Kate Ochsman took an EcoTraining one-year Professional Guide Course and she wanted to share to all the future female guides or those who are thinking about joining this industry that you can do it and here is why…
A message from Kate:
When you think of Safari, conservation, being a field guide, a ranger…the first thing that comes to mind is, “He must be living the life”. Surrounded by wildlife each & every day, getting to drive an awesome 4 x 4 vehicle, being submerged by the ruggedness of the bush, fixing things with his hands, living a simple lifestyle with only pure nature as his surroundings.
What a man!
“But wait…WHAT?
You are a woman!
This is a man’s world!
You don’t belong here!
This is far too tough for you to handle!”
“Tell me, lady, can you even handle a rifle?
What if there’s a big animal encounter?
Will you be able to handle that situation? If it arises?
Not even to mention all the hard labour you have to do!”
Well my fellow fella’s, that time is long gone.
Me myself also coming in with that mind-set taking my first steps into the Safari/Wildlife industry. But I must admit there was a rude awakening that lurked around the corner for me.
A man will be a man and there is always this little “macho-man” temperament that will surface every time the boys get together.
“Who can do it the quickest?”
“How close can you get?”
“Who can shoot the best?’’
And the list goes on…
It is here where I saw, not some, but all the ladies stepping up and showing the guys how it’s done.
Being in this industry but more so being part of a company who provides training to the future of this industry, I can write this with great pleasure and excitement that the future looks bright. Especially with all our female counterparts joining this magnificent, exciting wild world.
What I came to see is that they CAN do it.
Better
With elegance
Confidently
Gracefully
And with so much enthusiasm, knowledge and power.
Still being the feminine you.
And still, feel beautiful and sexy as hell.
Ladies, You CAN do it…and you are welcome to.
Your skill, knowledge and elegance will leave this industry empty if you are not part of it.
You are strong.
You are confident.
You are powerful beyond all measure.
Here I am leaving you with a classic but oh so powerful quote from one of my favourite movies…Cool Runnings.
“Look in the mirror and tell me what you see!”
“I see Junior”
“You see Junior? Well, let me tell you what I see.
I see pride!
I see power!
I see a badass mother who doesn’t take no crap off of nobody!” To all you future female guides, you can do it!
Want to know more about Kate?
In the video below, we have Kate Ochsman. An American woman from Los Angeles who is not trying to but showing us all that it can be done. Showing everyone that you still feel like a lady or listen to Kate’s interview on Sound Cloud. You can also follow Kate’s journey and her life after EcoTraining on Instagram.
