#does is an exciting first and our age gap means typically our academic big moments tend to cross over

[hella1975]

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[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #301

“i was waiting for my chance to find the light”

Did you like the beach a lot more as a kid more than you do now? Why/Why not? I did. Everything was more fun as a kid. I never REALLY loved it, though, because I did and still do hate the heat and walking through sand and getting it stuck all over you. It's pretty much torture now because I have extreme difficulty walking through sand. Has there ever been a time where you just couldn't stop crying? Explain. I know I've had days many years ago when my PTSD was truly awful where I'd sob multiple times a day. What's your least favorite time of day? Why don't you like that time?Late afternoon, like around 3-4 or so. By that point I'm usually bored senseless and going downhill. Do you like your lips? Do you enjoy kissing? They're fine, ig. And I mean yeah, if I'm really into the person? Do you like any music from the American Idols? Which ones? Ngl, I don't even remember any besides Kelly Clarkson, and who the FUCK doesn't like "Breakaway." Do you like when people challenge you? If so, in what? No, I get nervous about embarrassing myself. Personally for you, is falling for someone way beyond your control? It is entirely out of my control. What's something other than a fruit that you love in milkshakes? (Ex.twix ) Mostly chocolate stuff, haha. What is your all time FAVORITE milkshake? Ever tried the Reese's Blast from Sonic? That's some A+ shit. What's the latest you've ever stayed up reading a book? No clue. When having a peanut butter & jam sandwich, what is the best kind of jam? Grape. Do you like to write poetry? Yeah, but it's been a long time since I wrote anything. I used to do it aaall the time, but now I have to be seriously motivated and dedicated to the idea. When you get mad do you cry? Absolutely. Would you ever consider modeling? No. I do think one or two model-esque photos of myself would be nice and possibly help my self-confidence, but it's not something I'm seeking out and paying for. Are you scared of crossing bridges? Not very, no. If they're kinda sketchy-looking, I might feel a tad tense, but I'm not really scared of them. Would you consider yourself clumsy? I am unfuckingbelievably clumsy. Ever bought ice cream from an ice cream truck? Yeah, sometimes Mom would let me and my sisters do that as kids when one came through our neighborhood. Have you ever had a poem or story published? No. If you had/have a kid would you ever let them get a tattoo? If they were of the appropriate age, of course. And if they were getting it done professionally and not at some party drunk with friends. They better be in a sterile environment with someone who knows what they're doing. Do you love guinea pigs? Absolutely. I had three or four as pets when I was a kid. What is the worst thing you ever did that got you grounded? Probably run away from home. Have you ever been chased by a snake? No... and this is a misconception. Snakes don't chase. They go for what they see as the safest escape route, and sometimes they identify your own chosen direction as where they wanted to head, too. Where do you wanna work? I want to be a freelance photographer. What awards have you won? A lot of "A honor roll" trophies through school, among other academic awards. I seriously don't know what happened to that intelligence. I also have dance awards and lots of childhood sports team stuff. Would you consider yourself good at taking care of kids? I don't think I am, no. I'm way too nervous and awkward around kids. I've had to babysit for my sister twice though, and Ashley told me the kids had lots of fun and had no complaints. I guess like... I can do it, I am just very, very uncomfortable taking kids under my wing. I worry about leading them in the wrong direction. How old would a guy have to be before you wouldn't date them? I don't know, it would really depend on how much I was into the person. I generally stick with the approximation of a ten year gap though being my limit, so I think maybe him being in his mid-30s would make me feel a bit too weird. Be honest, have you ever tried weed? No, but quite honestly, I'd probably try an edible. I refuse to smoke anything for my lungs' sake. I'm curious if medical marijuana would actually be beneficial for me. Has anyone ever broken up with you with a note? No, but uh... I have, lol. It's how I broke up with my "puppy-dog love" boyfriend in middle school. Literally after he asked me if I was thinking of breaking up with him, and I said no before handing him the note because I