Interview with Recruit 17 - Shireen

6 May 2021

Shireen

Recruit: 17

Age: 28

Profession: Entrepreneur, owns beauty clinics and a tech start up 

Hometown/Region: North London, originally from Pakistan

Background

Shireen grew up in a Pakistani household where she had to conform to certain rules at, such as covering up and not wearing make-up. As a result, she was bullied for being the nerd who wore trousers in an all-girls school. Things got worse as after 9/11 as racial tensions rose. 

Shireen has always been a rule breaker when it comes to societal pressure.  As a Pakistani women, she was expected to adhere to strict curfews and be home before dark. However, she became a police community support officer at 19 despite, something that is unheard of in her community.

She has since set up ethical beauty clinics for women on Harley St, Mayfair and North London. She is also setting up a tech company aimed at helping freelancers in the gig economy. As a result, she is now mingling within higher social circles and her hobbies include horse riding and polo. She travels, drives supercars and stays in luxury hotels.

 

Tell me about your experience on SAS: Who Dares Wins? 

My experience was nothing like I imagined it to be. Having watched the series every year, what you see on TV is nothing compared to the real thing. It was an eye opener for me to even start to think what real people in the SAS are actually exposed to and it made me question how there can be people in this world selfless enough to put their minds and bodies through torment in order to save others’ lives.

 

Did you find it difficult? Was it more difficult than you expected?

I did find it more challenging than others due to my size. I only weigh 50kg and I am very petite. This didn’t stop me as I know I am stronger then I look. 

 

Have you ever done anything like this before?

I have served the Met as a police officer but never have I experienced anything like this.

 

What made you sign up?

I fall into the typical stereotype of a small young Muslim Pakistani girl who would never be able to get into SAS, let alone pass the fitness test. I wanted to be the example for all the young Asian Muslim women who may one day want to join the SAS, to say if I can do it so can you!

 

What training did you do in preparation for this course?

I left my full time job in order to train three times a week for three months to get into shape and be ready for the show.

 

Now that you have this experience, would you like to join the real Special Forces?

I would not join the forces. I know I am mentally strong enough for the role but my body and its frame lacks the psychical  abilities.

 

What was the best part of the series for you?

Being with other people who have similar mind sets to me and knowing that they all came from similar journeys in life and how strong and admirable they all are.

 

Do you think you found it harder than the male recruits?

Yes as women are built differently, so I found it harder than the men on the show.

 

You had to share all your space with men for the whole time you were there, including sleeping and toilets. How did you find that?

I knew my parent wouldn’t be happy about that

 

Would you ever do it again?

Yes!

 

What do you think you’ve learnt about yourself?

I am mentally very strong but I do have a physical limit.

 

Has being on the series changed your life in anyway?

Yes, I take care of my mental health more than ever.  Plus I am so grateful to have a warm shower every morning !