2014 has been a big year for Dorothy Ouma. She recently became a grandmother and she’s celebrating her 30th year working for the city of Arlington. It’s a life, she says, she never could have imagined growing up.
“I’m actually very proud and very thankful,” said Ouma.
Ouma is originally from Kenya, but came to Texas in 1982 with her then-husband and eldest daughter. Not long after they arrived, she gave birth to her second daughter – and knew she was going to have to work to help support her family.
“I realized when you come to the U.S., you do not pick and choose your job,” said Ouma. “You are trying to survive. You are trying to get anything that you can do in order to pay your bills and take care of your family.”
She found an opening for a janitor position at City Hall, applied for it and got hired.
“Cleaning was something I was very comfortable with,” said Ouma. “And it’s good to start at the bottom while you learn the culture.”
She worked as a janitor for several years -- a job she truly enjoyed. But she always knew she was capable of more.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
“I set a goal for myself that every three years, I was going to try to look for something better,” said Ouma.
Her next job was at the City Library, processing books. Then, she decided to try her hand as a detention officer at the City Jail. It was while she was there that she discovered law enforcement was her calling.
“Some of the burglaries, you see how devastated the families are,” said Ouma. “And you just want to help them.”
She initially thought about applying for the Police Academy and becoming an officer. But she decided that would make spending time with her girls, who were both teenagers, more difficult. Instead, she became a Police Service Assistant.
It’s her job to assist officers on crime scenes, less violent burglaries, traffic control and other various calls. She says it’s the most rewarding job she’s had.
And as she reflects on her journey to get to where she is, she hopes it shows people that you never have to settle in life.
“All things are possible if you believe in God, believe in yourself and do your best,” said Ouma.
Ouma plans to retire soon. She says she’d like to connect with other African women who live in the DFW community and help them adjust to life in Texas.