was just too scared to do it to his face. I know, that was absolutely awful. Never, ever do that to the most innocent boy ever, kids. He didn't deserve that. Do you have sensitive teeth? Kinda. What was the worst thing you ever did to get detention/suspended? I've only ever had detention once for having too many tardies to my first class of the day in high school. We'd frequently arrive to school just a few minutes late because I was fucking impossible to drag out of bed. Have you ever suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder? Yes. Do you suffer from nasal allergies? Yes. What's your favorite kind of pudding? I only really like chocolate pudding. Have you done anything really interesting lately? I guess you could consider starting a virtual partial hospitalization program "interesting." It's not the intensive version like my first was, but rather being shorter. I just really need something to get my mental health back on the tracks. What’s the latest really fun thing you’ve done? REALLY fun? Hell if I know. I don't experience "fun" a lot at all anymore... I only ever feel like, this watered down, unenthusiastic sorry excuse for it. Have you discovered any good music lately? Oh yeah, I've found lots of 3TEETH songs I'm mad into. "ULTRAnumb" by Blue Stahli is also a total bop. How about any good new television shows? No. Or perhaps some interesting books? Nothing new, no. Have you picked up a new hobby or learned a new skill? I mean, within what timespan? Nothing lately, really. Has anybody ever done your makeup for you? Yeah. Do you own any sparkly items of clothing? No. What’s the most colorful accessory you own and use? *shrug* Do you enjoy drag artists’ work? If so, name some of your favorites. Oh yes, I have wild respect for drag queens. I don't know enough of them to have a fair favorite, but I do watch Trixie Mattel on YouTube and he is a goddamn hoot. What, right now, is the best thing in your life? Um. I don't really know. Probably the fact my mother still lets my too-big-for-the-nest ass to live with her... I don't want to picture how my life would be if I didn't have her still essentially holding my hand. What’s a place you like to go to when you need to get away for a bit? I actually love car rides for this, so long as I can ride passenger and just blare my music and not talk. It's so odd, being afraid of driving but finding great freedom and comfort in just... going. Do you like apples? I love apples. Anything exciting coming up for you in the near future? I paid the deposit for my tattoo appointment, so it was officially scheduled in May!! I was expecting an open date to be kinda far with just how amazing this parlor is, so I wasn't too shocked to hear I have to wait a few months, but man I can hardly wait. When you get an account for something, what's the first username you try? Unless it's for a "professional" site, in which case I'd use my actual name, I just about without fail with use "Ozzkat," or replace the "o" with a zero if that's somehow taken. Would you be okay with a friend wanting to date one of your exes? Which ex? What kind of accent do people typically have where you're from? Southern. Does history interest you at all? Can't say it does. What's something you wish you could do-over? There are many things, man. Is your hair in layers or is it all the same length? Neither, really. The left side of my head is very short/shaved, and as the hair goes around to the right, it gets longer. There aren't "layers," though. Is there anyone who you're afraid to be in a car with, if they're driving? I wouldn't say afraid, but with my sister's road rage and serious tail-gating issue, riding with her can make me nervous. What's something you're very good at? Um, I guess creative writing. Do you like sour gummy worms? oh FUCK yeah Would you pick up a hitchhiker if they seemed harmless? No. I am way too paranoid for that shit. Would you be bothered if your boyfriend liked to bite you? Uhhh I'm going to assume you mean this in a sexual context, in which case I don't care so long as it's not in a visible spot. How often do you get the opportunity to be completely alone? The answer used to be a shitload, and seeing as I'm in my room most of the time, I still feel like that's kind of true, but since Mom's cancer diagnosis and she had to stop working, she's usually home with me. I like it that way, though. Total isolation is bad for me. Do you have a trampoline? Nah, haven't in many years. What's your favorite Pixar movie? Finding Nemo. What is the strangest thing you've been asked? Something sexual that made me extremely uncomfortable. What’s the weirdest thing about life that people just accept as normal? The fact we put so much worth into pieces