Agent Amanda Alderfer Transcript

My name is Amanda Alderfer, I'm a Border Patrol Agent, at the Boulevard California station. Women on the Border Patrol, we really stick together, and it's a sense of pride, that we can make it through the same academy as the men; it's not different standards for the women. The times are changing, and women can do just as well in the field as men can. Everyone has a good time, they always look out for each other, it's really like a brotherhood and a sisterhood on the Patrol - everyone's looking out for each other. I knew I always wanted to be in federal law enforcement. I wasn't really sure what direction I wanted to go into; I always saw the FBI or DEA on TV and I was like "oh, that's awesome, that's exactly what I want to do." I did several internships throughout my college career. I was a criminal justice major and I was looking online, I saw that the Border Patrol was hiring. I put my application in, I took the test, and once I got the call, they told me Boulevard Station in California and I said "Yes!" I would say my most memorable day would probably be when my parents came to our ? in New Mexico and they saw me get badged at the academy on my graduation day. It was a very proud moment, it was a very proud moment for my parents. I saw my dad start to tear up, which also was very emotional for me because I knew that I proved to myself that I'd become a Border Patrol Agent, and also to my parents, to make them proud, and I feel very patriotic that I'm serving my country. Protected by me, Agent Amanda Alderfer.