Always be prepared to pay....CCR

I never realized just how badly people can be stereotyped and discriminated against. I am aware that I probably should not be writing about this but it continues to amaze me and be brought up time and time again. Just because I am a young girl, I would like to say fairly small, not the strongest, but I would like to say I can carry my own weight and do for a matter of fact! I understand that in the agricultural industry I will forever be overcoming barriers to be accepted by my peers. Not only for my lack of farming/ranching background but for being a woman. I strive to break this and show that I was hired, put here, volunteered for a reason. I am capable of doing tasks just like you. I promise and if not it is because I don't have things between my legs, chest and facial hair that I am able to ask for help, direction, etc. I find it quite troubling that when meeting with a university member that I was asked about my horse, farming, ranching experience and upon receiving my answer basically told that I most likely would not make it in that job, field, etc. I understand that by looking at me you don't get the best impression of a strong, hard working individual. You instead get a meek, frail, girl. Well I am sorry that you are unable to see past that outer expression and see that I am one of the hardest working individuals you will ever meet along with being meticulous about detail, getting the job done, doing what is expected of me and beyond along with being timely and respectful. Next I applied for and was accepted for my position based on my experience, willingness to learn, and commitment to productivity. I don't appreciate being treated as the only girl. I don't mind being "one of the guys" but push it and take it only to a certain level. I have been instructed in electricity, know how to process animals, run equipment and knowing that, would you please let me do what you are paying me to do or why are you paying me to be there in the first place? If you don't feel that I am an asset please sit me down, speak with me on how to improve my performance and/or just let me go! I am always willing to learn, do new things, do old things, work hard, get dirty, stay late, come in early...the list continues, so please let me. I just wish you could look past my long hair, chest, nails, small figure, voice and slightly "powdered face" to see the person sitting in front of you with the experience, knowledge and determination.