of green paper. What's the most random thing you've done out of boredom? *shrug* What show did your parents not let you watch as a kid? There weren't any specific shows that we even wanted to watch that Mom forbade us to see... I mean she certainly wouldn't let my sisters and I watch something like South Park as little kids, but none of us really sought unsuitable shows out. We were all about Disney, Nick, and Animal Planet in my case. What is the most pleasurable feeling that doesn't involve anything sexual? What comes to mind first is a big hug from someone who makes you feel safe when you don't anywhere else. What was your last "oops, wrong person" moment? I'm going to assume I sent somebody a text meant for another person. I'm super careful about avoiding stuff like this because I get horribly embarrassed, so it's difficult to recall the last time I slipped up. What do you find attractive that isn't considered "normal" attraction? Having a broad imagination and drive to create. What’s the dumbest thing you’ve done drunk? N/A What's something you really enjoy, but can't have? A pet tarantula because Mom refuses to let me lmao. I'm so into them now and desperately want a Grammastola pulchra. What Wikipedia article have you recently read? I haven't read any recently. What subject should be taught at schools, but isn't? Basic adulting and financial skills. What is the worst game you've ever played? I dunno. I've played sooooo many video games throughout my life. What tragic event was coincidentally beneficial to you? My overdose because it led to an intensive partial hospitalization program that totally changed my life. What did you think was cool when you were younger that you now think isn’t? Good question... What are your favorite or most memorable lines from any movie/show? I vaguely remember the concepts of some quotes, but not well enough to recite them. None that are seriously memorable or heavy pop up in my head now. What's a good example of 'Don't knock it till you try it'? Putting peanut butter on top of waffles with syrup. It is fucking delicious. What's your go-to get pumped up song? 5FDP's cover of "Mama Said Knock You Out" is badass HYPE. What's the dumbest thing your parents have said or done? Well, through a family assessment before my current partial hospitalization could begin, I very recently learned my dad fucking did drugs before my sisters and I were born, including shit like cocaine. That was great to suddenly learn. As for my mom... probably have a kid too young? She doesn't talk very much about her eldest daughter's history with (and without) her, but I know enough to know that was a very rocky time in her life. What are some things you wish existed? Cures for countless illnesses, and I also have SUUUUUCH a yearning for some kind of technology that could copy an image in your head onto a drawing device. If only I could draw how/what I see up there... Which person shaped you the most? Jason. Or Mom. What’s the one movie you couldn’t finish? Why? Couldn't tell you; I just haven't watched enough. What's a small thing you have a big passion for? Meerkats, quite literally with "small" lmao. What change have you made recently to help the environment? I have metal straws I try to remember to bring with me if I go out to eat. What was the hardest thing you've ever had to forgive? The way Jason left. Is there anything or anyone you're angry at, that you haven't forgiven yet? I sometimes question if I truly have forgiven Jason. I lean kinda heavily towards yes, I have, I'm just bitter about it all regardless. Have you ever plotted revenge against someone? No. Have you ever done anything to get revenge against someone? I can't think of anything off the top of my head. What is the greatest longing of your heart? To feel purpose. Who was your first love? Some guy in high school who "had" to talk to me upon seeing me the first time, only to wind up wanting to hear nothing from me later on down the line. What denomination is your church (if you go)? N/A What was the first year you voted in a presidential election? This most recent election, actually. Have you ever been afraid of the world ending? I used to worry it would happen in my lifetime, but now I don't. If it ends, it ends. I ain't got much to lose nowadays. What is unfair about your life? My mental health. My financial position. I'd rather not focus on the billion shitty things going on in my life rn, so next question. Did you write love poems when you were younger? ugh Who are you jealous of and why? There's a lot of people I'm in some way envious of, honestly. Have you ever had an account of yours hacked? Yes. Thankfully nothing major happened. Have you ever been a victim of police misconduct? No.

[lalka-laski]

How many bank accounts do you have? I have a checking account & a savings account, but they’re kind of intertwined. So I guess 1-2? Have you ever been falsely accused of starting drama? Yeah, middle school were FUN times.... How old are you? 28 Do you attend church regularly? Nah. I don’t come from a church-going family.  Have you ever found a song that describes your whole life? I personalize *everything* so I could find a way to attach myself to any song lyrics if I tried hard enough

What time did you wake up this morning? Sadly it was 6:17. Obviously, that was not by choice!  What time do you plan on waking up tomorrow morning? Tomorrow’s Sunday so I get to sleep in! We leave for brunch at 11:15 which means I can sleep as last as like 10:45 if I wanted.  What kind of car do you drive? I don’t drive. What kind of car would you like to have? Have you ever been to Dairy Queen? Yeah, fairly recently I had a frosted animal cracker Blizzard. It’s what dreams are made of!!! If so, what’s your favorite thing to eat from there? When I get actual food (which is rare) I get cheese curds How old did you turn on your last birthday? 28 Ever felt like falling apart? On a daily basis Have you ever been in an ambulance? Mhm  Do you tend to worry a lot? Again, on a daily fucking basis. Actually, more like a minute-to-minute basis. How old were you when you lost your first tooth? I have no clue Do you remember your first time on the internet? My first time-ever, no.  Which website do you email from? Yahoo for personal, Outlook for work. Do you enjoy receiving souvenirs? Oh yes! I love kitschy stuff. I hope the people in my life never shy away from buying me something out of fear that I’ll think it’s ‘tacky” because that has never been the case.  Do you get angry with people easily? I get a lot more irritated with people than I let on.  Do a lot of people dislike you or is it the other way around? Neither? I don’t think I’m a dislikable person and there aren’t many people I actively dislike.  Have you ever had the flu? Knock on wood, I don’t think so. This year would be especially bad for me to get it because my immediate assumption would be “coronavirus!” and then I’d convince myself I was dying. What about strep throat? Many, many times. Sore throats are my most frequent ailment Have you ever been to a psychologist? Yeah, although it’s been years. I see a LCSW now (and she’s phenomenal).  What’s the worst part about school? The worst parts of school as a kid/teenager were some of the social aspects. I had friends and I wasn’t necessarily bullied, but I still struggled to fit in. Or at least it felt that way, I guess. I excelled in academics though, so that was never an issue for me. Do you normally have a lot of homework, if you’re still in school? When was your last vacation? New Orleans last December  Would you ever consider going on a cruise? ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT. You couldn’t even pay me.  What did you last buy from the store? A bottle of Sprite that I thought was a normal 20 oz but turned out to be a whole damn liter. The worst part though is that I still drank *all* of it over the course of my workday.  Would you say you enjoy being single or in a relationship more? I was always perfectly comfortable being single but now I could NEVER imagine my life without Glenn. 

