The BVI’s Difficult Reality of Job Searching
I have been looking for a job for about a year, and it has been challenging. I would prefer my job to be in the field of food service. I love all types of food, and so I want to find a job where I can enjoy myself and help others. Some of the things that have been challenging for me are walking around with so many people and simply finding entrances to the different eateries and other food establishments.
Places like Starbucks have different entrances, depending on their locations, while smaller restaurants have a lot of seating areas. This makes it harder to maneuver in the space that’s provided. Once I’m in the store, it's hard to find an employee to ask for help. Another issue would be the size of the store, which makes it hard to use my cane. One important and ongoing matter is completing the applications, which require me to write them or submit them online. I have realized that some employers do not take into consideration how to modify some of the required steps when job hunting, and what is simple for some is discouraging for others.
However, with all of these obstacles in my way, I am determined to keep going.
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."
— Mark Twain
I agree. I have a great team who are willing to help me by teaching me the skills I need to navigate any job I may get. I was able to walk with confidence and use my mobility skills to navigate my surroundings. My mobility teacher from Ho’opono Service for The Blind would be so proud of me! And I'm proud of myself too!
I also was able to be an advocate for myself when I spoke to the managers of different places. With the help of my job coach from Abilities Unlimited, I was able to learn new things, such as how to ask the questions about employment, job requirements, opportunities within the job, and how to really hear someone to try to understand other people’s emotions. I’ve had a couple of interviews, and what I learned from them is that I can ask better questions and that your tone matters. It’s not only what you say but what you do!
Words of Encouragement
Here are some words of encouragement for the BVI community when looking for a job:
- You can do it.
- Do your best.
- Be respectful.
- Have a confident tone.
- Show honesty.
- Listen to what’s going on around you.
When somebody tells you "no," keep going and try again. The journey might be hard, so make sure you ask for help and put in the effort to learn as much as possible.
Ms. Marri and Travel Visions want people to know that we are capable of living full and happy lives, so keep reading my blog to find out about more adventures!
— Kelly
