For my entire life, I have prided myself on going against the stereotype. I am a four-foot nothing, twenty year old girl, and I definitely look so small that it seems like I could break at any moment. But frankly, this is not the case. When you get a better look, it becomes plainly obvious that I wouldn’t break – instead, I’d be the one to break you. I’m tough to the bone.

I’m sure that on first impressions, you’d think I’d work in a stereotypical ‘girly’ profession. Once again, that’s not the case. I’ve been a labourer for the past two years, and there’s nothing I love more than getting down in the mud and working hard. My hard work and long hours have paid off recently, and just last night I invested in sweet half canopy for my truck.

I’m pretty stoked about it, because not only is it customised to my car, it looks absolutely awesome, and is going to help me out at my job a lot. It will also help me look more like a labourer and less like a small girl, but only time will tell there. I’m excited to finally join those cool-looking labourers driving around with their ute tray canopies. Melbourne labourers all have this aura about them, which I’ve never been able to achieve before. I think I’ll be able to achieve it with this. 

I’m getting the canopy installed next week. I haven’t been this excited about something since I landed the labouring job in the first place. It just feels like modifying my truck was the next thing I needed to do to be able to represent the way that I feel to others. I really hope that people take me seriously from now on. I would love to feel equal on the work site and not have people judge me based on my appearance. I know I’m changing the appearance of my truck so that I can fit in, but it’s got to be done.