The Job That Changed My Life
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Job That Changed My Life

8
The Job That Changed My Life

Most college students are looking for a job or either have a job because how else would we pay for that pizza at 1 am or second coffee of the day? So when I got an email from a woman I had interviewed with in June for an intern position I did not obtain, she referred me to a job, that paid $10 an hour, I was thrilled! The job was to type poems for an author who has numerous published poems and books, which is definitely an area of interest for my future.

The caveat: the author has multiple sclerosis and cannot type anymore.

I knew I did not want to get another mindless, tiring job like working at a yogurt shop, and it would be nice to help someone out, as well as learn more about writing, so I called right away. I did not know much about MS and nothing prepared me for the condition he would be in.

I had only communicated with his wife via email, so I was unsure which house was theirs since the given address had two connected buildings. Of course, I picked the wrong door to knock on, and his wife eventually emails me telling me she will come down. We walked up the stairs and she told me next time to use the elevator. Elevator? That’s pretty fancy. She was not the one interviewing me, even as I tried to give her my whole elevator pitch on how I am a fast typer, and passionate writer yadda, yadda, yada. She took me into her husband’s room where I saw a hospital bed, mountains of pills and a small man with white hair and the most classic pair of intellectual writer glasses I have ever seen, sitting in a specially designed bed chair, smiling.

My heart sunk and my elevator pitch, literally, went down the elevator.

I was not expecting him to be in this poor of condition. He continued to give this heart warming smile and introduced himself, in a hoarse whisper. I smiled and felt as much of his pain as I could. We talked about some of his favorite writers, whom we would eventually read like, Thomas McGrath and Mark Twain. I had to scoot my chair as close to his head as possible because when he talked it was like listening to the ocean breeze sweep up the sand over a field of grass.

We barely talked about what I would be doing on the job, and not once did we talk about his condition. His wife came in and brushed up more on the job part and said I would be typing the poems he created and send them to literary publications, as well as check his emails and read famous poems. She asked if I could start tomorrow, and I said I would work all week. I did not realize that I had been there for a little more than an hour and said my goodbyes to my new boss. He left me with the most poetic, simple, goodbye that plastered a never-ending smile on my face.

“Give the world my regards,” he said.

Although it's only my first week, I know that this is something more than a job. He is someone more than an author with a terrible disease. He is my inspiration and mentor. His body may be dying, but his mind won’t ever stop growing. There is so much to learn from him about the way the world works, how to see the world, how to truly feel the world, and how to give the world a voice through writing.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57580
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37095
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958819
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191423
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments