Jessica is a very busy lady! Not only is she rockin’ it at Saginaw Valley State University but she has THREE JOBS!! We asked her to tell us a little bit about each one:

JD: I work at Hidden Treasures Preschool as a Teacher’s Aide. I do anything necessary to help the teacher ???? I grade papers, put the stickers on, help the children get ready for recess with coats and boots. I help at lunchtime with opening containers and warming up things in the microwave. Also, I love to read to the children in small groups. When the children are napping or having quiet time I clean, vacuum and file papers to get ready to take home.

Also, I have my own milk business. Here I sell milk at lunchtime at the private school that I attended. This is fun because I get to talk with the students and interact with them each week. Also helps with my math skills because I have to make change.

Another job I have is at LePosh Salon and Spa. Here I straighten supplies and dust. I wash, dry and fold towels. I refill supplies at each work station. I rip foils for the stylists to use when coloring hair. I sweep up hair and give my boss a back rub when I have time ????

RR: How did you get your job?

JD: I started helping in the preschool when I was in 10th grade. It has just worked into more of a job as I got older. I love kids so I love helping!

For the milk business, it was the idea of one of the staff members to sell milk and she asked me if I would like to do it as my own business. It was sort of her idea and I got to plan it out and pick up the milk each week and then be there at lunch to sell it.

At the hair salon I actually went to high school with one of the hair stylists and she invited me to go to work with her one day, just for fun and so that I could see what she did. I just kept going every week since then…and the Salon Manager offered me a paying position. I learned that if I want to have a job I have to be helpful and prove that I am a hard worker!

RR: What is your favorite part of your job?

JD: I love children and people. Socializing and being with others is the best part of my job!

RR: Do you feel you have made an impact in the workplace? How so?

JD: I think it is good for people to see me in the community. They get to know me and realize I am just like them. I get to talk to people and they see that everyone can contribute to a job! All the people I work with think I am fun to be around.

The manager at the salon has told me that it helps the stylists to have me there because I make them smile and happy, and then they are nicer to each other. They say the days I work are their favorite days of the week!

RR: What is your dream job and what are your next plans?

I have always wanted to work with kids and make a difference. I want to write a children’s book someday. I love working with kids and making a difference in the lives of others.

I want to be busy. I love working and volunteering because it makes me feel like I can contribute and be productive. I love having things to do!

Someday I want to write a book and have it illustrated for kids everywhere so they can learn more about disabilities and how much alike we really are.

Working gives me a way to show others love and help them smile when they are having a rough day. My goal is to be a light to others in a sometimes dark world and to share my sparkle everywhere I go. You never know who may need a smile!

Keep on rockin’ it Jessica!!! We are so proud of you!!!!

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