The following post is our first installment of the Supported Employment Department’s blog entitled, Employment is Everyone’s Business. The posts will feature the exciting news of our supported individuals gaining employment in the community.
In April, George Chatman and Peggy James began working their first jobs in the community with two great employers. George is a porter at Academy Bus and Peggy is a front desk receptionist at Maryland Public Television. We caught up with George and Peggy to see how their jobs were going.
George’s Interview:
George graduated from Project SEARCH at the University of Maryland in June 2015. It was there he learned that he liked housekeeping and where he acquired skills like trash removal, how to mop and vacuum properly, and what is important to keep a job. George is now a porter at Academy Bus.
Tell me about the interview. Were you nervous?
I really liked the interview, but was a little nervous because I was unfamiliar with the place.
How did you feel when you heard you got the job? Did/How’d you celebrate?
I was very happy and excited about the opportunity. I went out for pizza to celebrate.
Tell me about your first day.
I was happy to start my new job. I really love my new uniform. My job coach was very helpful with me learning my new work tasks.
What do you like most about your new job?
The staff is very nice and welcoming.
What was hard to learn at your new job? Who helped you?
Sweeping was hard especially outside because it’s been windy and rainy. My job coach helped me.
How does it feel to work and get a paycheck?
It feels good to work and earn money. I feel like a responsible adult.
Peggy’s Interview:
Peggy attended Project SEARCH at Northwest Hospital where she had the opportunity to learn about working in an office and she got a lot of experience on how to greet people, answer phones, etc. This experience helped Peggy land a great job as the front desk receptionist for Maryland Public Television (MPT).
Tell me about the interview. Were you nervous?
Yes, I was nervous.
How did you feel when you heard you got the job? Did/How’d you celebrate?
I was excited!
Tell me about your first day.
My first day was awesome!
What do you like most about your new job?
I like my coworkers and interacting with the guests that come in.
What was hard to learn at your new job? Who helped you?
It was hard to learn to use the directory of all the employees here and their numbers. My job coaches helped me, and my front desk coworker helps me if I need it.
How does it feel to work and get a paycheck?
It feels great.
