Her interest in athletics led Mindy to Columbus, Ohio, where she studied exercise physiology. She later applied to the local fire department there, she liked that firefighters worked as a team just like in sports. "Lots and lots and lots of people wanted to be firefighters," says Mindy, "and you had to take a written test and then you had to qualify to take the physical test." But she was certain that she would make it, because "I'm very disciplined and focused." Her strong build and fantastic experience on the rowing team of the university helped her out too. "I had never rowed before, but I liked it. So I got better and better and received a scholarship." That enabled her to pay for college, and she traveled throughout the country with the team. "Rowing was a great opportunity for me to develop as a human being and to feel strong as a woman. This athleticism and the strong team of women were the perfect combination."

Mindy has a lot thank this elegant, intensive sport for: intense concentration, perfect coordination and a focus on what counts. These are the ideal characteristics for her job at the fire department today, as she must make lightning fast decisions on an emergency call: "There is always a million things to do in those first 90 seconds. You have to set the course of how you're going to attack the problem and you have to manage your resources. We are at the location after no more than 5 to 6 minutes." 

Above all, Mindy loves the familiar community of the fire department: "I share their struggles and share meals, and share exercise, and their kids come in. I know everything about them."  

It is these close friendships that also help her to process the dark sides of many of her calls. Mindy tells us: "We really have a front-row seat for all of humanity. We are doing the dark work, we see terrible things!" 

Burn victims, badly injured colleagues or mothers crying about their children – all of this does not leave you untouched. That's why Mindy maintains a very personal, appreciative management style and is always there when you need her. "My people are my biggest asset. We have to love each other in this job – otherwise we'll fall apart!" 

Mindy used to love her Chucks, until her sister wanted to get rid of a pair of used Birkenstocks. She wore those sandals that were falling apart for about five years, but "...it wasn't until all my friends said how awful they looked that I bought a new pair – these ones. I love them and wear them for most of the year – except in the winter. I guess I should get a second pair too. Okay, they're ugly. But I like them and they are really comfortable. I wear thick boots every day and my feet are always feeling constricted. So when I put on my Birkenstocks, my feet feel awesome. It feels like a warm hug – a Birk hug, yeah."