I would like to share with all of my readers that this month I am celebrating my 1-year anniversary at my first “Real” job. I wasn’t too sure how my position was going to work out because I was offered the job during our initial state lockdown due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in mid-March 2020. I am happy to announce, so far all has worked out and I believe everyone is pleased with my work.
I was terrified at first on how I was going to co-host our weekly Women’s Group on ZOOM. I was even more terrified to write weekly informative articles pertaining to various disabilities, openly discuss my personal challenges, and to share some quick and easy recipes that I’m still learning how to prepare and cook on my own.
For those of you reading this article that have a disability, you can possibly relate especially early on as an adult that many things can seem extremely unclear once graduating from High School. I know for me personally, it was a lot to accept and understand of what should be my next step and how I was going to manage things on my own, along with the reality that my parents are aging. For those who do not have a disability these realities and situations are difficult, very scary, and most likely will cause anxiety, stress, and depression with individuals with disabilities as well as their parents. I sometimes think that having a disability is the easy part but learning how to overcome the countless obstacles, stereotyping, discrimination, and dealing with those who just do not understand or care to understand is the “Real Problem”. Plain and simple…some people can be very cruel and unkind!
Listed below are the accomplishments I am now proficient in, gained valuable experience, and furthering my work skills and education:
• Ensuring the completion of job tasks, responsibilities, and meeting deadlines
• Business Interaction
• Professional Business Communication
• Creation of a Blog Website
• Enrolling in adult night school education classes to obtain a certificate in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Creative Writing. Next semester, I will be taking introduction to Microsoft Excel
I’m not yet proficient, but I’m working hard at:
• Various Life Skill Development
• Social Interaction
• Studying and passing my NJ Drivers test for my permit
• Traveling on my own
• Working towards living independently
• Making my own doctor’s appointments
My opinion is, hiring a person with a disability might bring many companies the best employees. We are grateful and will work hard for our employers because we want to do our share and want to succeed. We also want to have as much financial independence as possible and not rely solely on government assistance. Trust me we are not lazy, we just need more doors to open for us and remain open. I do know that obtaining my job was the best thing for me because it gave me self-esteem, a purpose in life, keeps my mind active, and taught me responsibility.
Until next time, stay safe and well!
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