Do you try to stay busy a lot? No, but I really should be for the sake of my anxiety. Something something about idle hands or whatever...  Do you lie a lot? Nah. My face is too readable and my conscience is too guilty. Do you still act childish most of the time? Not most of the time, but I certainly have my moments.  Did you ever enjoy gym class? Not ever  What is your biggest insecurity? Where do I begin?  Have you ever painted a room alone? I painted most of my bedroom myself as a teenager, but my Dad came in and did a lot of tweaking & final touches.  Speaking of which, when did you last paint your room? That was the last time I did so.... it’s been a while.  What’s for dinner tonight? It’s only 8 am so I have no clue. Probably something simple since it’s a Saturday night and Glenn & I both have plans. Do you ever drink alcohol? Maybe a little too much Have you ever had a terrible hangover? Oh God, I’m notorious for my wicked hangovers! I’m trying to be more conscious about the type of drinks I choose now though. Wine is BAD NEWS.  Do you ever get migraines? Thankfully, no. Although they run in my family so I feel like it’s only a matter of time before I start experiencing them  Do you know how to garden? Nope. I always think it’s something I’d be interested in until I consider all the manual labor it’d require and I’m like “nah” What was the last thing you plugged into an outlet? My phone charger Do people consider you to be a funny person? Yes, and it’s one of my favorite compliments. Although I don’t know if it’s that I’m a naturally funny person, or if funny things just *happen* to me and I’m good at relaying the stories.  Do you have any bad habits? Worrying, obsessing, over-thinking, over-drinking.... should I stop here or continue?  Do you like children? I love them & I really think I have a gift with kids. I can’t wait to have my own someday.  If not, why is this? What is your favorite snack? Chips & dip or cheese & crackers. Basically any cheap “party food” is up my alley. Do you own any gaming systems? Nope, but Glenn has a billion.  How old were your parents when they had you? Mid-late 20s?  Is there a big age difference between you and the person you like? He is 12 years older although it hardly feels that way. The only time our age gap becomes apparent is when one of us makes a pop culture reference that goes undetected. Like the time I said “No, this is Patrick” and he, in all seriousness, asked ‘Who’s Patrick?”  Do you trashtalk people a lot? I try not to but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t ever. Sometimes it’s just too easy.  What is the most amusing thing on the internet, in your opinion? Twitter is a goldmine, especially in the current political climate.  Does the future excite you or scare you? It used to scare me a whole lot more but now that I have Glenn, I’m less afraid and more excited Do you try to spend a lot of time with family? Yes, although I haven’t seen them too much recently. I’ve seen Glenn’s family more than my own How often do you shower? Every 1-2 days unless I’m in a depressive slump What would you say is your favorite genre of music? Typically alternative rock with soft rock/pop rock elements Do you need to clean your bedroom? Not really. I’m good about keeping it tidy. Although I do have a popcorn bowl and a water glass sitting on my bedside table right now that I’ll have to take care of when I get home What do you plan on doing with the rest of your life? Who the hell knows!! Do you enjoy Chinese food? In very small doses, yes. When I eat Chinese food, I’m set for several months. What is your favorite movie from the nineties? Clueless!  Which decade were you born in? The 90′s  Are you good at giving advice to people? I don’t think so. I don’t dish out advice as much as I just allow my friends to vent. I am a great listener though! How many huge secrets do you have? Hmm... I can’t say I have many at all anymore How many people know these secrets? How many times a day do you brush your teeth? At least once but usually twice Do you ever floss? LOL I couldn’t even tell you the last time I did... Have you ever been in a long-term relationship? I am currently Is there anyone out there who makes you feel completely useless? Thankfully, no. I have good people around me.  Do you like texting or calling people more? TEXTING. There are few instances where I’m ok with a phonecall. Otherwise, everything else can be done via text.  What’s your favorite band? The Killers Do you have a lot of friends? Yeah Have you ever painted something and been impressed by it? I guess. I’m not artistic but I’m kind of crafty, and I’ve painted a few cute trinkets before.  Would you rather go out to eat or stay in? Going out to eat is one of my favorite activities! And I’m so sad that Covid has (somewhat) robbed us of that little pleasure.  When did you last babysit, if ever? It’s been months :( Yet another pleasure stolen by Covid!  Do you have any younger siblings? A younger sister  Have you ever thought of someone as useless? I don’t think so Have you ever considered bleaching your hair? I dye it but I have no need to bleach it as it’s already very light Do you drink vitamin water? Oh man, I haven’t even seen it in years! It was super trendy when I was a young teen though. I remember putting Vitamin Water gif/sticker things in my Myspace bio.... THAT’S how old I am! Are there any old movies you absolutely love? Of course Have you ever had a Big Mac before? Nope Do you think you attract the opposite sex at a reasonable rate? What is defined as “reasonable?”  Where is your favorite place to travel? I could have fun almost anywhere. As long as there’s good food & drink!  What is your goal for the next few months? I’m really hoping to get on an antidepressant of some kind and then once my mental health’s a bit more in check, there are a few other goals on my mind.  Can you count to ten in another language other than your own? Polish & French  Do you own a lot of shoes? Nah, I’m not a shoe girl Have you ever played on a sports team before? Soccer as a kid. It didn’t go well If you have, what was that sport and when? ^^ Have you ever filed a lawsuit on someone? Nope Do you think you’re a good singer? I’m not bad but I’m not a “good singer” quote un-quote.  Would you rather wear jeans or sweatpants? Sweatpants are of course the comfier and therefore better option, but I never wear them in public.  Do you think you have a good sense of style? I have a good eye for style I just never have the energy (or confidence) to wear what I want. Oh, money is a major issue too. Ha!  Do you enjoy reading often? It’s my lifelong favorite hobby. Sadly I went through a mild depression during quarantine and didn’t pick up a book once. I’m making up for lost time now though. Have you ever had a deadly illness? No, thank God  Ever had food-poisoning before? Not that I’m aware of  Where did you last eat dinner at? Moe’s? Have you ever shot a gun before? Yep

