My story starts in New Hampshire, where after graduation from Daniel Webster College I planned to pursue my dream of becoming a military pilot. I thought that’s what my future was going to hold until I found out I was color deficient during my flight physical right before I was going to graduate. So instead of flying jets, I became an Air Force Security Forces policeman.
After spending a few years in the Air Force, I moved to Richmond to be closer to my best friend, who would eventually plant the first seed about working at the Richmond Fed. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do and my friend said, “Hey, I have a buddy who works at the Fed. It’s a little different from police work, but it’s a police job. It’s a good job, and I think you should look into it.”
As if that wasn’t encouragement enough, later that evening after dinner I was walking by the water when I ran into a man tying up his boat. We started talking and I learned that he was a background investigator for the Federal Reserve Police. It honestly felt like fate. So I applied and was fortunate enough to get hired in 2006. I worked here for a couple years then transferred to the Boston Fed for a couple more years before fate stepped in again and led me back to our Bank’s law enforcement unit.
I continued to work for LEU, but within the last couple of years I found myself searching for something new. After talking to a few people in the group, I became interested in our Bank’s Audit department. I am an inquisitive person who is observant, loves puzzles and am always asking questions and learning. I thought Audit was right up my alley, so I applied for an open position. Unfortunately, at the time, I wasn’t the right fit for the job.
My story doesn’t end there, though. Recognizing my interest, I was invited to take part in an experiential development opportunity where I could learn more about the department and the work they do. I started the temporary rotation last November, and enjoyed it so much that I applied for and got a full-time job in the department just five months later. Through the experience, I realized how transferable a lot of my skills were. I had put myself into a box, and fortunately I was able to open up to a new way of thinking.
I am beyond thankful for all the opportunities our Bank has given me. I have found myself a career, not a temporary job. I value the Fed because I have the most exceptional support system. I feel like everyone is my family and that everyone genuinely cares about me.
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