How Easterseals Shaped Jesse’s Skills and Confidence

The work experience and leadership skills Jesse gained through Easterseals are a big part of who he is today – and who he is becoming.

“They were the starting blocks,” he said.

Jesse, 24, is hard of hearing and legally blind. In his work at Easterseals summer camp, he developed his leadership abilities and picked up skills he uses today in his job at a Big Y supermarket. 

At camp, Jesse helped start a program to teach American Sign Language to the campers and staff. At work, he offered to help his manager, Clara Alves, learn sign language to better communicate with him, customers, and other employees who are hard of hearing.

As a thank you for what he has gained, the Springfield resident has spoken at public events as an Easterseals ambassador. He also served as a team captain and volunteer at Easterseals Walk With Me fundraisers.

“My youth leadership experience made me more aware of how people perceive me on the job,” he said. “As a result, I’m more aware of my moods and the importance of being focused, positive and helpful.”

Public speaking – including a talk with his congressman – also changed him.

“I was mostly shy and soft-spoken, but the experience helped me speak up and sound confident,” he said. “It also makes me feel powerful to be up there talking about what I believe in and helping others see things the way I do or persuading them to do something.”

On the job, Jesse has a wide range of duties and has gained the respect of his fellow employees.

“People go out of the way for Jesse because he goes out of his way for them,” Alves said. “He’s dependable, cooperative, quick, and productive; he gets along well with customers and takes his job seriously. He’s a great person.”

“I like problem-solving and being part of a team,” he said. “My goals are to do the best I can, learn to do things differently, and make a difference.”