which was my goal when I started my career. After 28 years, I decided to retire, as my interest waned and I no longer had the energy to continue. I wanted to pass the torch to others. My retirement inspired me to write a book sharing my experiences as I climbed the ranks in the corrections field. I wanted to shed light on the unique challenges faced by women in this profession, emphasizing that we are correctional employees, not mere guards. Correctional officers, law enforcement, and security personnel are often not adequately compensated for the risks they face daily. The mental stress, coupled with personal issues at home, can be overwhelming. I believe in working smart, but this isn't always possible. In my final years, I lost interest in my work, and retirement became my exit strategy. Now retired, I continue to wear a uniform part-time outside retirement, enjoying life to the fullest.
