If you asked me a year ago where I pictured myself in 10 years, my answer would've been working in a hospital as a registered nurse, or in the back of an ambulance as a paramedic. I would've let you know that I would be living 1,200 miles away from my hometown in a big city where no one knew my name. A year ago that sounded great, but now it doesn't sound all that appealing.

"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do make a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." Jane Goodall

My whole life I have been determined to make a difference in people's lives. Actually, I wanted to save them, and by that I meant wearing scrubs and PPE. I wanted to be there to help people heal, thrive, grow, and live. I wanted to save lives with Meredith Grey and Derek Sheppard to be quite honest. But what I failed to realize was that all along God had a different plan for me. When I was at my lowest in 2020, I was lost. Covid had taken away some of the best months of my life, my college plans, my moving plans, at the time it felt like everything had been taken away from me. Little did I know the opportunity that would be given to me months later, the opportunity to become a Direct Support Professional and change lives in ways I didn't know was possible.

What is a Direct Support Professional you might be wondering? Well, a Direct Support Professional is someone who works directly with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our job is aimed towards helping this community achieve the best quality of life possible and reaching their goals. We strive to help this community thrive and live their lives as independently and abundantly as they can. We are mentors, we are active-listeners, but most importantly we are advocates for a community who is often overlooked.

Why pursue a career as a Direct Support Professional? The "Why's" are endless. I could go on and on about the "why's," but here's the "why's' that have me hooked on this career:

1.) You never feel like you're at work. You're not at work when you're on the clock, it doesn't feel like it anyways. Your days are filled with excitement, anticipation, and new adventures every day. Your job is fun, and never boring. Every day you learn something new.

2.) You're accepted for YOU. This community approaches you with arms wide open. It doesn't matter your flaws, what you wear, or where you came from. This community accepts you for who you are, even on your worst days. They appreciate your weirdness, your silly dance moves, or your terrible singing on car rides. They appreciate your hugs, your praise, and most of all, your time and compassion.

3.) You're changing lives in ways most people don't think of. Many don't realize the impact careers like these have. They don't realize the high demand of Direct Support Professionals who care and are passionate about their job, especially in growing companies much like the one I work for. They don't realize that for many individuals in this community, we are all they have. We are their shoulder to cry on, their advocates, their friends, and their family. We see them at their lowest and their highest. We pick them up when they're down and lead them in the right direction of becoming the best versions of themselves that they can be.

How has this career changed my life? First of all, it gave me purpose. Because of it, I know when I wake up every morning someone is depending on me. I know that when I wake up each morning, I am changing lives and becoming a better version of myself. Everyday I learn more about myself, this community, and about the beauty of life. I have learned to appreciate the little things in life and to never take anything for granted. I've learned to be selfless, patient, and more understanding. I found a home, a family, and a purpose. I didn't have to leave the ones I loved to pursue my endeavors 1,200 miles away. In fact, my purpose had been by my side since elementary school, waiting to be discovered.

If you're considering pursuing a career in this path, you won't regret it, they need us!