KitKat44

So I've never posted on here before but love the site and find it very informative. I'm not a nurse, studying to be a paramedic right now, my interest in the medical field peaked late in life. I'm 32 years old and have spent the last 17 years as a Pastry Chef, Professional Cake Designer, I went from managing and running kitchens to Owning my own Bakery. So might not exactly be nursing but I was still working in a field where I was expected to be a professional. Especially when your dealing with people's food, appearance means a lot. I just thought maybe I could offer a different perspective on this topic. I'm 5'2 120lbs and look like a 20 years old kid. I have tattoo's, piercings (including my tounge and labret) I enjoy trying different and bold colors in my hair, not exactly rainbow or hot pink but I've never been a follower of current styles and enjoy expressing myself the way I choose. And I'm sure your all thinking I'm about to disagree with everyone who says appearance matters as a professional, I'm not. I just wanted to point out from the view of the young kid looking, pierced, tattooed, non traditional person trying to make it in the professional world, appearance is everything. Now I've always kept myself clean and my wardrobe, sometimes different, appropriate. But I have had to work my Butt off, twice as hard to make it as far as I did due to my appearance. When I walked into the kitchen of a respected chef I had to work my Butt off to earn thier respect and prove that I deserve to be there. When I use to meet couples getting married, interested in using me as thier baker. I could see the shocked looks when I introduced myself, I was seen as some punk kid and it took a lot on my part to win them over. But I did. In 17 years I've made such a name in my little town, everyone knows exactly where to go for cakes and desserts, I've earned respect I never thought I would. I got the opportunity once to work alongside a almost famous chef from Disney world hotel in his kitchen. I made sure to deliver my portfolio, resume, and tons of samples the day before my interview, prior to meeting me. After my interview the next day he signed me and was honest. He told me that was the smartest thing I could have done, he said had he met me first I wouldn't have gotten the time of day. I looked like a little kid. Everyone here is totally right, appearance is everything and if u choose to be different, instead of getting mad for people who judge you, plan on busting your Butt and doing whatever it takes to prove thier judgment wrong and earn thier respect. It is possible to be a respected professional that people trust covered with tats and piercings, we just gotta work a little harder. Keep that in mind to a point during some of your interviews. After reading this tho, I'm nervous becoming a paramedic won't be an easy road either, lol.