FINISH MY TALENT
Modeling isn’t the only task Stacy Siow-Max, Laguna Acoma and Navajo, works at every day. Between her part-time job, firefighting and raising her children alone, Siow-Max always balances her priorities equally, which is why she makes us proud.
By Kelly Holmes
For Stacy Siow-Max, there are never two days alike. As a member of the San Juan County Fire Department, she takes on daunting tasks such as shifts, trainings and 911 emergency calls day by day, along with raising her two children single-handedly. “My day to day life is different all the time, but I love taking on a challenge” Besides family and firefighting, Siow-Max’s third passion is modeling. Wanting to take modeling more serious, Siow-Max learned how to balance her part-time job, firefighting and being a single mother efficiently and effortlessly.
Have you always aspired to model?
Yes, I've always wanted to model, ever since I was 8 years old. Then I had a friend who did some modeling when we were teenagers and she always told me to "finish my talent". It took me awhile but she inspired me to start modeling and I really enjoy it.
What about firefighting? What interested you to become a firefighter?
As far as being a firefighter, no I never thought I'd be in that field. I was inspired to become a firefighter when I moved back from Nebraska. I had to give something of myself back to my community. I knew it was either getting back into teaching head start or being the girl on fire; so I found my desire to do something more active and helpful.
How do you balance it all with being a mom?
Balancing my part-time job, firefighting and being a single mother is quite the challenge. My day to day life is different all the time, but I love taking on a challenge but I couldn't do it alone. My kids understand and help me do my jobs right. I also couldn't do it without my immediate family support. Modeling is a hobby, and if I have the extra time and if my daughters could be a part of my photo shoots then yes I model. I also balance my jobs by requesting days off at my part-time job when I have shifts and trainings with the fire department.
What’s your day like as a firefighter?
The fire department always implements "family first", so with that in mind I set days aside just for that. When I tuck my girls in for bed, I listen to my pager and if it sets off I go with my team to check in on any 911 calls the department receives. However I do try to be home before they get up in the morning. The days are all different depending on school activities, scheduled photo shoots, shifts, trainings, 911 calls and work shifts.
What makes you proud?
All the individuals who saw and continue to see my daughters and me through make me proud. Just when you feel you've hit rock bottom, there's always that particular person there to hear you out and give you a push to watch you succeed. I'm proud of my family who did just that for us.
SIOW-MAX: COURTESY OF SIOW-MAX
MAKE US PROUD
24