My Story: Paul Basel
February 7, 2011 | By Jenni Baker | 
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Happily, I can say that I am one step closer to my goal of going to college, thanks to the Community-Based Work Adjustment program at Goodwill® in Columbus, Ohio.
I have Asperger’s syndrome, a type of autism. It has created some challenges for me in finding employment in the past. Still, I have a strong work ethic and wanted to find a job.
My commitment to hard work has helped me accomplish some goals in the past. For one, I have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of America. After that achievement, I decided my next goal would be to find a job in order to save money for college.
With my eye on overcoming my disabilities and learning some work and social skills, I started in the Community-Based Work Adjustment program at Goodwill Columbus. While in the program, I became an intern in the maintenance department at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus. The conservatory is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and a signature collection of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Paul Basel at work at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, OH
My supervisors let me clean, paint, make repairs, and setup and tear down before and after scheduled events at the conservatory. The work was interesting to me, and it allowed me to work on my skills of interaction and socialization with others.
My supervisor was impressed with my work, noting my attention to detail, punctuality and positive attitude. He also praised my ability to positively interact with co-workers. When the internship was complete, I was offered a part-time job in the Engineering and Maintenance Department. I proudly accepted.
I feel like I have made a great deal of progress toward attaining my goals while participating in the Goodwill program. Now I am saving some money and am one step closer to going to college.
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Congrats! That’s awesome! Keep up the good work!
That’s awesome! My friend’s a boyscout too!
I hope you make your dreams come true! You’re a great inspiration.
That’s awesome! One of my friends has Asperger’s and I know how difficult it can be. Keep it up!
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