I recently accepted a position in Orlando, Florida. I never thought I'd move to Florida, but I'm always up for an adventure. I applied with Public Allies at a couple different locations throughout the country. Orlando called me to set up a phone interview. Something was calling me down to Orlando. I passed the phone interview and was asked to fly down to Orlando for in person interviews with the local nonprofits that were partnering with Public Allies this year.
The interviews were a quick 15 minutes and the room was full of potential allies. After interviewing all morning and then staying after to get in a couple extra interviews in, I was exhausted. The whole process was information overload. I wasn't quite sure that I really "clicked" with any of the nonprofits. Some I knew I was suited for, but honestly unsure if I was up for the challenge. Before I left I chose my top 5 and added "open to any position" at the bottom of my list. I'm very adaptable and I hopped that the right fit would just work out.
I received a rejection email that weekend and although I was bummed I tried to just keep positive. Keep myself motivated at my current job and see what would happen. I didn't give up and applied at some more nonprofits.
After a stressful week of work, the following Friday, I received a personal call from Public Allies. One of the allies turned down a position and a nonprofit was requesting me. Quest Inc I pulled out my notes and remembered speaking with them. I had put them on my top 5 but crossed them out. I know that working with physical and mental disabilities can be difficult and from my past experience working in Special Ed, I was apprehensive, but due to that experience, my understanding of special needs must have impressed them and they felt that I would be an asset to their organization. So after a nice chat with the ladies from Quest, I accepted the position. They inflated my ego by telling me that I was their first choice and when someone declined they asked right away if I was available.
Why not? It's what I had wanted a week ago, and my current job wasn't very fulfilling. I smiled and reminded myself that I had to be patient and keep the faith.
So...here I am two weeks away from driving down to Florida with y new position as a Vocational Training Coordinator for Quest Inc..... stay posted.
