As we approach the end of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
(NDEAM), let me take a few minutes to share what employment means to me.
My very first job didn't come until the summer of 2010 as I ended my junior year in college. I was so excited. You see, I had longed for this opportunity for years! Because of my physical challenges, I was unable to work as a waitress, cashier, etc. In my tiny little town, a very large percentage of the jobs available to college students were those I could not do. So, I didn't even bother applying to them. Back then, I was still set on working with kids, however, I could never get hired by local day cares. It used to make me so mad, knowing how good I was with kids, but constantly being shot down. Was it because of CP? I don't know, maybe. I just wanted a job. Volunteering was great, but it never lasted long.
I remember filling out the third application for the call center (The Connection), feeling pretty discouraged, and unsure if they would hire temporary workers who were only home for the summer. I remember getting that first phone call about an interview. I remember exactly where I was, and I remember barely being able to contain my excitement. I knew the job would be mine once they met me! After all, I love to talk, I have a great attitude, and a tremendous work ethic. I remember calling my Mom so excited. I remember she told me she hoped I wasn't like that on the phone with the person who scheduled my interview because they wouldn't be able to understand me.
For a first job, I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity. I loved every second of it. I was able to do everything expected of me, all while basically forgetting about my CP! Plus, I mean, let's be honest, communication is one of my strengths! Those two summers were absolutely wonderful. I often joke that if I could make in customer service what I make now as a Rehab Counselor, I'd do it in a heartbeat...I think I'm only half-kidding, though. Seriously, I loved it that much.
My second job as a Supervising Counselor cemented my desire to enter into the helping profession. For five weeks, I helped children in a camp setting. A great experience!!!!
During my first semester of grad school, I worked as a Peer Advisor helping students with disabilities develop study skills and navigate through the college experience.
I remember the call I got in January 2012 when I was offered the graduate assistantship as a Residence Hall Coordinator. I was shocked, considering just a few weeks prior I had interviewed for the position and then told I was not chosen. This position terrified me at first. I was scared to death I would fail miserably. I remember having conversations with my fellow staff members later about how they feared I would struggle in that position. I know I wasn't the most qualified for the position, but nonetheless, I excelled as a Coordinator and developed skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life!
As I began preparing for my internship in order to complete my training as a Rehab Counselor, it really began to hit me that I was about to enter the real world, and as such, had so much to consider in choosing an internship: accessible housing, transportation, etc. I remember the interview I had with OVR in DuBois, confident I would not be hired. I remember feeling so overwhelmed as I tried to figure out what in the world I would do for my internship.
I remember December 19th as Ralph offered me the internship with OVR. I was shocked, excited, and terrified! This was huge- was I ready? I remember January 6th as I went to the office, second guessing myself as I wheeled around the office. As I left that day, I was sure that I had made a huge mistake. Could I really handle this?
21 months later, here I am. This opportunity has taught me so much. It is the hardest job I have ever had. Sometimes, even now, all I can see are my limitations and the things I struggle with. However, with accommodations, assistive technology, persistence, humor, and a tremendous support system at work, I am beginning to focus less and less on those limitations. It is true, my disability is one part of who I am.
As we near the end of NDEAM, please remember that having a disability compounds everything in one's life.
To the Rehab Counselors, please don't give up on your customers. Please remember that it is your job to help them get ready for employment. It won't be easy, and unfortunately, not all of your customers will be successful, but, please, please give them a chance. In a society where so many with disabilities are turned away, you can offer them hope. You can help them grow. Please don't shy away from a challenge simply because it's out of your comfort zone or because it will be too much work. Never be afraid to ask for help when you're stuck. Above all else, never lose sight of the goal of our job- employment.
My very first job didn't come until the summer of 2010 as I ended my junior year in college. I was so excited. You see, I had longed for this opportunity for years! Because of my physical challenges, I was unable to work as a waitress, cashier, etc. In my tiny little town, a very large percentage of the jobs available to college students were those I could not do. So, I didn't even bother applying to them. Back then, I was still set on working with kids, however, I could never get hired by local day cares. It used to make me so mad, knowing how good I was with kids, but constantly being shot down. Was it because of CP? I don't know, maybe. I just wanted a job. Volunteering was great, but it never lasted long.
I remember filling out the third application for the call center (The Connection), feeling pretty discouraged, and unsure if they would hire temporary workers who were only home for the summer. I remember getting that first phone call about an interview. I remember exactly where I was, and I remember barely being able to contain my excitement. I knew the job would be mine once they met me! After all, I love to talk, I have a great attitude, and a tremendous work ethic. I remember calling my Mom so excited. I remember she told me she hoped I wasn't like that on the phone with the person who scheduled my interview because they wouldn't be able to understand me.
For a first job, I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity. I loved every second of it. I was able to do everything expected of me, all while basically forgetting about my CP! Plus, I mean, let's be honest, communication is one of my strengths! Those two summers were absolutely wonderful. I often joke that if I could make in customer service what I make now as a Rehab Counselor, I'd do it in a heartbeat...I think I'm only half-kidding, though. Seriously, I loved it that much.
My second job as a Supervising Counselor cemented my desire to enter into the helping profession. For five weeks, I helped children in a camp setting. A great experience!!!!
During my first semester of grad school, I worked as a Peer Advisor helping students with disabilities develop study skills and navigate through the college experience.
I remember the call I got in January 2012 when I was offered the graduate assistantship as a Residence Hall Coordinator. I was shocked, considering just a few weeks prior I had interviewed for the position and then told I was not chosen. This position terrified me at first. I was scared to death I would fail miserably. I remember having conversations with my fellow staff members later about how they feared I would struggle in that position. I know I wasn't the most qualified for the position, but nonetheless, I excelled as a Coordinator and developed skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life!
As I began preparing for my internship in order to complete my training as a Rehab Counselor, it really began to hit me that I was about to enter the real world, and as such, had so much to consider in choosing an internship: accessible housing, transportation, etc. I remember the interview I had with OVR in DuBois, confident I would not be hired. I remember feeling so overwhelmed as I tried to figure out what in the world I would do for my internship.
I remember December 19th as Ralph offered me the internship with OVR. I was shocked, excited, and terrified! This was huge- was I ready? I remember January 6th as I went to the office, second guessing myself as I wheeled around the office. As I left that day, I was sure that I had made a huge mistake. Could I really handle this?
21 months later, here I am. This opportunity has taught me so much. It is the hardest job I have ever had. Sometimes, even now, all I can see are my limitations and the things I struggle with. However, with accommodations, assistive technology, persistence, humor, and a tremendous support system at work, I am beginning to focus less and less on those limitations. It is true, my disability is one part of who I am.
As we near the end of NDEAM, please remember that having a disability compounds everything in one's life.
To the Rehab Counselors, please don't give up on your customers. Please remember that it is your job to help them get ready for employment. It won't be easy, and unfortunately, not all of your customers will be successful, but, please, please give them a chance. In a society where so many with disabilities are turned away, you can offer them hope. You can help them grow. Please don't shy away from a challenge simply because it's out of your comfort zone or because it will be too much work. Never be afraid to ask for help when you're stuck. Above all else, never lose sight of the goal of our job- employment.
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