Carebear

ARC Blog 10 Paying attention .  August 22nd, 17:17 Another struggle with my disability is that I sometimes make mistakes with accuracy and paying attention . It is so important when one is expected to be responsible with their work , their family and other responsibilities and commitments . I'm not the first say that modern technology has spoiled us in that computers can spell check , recognize usernames and passwords , lock accounts when login attempts have failed to protect our privacy , and many other frustrations in our everyday life . Ive struggled with this aspect of my disability all my life . I have to make note of everything and keep trying to remember . Repetition is key . If you practice and learn from your mistakes, you will be all right .It is hard to believe that though . One mistake can set a mood for the rest of your day . My new job has put new pressure on me I haven't felt before . I know how important get everything right is to any line of work , but espe...

I begin this entry with inspiring advice from my aunt : " Trust in God's plan . We don't always understand at the time why things happen, but Faith sees us through til the day we do. God has a plan for you and it will be revealed according to his schedule, not ours."  My Aunt Patricia always has been so positive an inspiring . Family and friends have always been my shield . Without them, I wouldn't have the physical and emotional support a human being needs to keep going . Faith has always been difficult for me to have . If a person has too much faith and confidence , they are seen as cocky and egotistical ; but if we doubt , we are thought of as weak and negative . The trick is finding the balance between faith, doubt , confidence and fear . I struggle to find that balance every day . I try so hard and then think its not worth it because I've been rejected so many times before . I find that if I keep trying through , I give myself the chance improve . But for...

Stuttering  has always been a disability of mine . It's  a part of my cerebral palsy  that  is my inability  to speak clearly . but I've never let this  short - coming stop from talking . I have an extensive mental vocabulary to communicate with others  and I love using huge , complicated words . All  of my school presentations were a challenge , but I didn't use my disability as an excuse to get exempt  from them I simply adapted the presentations to only present for the teacher to make me feel for comfortable  . I even passed college public  speaking , where we were expected to write a speech every week . I never felt afraid  to speak in front of class or in public . I have learned how to ignore the fear of what people will think of me . My most successful were my 3 college Business presentations - Ethics , Management - Senior Cap Stone ,  and New Venture . All of them counted for half my final grade .  This was ser...

There's many pieces of advice I'd like to tell to my younger self . First being don't be afraid to be your own person in the shadow of your mom . I spent too much of my life before now in fear of my mom's negativity and disappointment that I forgot to be happy . Only since I turned 30 and started working did I begin to live to be happy . And I'd tell her that the answer no doesn't mean the world is going to end .  The word No is hard to accept . It can demolish our dreams of having a job and being self sufficient ; It can mean we don't get the financial assistance for food, health insurance, and mobility devices we need to improve our health. When we are children , our Parents maybe trying to do what is best for us but saying no. In Samuel 3:13 , God reminds us that word no has the power to give us restraint us and to protect from bad things- like judging and breaking the law .  I've been told no in many situations when I wanted so desperately the answe...

As an individual with a disability , I've  had accept and deal with awkward social situations .  Having Cerebral Palsy without the use of a wheelchair and being of short stature would make a person   one of the most unique people  in the classroom . I was in special education classes until 5th  grade when my instructor realized I was missing out on using my mental talents . Ms . Lisa Sodee saw something in me that prompted her to advance me in to regular mainstream classes . These classes was a challenge for me socially and academically .  My fellow  students were not disabled at all .  My 5th grade history teacher expected me to keep  up  with homework at the same  time as the rest of the class . My favorite school  subject prior to college was social  studies ,  so  it seemed like a great fit . I received the privilege to associate with gifted and talented students .  The time of transition gave me a new p...

We have freedoms as Americans that allow his to have any career  we choose . Its time we take that liberty and freedom and do something positive our lives . Until 3 years ago , I didn't have an extreme drive and determination to truly follow my heart and do what I want to in my professional life . I've been a fan of the Food Network for the past 15 years , but it took one locally  born chef from Hagerstown MD to completely change that . In 2012 , I was still volunteering with REACH of Washington County . I was ready to move on . Having the opportunity learn about  business was great , but I yearned for a new job where I could maybe learn how a business was promoted and have multiple responsibilities . During the lull times at REACH , I stumbled upon a chef named Justin Warner . In May 2012 , he began competing  on the show  Food Network Star . He  is the only  food personality from Hagerstown MD to ever be  on the Food Network . The first promotio...

A life devoted to hope , faith and love requires us to to keep fighting  and never quit . We must take action , try , be determined , and perservere through every obstacle that comes our way . My mentor Dr Mark Patton always told me my selling point wouldn't be some product I'd create or another's product I'd sponsor . My gift or "product " is my willingness not to quit  and stand up for what I believe in through my struggles . In marketing , we call this the Real Product - it can be anything from food , clothing , emotion or the image the product provides for the consumer .  I'm demonstrating my determination by continuing meeting with my counselors and  my employment services . I'm currently under the Ticket to Work program - an employment network that suggests and provides services like the Maryland State Department of Rehabilitative Services that help me find work . I am now required to under the privilege of my disability benefits  and  the Soci...