I reentered the workforce full time in my chosen profession of sales and all woman now. This is a serious challenge but who knew this marine was up to the task. I was so soft spoken and now , as one friend said, " you are no longer on the sidelines. That is the truth.
I also will speak again next month and will post my unedited speech in my blog. I have been given opportunities that others like myself never get or dream of. I feel privileged, honored and understand the responsibility that comes with speaking.
I advocate and tell my story in public in very small venues like on the max, bus or in a doctor office or whenever the opportunity present it self. I also speak in public forums on occasion and understand just how important and the potential impact I can and have had in the past.
For when I speak there are times when I will be viewed as representing a entire class of veterans. No matter how often I give the disclaimer that I do not represent the entire class of veterans the audience who , many of whom, have never seen a transsexual woman except in the media. Thus, like or not, what I say , how i act and respond or react to the audience will be what the audience takes home and to their work place and beyond.
What separates myself from speakers like me is that I will never educate but I will share my story. It is my deeply held belief that I learn just as much as I share when I speak. I am a student of life and on a journey of learning. I just did not know I could have the impact that I have had over the last year in my life.
the support I have received from so many women .... there are no words to express my deep gratitude for their caring and reaching out to me..... this is one of the biggest reasons i feel compelled to step forward to speak.
My path in life has been changed forever because of women stepping forward to help me in my journey.
thank you again,
Rachel
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