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From One Woman to Another



The bucket truck was built on the frame of a Ford with dual rear axle, and turbo diesel engine. Some might know it as a cherry picker, the kind the hydro or communications companies use when making repairs on the road. We used it for fixing and replacing high up bulbs and fixing parking lot pole fixtures. 

This particular day, I had finished the service calls requiring the use of the boom-arm, and was on my way to a simple ‘re/re’ (Remove & Replace) of an under counter light fixture. I had not been to this building before, and parking the beast of a truck outside the main entrance. I could move it later if needed.

I called the number on the work order for the superintendent for the building. A lady answered, and was already out the door to great me before we hung up the phone. She paused mid-step as took me in, looking over my shoulder at the truck, checking out to see who was with me.

“Are you the electrician?” She asked, surprise more than just a hint in her voice. 

“Yes, I am,” I replied with a smile. This was going to be an entertaining exchange, I could tell. She looked over my shoulder again, then back at me.

“You’re on your own? Where’s the guy?” 

“No guy, just me.” We began walking side-by-side to the entrance of the building. 

“But, you’re the electrician?” She asked again.

“You bet, just me."

“No, really,” she tried again, “YOU’RE the electrician?” This being the third time, I had to ask a question in return.

“Yes, I am, but why do you keep asking me that?” I already knew the answer to the question, but had to break the cycle of conversation.

“But you’re a woman!” She exclaimed. 

“Well of course I am!” I laughed, “we can’t leave all the good jobs to the guys now can we? Besides, there are benefits to being a woman in this job.” She looked at me quizzically. I continued, “Sometimes you have to work with wires in small boxes behind the switch or receptacle. It’s much easier for me to get my hands in there than any of the guys with the mitts some of them have.” That got a smile and a sly look. 

And ever since that first day, this particular superintendent has been my biggest advocate and fan.

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