Interview with Recruit 18 - Tyler
Category: Press Pack ArticleName: Tyler
Recruit: 18
Age: 28
Profession: Online Fitness Coach
Hometown/Region: Carlisle, Cumbria
Background
Tyler grew up on a farm. At 14 her parents split up and her life spiralled out of control. She found herself drinking and taking drugs and through the party scene, she met her boyfriend, who she remained with for 11 years. At 20, after the birth of her first son, Tyler suffered severe postpartum psychosis and was hospitalized as a result. Tyler used drugs to escape the empty feeling.
When Tyler was 21, she found herself agreeing to collect some drugs in return for payment of £200. At the time, she needed the money and didn’t realise the scale of the operation she was getting involved with. She was stopped by police with the drugs in the boot, and when questioned, became aware that this was a much more serious situation then she had anticipated. Eventually both she and her boyfriend were convicted for conspiracy to sell class A and class B drugs worth over £1 million. Tyler was sentenced to 12 months in prison for her part.
While in prison Tyler realised this was not the life she wanted and chose to turn things around for her children. She now lives an honest life, with a successful job and through competing in bodybuilding competitions, she has kept her mental health in a positive place.
Well done, you made it to the final stage of the course. How does that feel?
I felt a huge sense of achievement - I have never had this feeling before. I felt like I got everything and more from the selection course. My personal goal going into the selection process was to make it to the interrogation stage, to allow me to put my mental strength to the test, as this is something I have held so much doubt against. So, to complete that successfully and continue into the last day, I feel completely at peace with myself and my life. I’m happy to call myself an alpha female.
Why do you think you made it so far?
I can’t quite put it down to one skill or strength, but I do find myself in my comfort zone when I’m fatigued. This is exactly how I felt from day one, so I put my head down and got on with it. Some challenges I found more difficult than others. I definitely wasn’t the fittest or the strongest, but what I do hold is a sh*t load of previous lifechanging experiences and I think I pulled skills I learned from these difficult times to stay focused and battle through any pain or discomfort.
At any point in the course, did you consider giving up? What made you continue?
Yes, once. It was during interrogation, towards the end of it I think....as time wasn’t clear. I had no idea of the time, day, or even how long I had been there. It was when I was taken outside, with the female interrogator, and she kept the bag over my head while covering me in ice cold water. I felt like I was going to drown! I felt HUGE FEAR, vulnerability and the weakest I have ever felt in my life. I was seconds away from ripping my number off my arm.
What stopped me from doing this, was realising that it was that exact feeling I have been hiding from. This was my chance to look the devil in the face and defeat it. I now had the chance to prove to myself how mentally strong I am. I had made it this far ad I couldn’t face giving my number in. I live by a motto ‘never quit no matter how difficult life gets, it’s temporary and it will pass.’ This thought was running through my head in a loop and then I managed to switch off all my pain and emotions to allow me to continue.
The last part of the course was the toughest and not many made it past that stage. What made you keep going?
It was for sure. Interrogation - I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life! I think I have faced alot of challenges in the past, emotional trauma and hitting a rock bottom stage in my life. These events have made me into the woman I am today. However, I have always seen them as a negative aspect of my life. But not any more. Now, I have learned how to use them positively.
What was the worst part of the course for you? Why?
The whole interrogation process. I have never in my life been through something that challenges me like that. I began hallucinating when I was in the dog cage. Recruit #10 Kieran looking like an animated version of Scrappy Doo but with braids. I was mentally and physically at breaking point, completely exhausted, depleted and at my weakest. It may have been the worst part for me, but going through this process made me grow the most.
What was the first thing you did after you left the course?
I limped onto the train home and went straight up to pick my two boys up from school. I was away for over three weeks, but it felt like three years. I surprised them at the school and saw their little faces light up at the window. They ran over to me, with huge grins and both jumped into my arms. This moment I will remember for the rest of my life. I felt like I had been reborn as a new woman, a stronger mum, ready to inspire and guide them through life, to be both strong and respectful.
Describe your experience on SAS: Who Dares Wins?
This experience has to be one of the most life-changing I have been through. It pushed me beyond both my mental and physical limits and really helped me understand so much about myself. It has to be my ultimate journey of self-discovery, from both a mental and physical perspective. It has taught me transferable skills that I can use in everyday life, and also how to be in complete control of my thoughts, fears and emotions.
Would you ever do it again?
100% YES! I can remember Ant telling us on the parade square that when we return home we will wish we were back. I can remember thinking, absolutely no way. However, on the second day of being back home, I remember thinking to myself that I wanted to go back.
What do you think you’ve learnt about yourself?
I have learned so so so much about myself I am not quite sure where to start. I know that I am now fully in control of my body and emotions. I know who I am and have a sense of peaceful clarity about myself. I also know how important it is to push yourself to achieve the things you want in life. Good things don’t come easy, nor should they be expected. You have to be prepared for uncomfortable situations, because these are the moments that you truly grow and discover who you are. The comfort zone is a place I no longer want to live my life in. I enjoy pushing myself beyond my limits, being comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
Has being on the series changed your life in anyway?
It has yes. This has been a complete life changing experience for me. It’s a personal journey that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The things I have learnt, not just about myself, but also what the special forces do to protect our country, inspire me daily. I have been given the opportunity to learn both mental and physical tools that I can use for the rest of my life. I feel I have grown as a person and for that, I will be forever thankful.