A job working with those with disabilities gave me fine roots | Opinion
David C. Reiss, of Wakefield, is chief executive director of The Fogarty Center.
This is my 45th year in my chosen field, 32 years as a CEO. Instinctively I had always known that my profession would be human services related. Unsure of a specific discipline, I wanted to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives. What I didn’t expect was the profound difference that this profession would have upon my life. The individuals I assumed I was assisting turned out to be my mentors. A clear case of the “student” really being the “teacher.”
I am the chief executive officer of The Fogarty Center, a nonprofit agency that supports children and adults with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities. My career has been filled with enough twists and turns that I could write a novel. Being a CEO is a tremendous privilege that can never be taken for granted. It is not however without its share of headaches, or in my case, loss of hair.
My lifelong ambition to be in a helping profession has been realized to a much larger degree than I ever expected. Upon reflection, it is my roots from my role as a direct support professional at the Ladd School that has given me the greatest satisfaction — the direct daily contact with the people we provide support to. It is that sharing of joys, sorrows, successes and tribulations that make me feel most useful, whole as a person.
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My current role is incredibly satisfying. I have impact on many lives, just at a different level. But the best part of my day is when I get to spend time with those individuals whom I genuinely care for. Swept away from the stress of the “business,” I am reminded of why I originally entered this field. It keeps me smiling, humble and grounded. I hope never to lose sight of that privilege!
If you are an individual who wants to make a difference in the lives of others and yourself, please give our industry an opportunity to assist you in developing professional and personal growth. For those individuals who are career minded, there are always opportunities for advancement. There are many possibilities out there, find the one that’s best for you and don’t look back.
I am proud of who I am and what I have become as a person. This is directly attributed to my working roots. The direct support professional has a greater chance in impacting people’s lives on a daily basis than I ever will as a CEO. Take the first step, take a chance. You won’t regret it.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: There are many possibilities out there, find the one that’s best for you and don’t look back.
