A Member's Journey
One Step at a Time.
“Back on My Feet encouraged me to go after what I truly wanted to do with my life.”
— Phil Z., Back on My Feet Alumni
Phil's journey to Back on My Feet began during one of the most difficult periods of his life. After incarceration and years of struggling with alcohol addiction, he entered a recovery program unsure of what his future could hold.
Before joining Back on My Feet, Phil's confidence was at its lowest. “I was addicted to alcohol and thought so little of myself,” he says. “To even fathom becoming a firefighter felt like fantasy.”
That mindset began to change during early morning Circle Ups. Logging miles before sunrise helped Phil build discipline, accountability, and belief in himself. “Getting up at 5:00 AM to run helped mold me into a better man, with better priorities,” he says.
With the support of Back on My Feet and guidance from a volunteer Next Steps Mentor, Phil navigated fire academy applications, secured gear, and prepared for coursework. What once felt impossible slowly became achievable.
“I am proud to say that I have destroyed those past thoughts and gained massive confidence in myself. I am a wildland firefighter who is ready for a new beginning.”
