The Press Enterprise
CORONA, Calif. — Corona firefighter/paramedic Anita Jackson will receive a Special Recognition Award from Girl Scout Super Troop No. 2063 on Thursday, May 16, for showing the girls that they can pursue any type of career choice, including being a firefighter and a paramedic.
Jackson’s road to becoming a firefighter/paramedic was not a typical one. She was born in Wellington, New Zealand, and by the age of 3 had developed a love of dancing while watching her brother take dance lessons for coordination. This love of dance remained steadfast in her life and led her to join the New Zealand School of dance at age 15. In 1988, she won a three-week scholarship to attend the Australian Ballet School as an exchange student. Three weeks turned into three years, as they offered her further scholarships to continue her studies. She eventually earned a bachelor of fine arts and in classical ballet.
In 1990, Jackson was accepted into the Australian Ballet Company where she had the opportunity to perform various ballets in cities throughout Australia. Two years later, she suffered a career-ending injury. Though she was determined to return to dancing, Jackson was told she had only a 50 percent chance of walking again.
Full story: Girl Scouts to honor firefighter/paramedic