My Story: Steven Escamilla

November 26, 2012 | By Jenni B. Baker | Subscribe to "My Story" RSS

I made the A/B honor roll growing up. I had some problems with school and didn’t graduate. I started trying to find work, and I struggled for awhile. I found a job as a car audio installer assistant, and it was a great job. It was a trade I was learning, and I was really excited about working with my hands.

In 2000, I was involved in a car accident where an individual ran a red light. Where I was sitting, I received the full impact of the crash. It shattered the left side of my face and it paralyzed the left side of my body. I was 21 years old when that happened.

You really feel kind of hopeless, you know?  You’re not excited about life because you’re not contributing.

I didn’t know about the AbilityOne program until I went to Goodwill Industries of South Texas. They told me about it, and I have to tell you, it was really exciting. I felt hope again. I felt like there was something good going to happen.

It’s an emotional experience, and I really think this program helps build confidence and hope. It makes you feel like you’re part of the community, and you don’t feel like you’re just an outcast trying to survive. You feel like you’re an important individual in society.

When I found this job and I started learning, I felt fulfilled. I felt like, ‘I worked today and it was good. I have a good job.’ You feel that satisfaction. And everybody loves a paycheck!

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4 Comments

1. pam November 28th, 2012 at 12:50 am

   thanks for helping people steven and others like him !!!!!! that need help like me and others that handicape or homeless

   Reply
2. David Ghist December 3rd, 2012 at 9:28 pm

   I can so relate with this article. When I read it, I thought, that sounds like me. I have yet to become a productive person again, but will someday. soon I hope. Thanks for the inspiration.

   Reply
   • TJ Gioconda
     GII Social Media Specialist
     December 4th, 2012 at 9:48 am

     Working hard at improving your abilities makes you a very productive person. Keep up the great work and good luck. I am glad you found inspiration.

     Reply
3. Godefyallodds December 7th, 2012 at 9:41 am

   Sweet …

   Reply