[funtubeweb]

Taking Flight: In Conversation with a Young Female Pilot from As the Crow Flies

As the Crow Flies provides a rare insider’s glimpse into the Royal Canadian Air Cadets’ intensive seven-week flight training camp. Following a group of 17-year-olds on the brink of adulthood, filmmaker and cinematographer Tess Girard captures their unique grace under pressure throughout a program typically completed over six to eight months. Girard sat down with one of her subjects, Emma Flanagan-Dellipizzi, presently working toward her Commercial Pilot license at the Canadian Flight Academy in Toronto, to discuss life before, during and after the film.

oehttps://www.nfb.ca/film/as_the_crow_flies/

Deciding to Fly

Tess Girard: When I applied for the Power Pilot Scholarship, I had no idea if I wanted to be a pilot. But the opportunity existed and many people above me had done it. I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could achieve it.

Emma, what made you want to pursue the flying scholarship?

Emma Flanagan-Dellipizzi: I too never imagined I would become a pilot. Growing up it simply wasn’t something I was ever really exposed to. Applying for the flying scholarship was absolutely a “why not” decision. While a few others in my squadron had partaken in the program, not many had shared their experiences, so I didn’t know what to expect, nor did I anticipate what kind of challenge earning the license would be. I truly did not have an understanding of how important and powerful an opportunity the scholarship would prove to be—but what I did know was that it was a free pilot’s license and a neat way to spend a summer, so why not?

TG: It’s been two years since you’ve graduated. What are you up to now?

EFD: I recently made a big decision to pause my university studies and dedicate myself to full-time flight training. I’m currently working to acquire my commercial pilot license by the end of this year, and I’ll begin training for my instructor rating immediately after.

TG: Does that mean it might come full circle and you might even be teaching cadets in the same program in the future?

EFD: There’s definitely a possibility that I could. I’m actually quite lucky to be helping cadets from my old squadron with their studies as they prepare for their scholarship entrance exams this year. I think it’s fantastic to get to share my experiences and give back to the program in that way.

Women in Flight and in Film

TG: That’s so great that you’re moving forward with aviation and continuing to give back. Even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to work in aviation, I’m glad I pursued my license. I don’t fly anymore, but flying gave me the confidence to pursue something very technical, risky and adventurous, often not encouraged to young women. It forced me to push my boundaries so I could see a new perspective: all of which are qualities that I’ve found and cherish in filmmaking.

Has pursuing your license changed you?

EFD: Completing the license at such an impressionable age really shaped the person I am today. I spent that summer learning to test my own limits and growing my confidence. It was all about taking risks and challenging myself—academically, physically and emotionally. Most importantly, it was the opportunity in which I truly had the ability to develop my own independence as a young woman.

