I first came to work for the May Institute purely by chance, a little over three years ago. I had responded to an ad in the Providence Journal looking for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to work with adults with chronic mental illnesses. To be honest, I really didn't know what that meant, but I was intrigued by the ad. A month later, I found myself working at Services for Education and Employment (S.E.E.), one of the May's smaller programs in its Behavioral Health Division.

I immediately settled into my new position. Being a Vocational Counselor, I had the unique opportunity to help many adults with severe mental illnesses regain employment or to pursue adult secondary or higher education. As I was fresh out of college, this job helped me to take what I had learned in the classroom and apply it directly to helping others. I was amazed by what I learned. As my job designated, I helped others to grow and learn in new jobs and educational opportunities, but these individuals helped me, as well, to grow as a counselor and as a person.

After two years of working in the S.E.E. program, I was ready for something new. But I had developed such a great relationship with the May Institute -- both in other vocational program and at the corporate level -- that I did not want to leave. Luckily, the plethora of May Institute programs offered many opportunities for my advancement. In fact, within a month, I was offered and accepted a position with HIRE Enterprises, another May vocational program. At HIRE, I was placed in charge of designing and running a work rehab. program for adults who are transitioning from state psychiatric hospitals into community living. What an opportunity!

Today, I am happy to be an employee of the May Institute as the New Beginnings Program Coordinator. Working at the May has allowed me to apply my hard work ethic, creativity, and strong belief in helping others in a nurturing and productive environment. The training I have experienced along the way has been thorough and relevant, both from personnel initiatives and from working with many consumers of May Institute services. One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the support that I feel from my superiors. No matter what the situation, they have guided and nurtured me along the way. To be able to do something I love is a gift, but to do it with the help of others is a blessing.

My advice to new employees of the May Institute is this: You will be presented with many challenges in your job, wherever you work and whatever you do. Sometimes the solution to these challenges can be elusive. But if you believe in your heart and in what you do, you will always be met with success. And should you ever doubt yourself, rely on the help of those who have tread before you.