By Chris Cox
Bridget Bailey has already begun to prepare for her future. The McLoud junior began taking classes this year at Gordon cooper Technology Center to prepare herself to become a firefighter.
“I am in the Criminal Justice and Emergency Services program,” she says. “My school pointed me to this program and I joined because I know it will help me with my future career.”
Through the program, Bailey will receive hands on instruction to prepare her for a career in criminal justice and emergency services, like firefighting. Bailey will also have a chance to earn different certifications to potentially give her a leg up when she does decide to enter the workforce.
While Bridget knows the classes will help prepare her for the future, she also enjoys both the physical and educational training she receives at Gordon Cooper Technology Center.
“I enjoy working out with the program,” she says. “But I also like getting to learn about all the laws, how they work, and how they’ll help me become a firefighter.”
Bridget’s hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Bridget is a hardworking and delightful individual,” her instructor Troy Thompson says. “She is an A student and a friendly person. I believe that she will do quite well in the Criminal Justice & Emergency Services field because she is a strong, caring, and dedicated person.”
When Bridget isn’t studying to become a firefighter, you can find her on the mat wrestling for McLoud High School.
“I’ve been wrestling for two years,” she says. “My friends and teacher got me into it and I love it.”
Despite being a relative newcomer to the sport, Bailey has big goals set for herself, and her team, this season.
“My goal for myself is to be a state and national champion,” she says. “For my team, I want us to place at the state wrestling tournament.”
Outside of wrestling and taking classes at Gordon Cooper, Bridget is a member of FCA. Following graduation, she plans on attending college and wrestling at the next level although she is unsure of which college she will attend.
