Page 53 - FHM - USA (January 2020)

What do you love most about your career?
What I love most about my career is having the
opportunity to express myself in any way, shape or form.
Although I am thankful to have served my country in the
United States Air Force, there were certain regulations when
it came to how I could express myself. Now that I am a
veteran, I get to finally sit back and ask “who does Aleen want
to be?” and I think that’s such a powerful question to ask
yourself when you live in a world that expects you to conform.

What’s the most challenging thing about your career?
My biggest challenge and a challenge I believe a lot of
individuals face, is the constant pollution of negative
comments and threads on social media. Growing up, I was
very self-conscious due to years of bullying and harassment
from others. I know first-hand what it feels like to be told that I
am not skinny enough or pretty enough for my current career.
I’ve also been told that I am no longer a good influence on
others or well respected due to the amount of clothing I
choose to wear - or not to wear. This hits home for me because
no one should ever feel or be told that they are not good
enough because of a career choice that does not harm
themselves or anyone else.

What motivates you to work hard?
Those supporting me. Honestly, I could not have done any
of this without the unconditional love and support of others
and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. On July the
13th, 2017, I had a suicide attempt. Like many others, I struggle
with invisible wounds called PTSD, depression, and anxiety. If
it wasn’t for those by my side, I would have never believed in
my own worth. I told myself “if I’m going to live, it won’t be
like this” and therefore I make it a point to speak up and reach
out to those around me! We are all worthy of love and need to
be reminded of this daily.

Who is your hero?
Donald Watson

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it
be?
My perspective. I tend to be impulsively pessimistic due to
my past and I know it has held me back a lot. Thankfully, this is
something that I can work on and I do my best to work on it
daily!

What really makes you angry?
Slow drivers in the fast lane!

What is the one thing that will always make you smile?
Meeting open-minded individuals like myself who are
willing to seek and accept other people’s perspectives
and ways of life.

How would your friends describe you?
Unapologetically fearless.

Who knows you best?
My German Shepherd, her name is Zella. When
I came back from my deployment in 2017, I knew I
needed a companion and she’s been by my side ever
since; I really don’t know what I would do without her.

JANUARY 2020