#NDEAM Spotlight: Meet Shawn
Meet Shawn! Shawn has worked at Walmart for 3 months as a cart retriever. He also assists in carrying out groceries for customers!
Shawn first came to MRI back in 2013. After working a couple of jobs that didn’t work out, Shawn decided that he wanted to go back to school. With help from the Division of Rehabilitation (DRS) and his vocational counselor there, Shawn enrolled at Richland Community College. During his time at Richland he was active in the media club, BDS, and received an outstanding volunteer award. In 2019, Shawn graduated with his Associate’s degree!
After Shawn graduated, he came back to MRI’s Community Employment program and Dee McMillen assisted him in the job process. Dee helped Shawn find businesses that were hiring and assisted him with the application process. Shawn told us how Dee always encouraged Shawn not to give up and keep a positive attitude during his job search and even after he was hired in his current job at Walmart! When Shawn was hired, Dee helped with the new hire paperwork and even spoke to Shawn’s new manager about what would help him be successful in his new job.
Shawn loves his job at Walmart, and having a job in the community makes him feel so happy. He told us how his favorite part is working together as a team and the comradery he feels amongst his co-workers.
We asked Shawn if he had experienced any difficulties working at Walmart and how he handled them. He said,
“I have struggled at times learning the job and keeping the carts in line or keep them from blowing away. With a co-workers help I figured out the best way to do the job and make it easier for me.” – Shawn
Shawn loves working in the community. Without this job he told us he would probably just be sitting at home. We are so glad that Shawn has found a job in the community doing something that he enjoys!
Here are a couple of fun facts about Shawn:
- If Shawn could learn how to do anything, it would be to learn to drive a car!
- Shawn’s dream job is to be a Sports Broadcaster
