Why I Do What I Do
Without going into a long monologue about where I've been or what I've learned along the way, I found myself in the one position that I had no defense against- permanent disability.
I always said that no matter what comes down the pike, I would always be working. When I was in between jobs and couldn't find work, I would work at temp agencies. Not a career move, but a way to stay working and paying the bills.
Then it happened. I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis and a seizure disorder back to back. Suddenly, I couldn't steel a job. I was too big a risk at physical labor, and stress triggered seizures, and there's no such thing as a stress-free job. Hello disability.
Within 2 years of being placed on disability, I took training as a peer mentor, assisting others with disabilities achieve the assistance they need.
That opened opportunities. Peer mentor, Disability Advocate, and then Disability Information Consultant.
That has given me many volunteer opportunities, from administrative assistant, to leader in a recovery association and at a local hospital.
To all those people who have given me these opportunities, all I can say is "Thanks." The lessons I have learned through these past 12 years have been priceless.
I always said that no matter what comes down the pike, I would always be working. When I was in between jobs and couldn't find work, I would work at temp agencies. Not a career move, but a way to stay working and paying the bills.
Then it happened. I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis and a seizure disorder back to back. Suddenly, I couldn't steel a job. I was too big a risk at physical labor, and stress triggered seizures, and there's no such thing as a stress-free job. Hello disability.
Within 2 years of being placed on disability, I took training as a peer mentor, assisting others with disabilities achieve the assistance they need.
That opened opportunities. Peer mentor, Disability Advocate, and then Disability Information Consultant.
That has given me many volunteer opportunities, from administrative assistant, to leader in a recovery association and at a local hospital.
To all those people who have given me these opportunities, all I can say is "Thanks." The lessons I have learned through these past 12 years have been priceless.
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