Chain Chain Chainnnnnn

As I'm typing this I am still out of breath, red in the face, and a little sweaty (understatement).
Let me explain...

So, you already know that I will soon receive a team assignment and thus be put into my permanent group. Some NCCC teams, however, are specialized. On the Sacramento campus they have an FRT team, Field Reduction Team. FRT teams will dedicate 3/4 of their service time to wildlife and forestry needs; mainly clearing brush to prevent fires, and setting contained fires to expose the forest floor so new vegetation can grow. They will be trained to use chain saws, will be certified wildfire fire fighters (type 2 I think)

At first, I ruled FRT our because I was more interested in a variety of projects. The negative points to joining this specialized team are that you mainly stay in California, you only get one normal project and then the rest are all specialized, it is intense physical labor, and it is stereotyped as a 'boys club.' Plus, I'm not your typical pyromaniac, I'm definitely cautious around fires.

Its a challenge that I saw as way over my head, and something that I thought I'd probably never do in my lifetime

... Can you anticipate whats coming next?....

But! After much deliberation, I decided to apply to be an FRT Corps member. I didn't come to California to do exactly what I want; I knew I had to be flexible and open. While building houses and hands on disaster relief are projects I really, really, really want to do, this whole trip is about sacrificing my time for the benefit of others. Plus, there is nothing definite about what general corps teams will be doing. Learning fire prevention and wildlife preservation is a skill set that I would never be able to acquire on my own. And of course, the physical challenge is something that I've been embracing for quite some time.

Most people who are reading this are probably pretty shocked. I am pretty decent at being a girl and you rarely see me sweaty or dirty. If I am selected for FRT a lot of that will change. Teams sometimes live in the woods and work 10 hour days. It is something I would never have expected to commit to, and that's exactly why I am trying out.

So why am I sweaty and red in the face??... The PACT test

The PACT test is an athletic test that includes supporting a 45lb vest and speed-walking (no running allowed) 3 miles in under 45 min. For those of you who think this is easy, think again! The first group of about 25 people averaged about 43min(cutting it pretty close, I thought). My group was smaller and as soon as we started, I quickly feel behind. It was clear that I was going to finish last, if I finished at all. Music helped; I sang to the people cheering us on between gaps of breaths and used flailing arms to give to show them my unique ability to break out into a dance party in any situation. A good friend, Anthony, who had completed the test in the first group, stayed with me to pace me (Thank God for him!!). At one point, I absolutely did not think I was going to make it, but running on pure Nicole juice, giving up wasnt an option. At the last 1/4 mile Aretha -Chain of Fools came on, which acted like musical redbull.

I finished in 43:45, with time to spare(haha) and not a a horrible pace compared to everyone else. My group was just ridiculously fast. I am on cloud nine about making it! I pushed myself harder than I thought I could. I thought a lot about myself as a feminist and how important it is for women to start to believe in their physical capabilities and enter fields that have gender stereotypes.

So, If I get chosen to do FRT, I am now committed... Fingers crossed!

I'll keep you posted!!!
Going to go take a well deserved shower!!!