TG: Working in an industry that constantly asks, “Where are all the women?,” I’m noticing more and more how being the only woman in the room affects my daily experience. I have very strong women in my family as mentors, but gender politics are ever-present despite how determined or encouraged any woman is. As the Crow Flies is about both genders learning to fly, but when I was sent to an all-male centre for my first scout, I knew there was no film if it wasn’t rooted in the female lens.

I was struck by how strong, persevering, intelligent and insightful you five women were when I met you. The way you see the world is more akin to how I do and how I wanted the language of the film to be expressed.

How did it feel as one of only five young women at this Flight Centre? Were there added pressures?

EFD: It becomes a different world to live in when, as a woman, you join an industry in which you are a minority. The flying scholarship program was my first taste of this, where I truly felt that pressure of that new world. Overall, I feel incredibly fortunate to say that despite there being only five of us, we were very strongly supported by our male peers, the flight centre, our home squadrons, our friends and family, and most importantly by each other. We certainly felt pressures like any other person who has participated in the program, as it is incredibly intensive. However I do feel that there absolutely were additional pressures felt—pressures that came from individuals who didn’t appear to be as confident in our abilities or supportive of our efforts. As a young woman I felt derailed by this—and even now it’s still something I’m faced with.

Glass Ceilings and Safe Spaces

TG: As women, we talk about pressures, but until we experience them firsthand, it’s hard to understand or articulate exactly what they are. An example from my perspective in film would be that I’m often asked whether I’m doing a certain basic task (that I’m well-versed in) for the first time, or if I’m making a student film. Or I’m sometimes questioned on my technical knowledge. Even though it’s not an everyday experience, it fosters pressure that I put on myself to do better. If I only know 90 percent of a certain skill, I see that missing 10 percent as a flaw and work tirelessly to close that gap. Could you go into more detail on some of the pressures you felt or now feel? Are they internal, or external?

EFD: There are a number of different external pressures I feel, each one unique. These pressures have come from people who admittedly do not believe in my abilities, or people who try to assist me with tasks that are a part of my own routine. These pressures can so quickly become belittling and make it so hard for myself and other women to strive for their goals. However, other external pressures are more positive—like the pressure I feel from the people around me who do support me and who are excited for me to achieve my goals. Experiencing both types is what drives my own internal pressures and I aim to use it all as motivation. I also feel a need to improve that missing percentage in order to be the greatest version of myself. I am driven to continuously improve on my strengths and weaknesses in order to prove to myself and others who pressure me that I am capable of anything.

TG: I’d like to point out that I could really see how hard you worked! You’re one of the smartest people I’ve ever met and there was barely a moment of down time where you weren’t trying to “close that gap”. But I think having a good bond between the young women at the flight centre created a palpable support system. One of the ways I’ve dealt with the gender pressures in the film industry is to find strong female filmmakers who can mentor me. This is something I haven’t been able to do until the past couple of years, and it’s been an incredible shift for me. In turn, I make it my intent to provide positive female environments for those surrounding me and those I mentor. It’s amazing what a difference a majority female crew makes to a production.

What do you think we can do for women in aviation to alleviate those pressures and help them thrive?

EFD: I believe it is definitely important to showcase the abilities and talents females have in industries like our own. It is so valuable to have great mentors who can inspire young girls to challenge themselves and achieve their goals. However—this may seem contradictory—I think it is also important to make a comfortable environment for young women in aviation where their presence is normalized. Having the ability to stand in a room as the only woman and not feel out of place has been something that has greatly developed my confidence recently. It really is empowering to truly feel accepted and as though I am no different in my work and training environment, and it greatly contributes to my ability to be successful.

TG: That is so true. It’s not about creating separate spaces, but fostering a balance between the two environments creates positive spaces in both realms. Women can be nurtured by working with both men and women, and men can be too! When I see a plane overhead now in your area, I’ll wonder if it’s you.

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