At twenty-eight years old, I was hired to be a co-coordinator for a large grant program that was affiliated with a non profit mental health agency. This coordinator job was an unique and demanding role that I had never experienced before, and probably won’t get to experience again. It was a very rewarding seven years. Through both already designed programs I co-taught and programs I co-developed, I learned a lot from many people who had overcome many harsh obstacles. People who wanted to improve themselves. People who also encouraged their peers to see their own values. Through a speakers panel I emceed, people shared their stories with their community, their peers and college students. This speakers panel also spoke at a large conference in Columbus.
With a mental health professional, I was honored to go on television and radio to promote mental health programs that were occurring in our area. My family has always been a caring family. This coordinating position gave me an opportunity to promote something that was close to me heart; helping others. My family has always had an understanding heart and supported people in need. By promoting programs that really did help people, I was getting to continue what my family had started. The added bonus was I was working with a person that quickly became a valued mentor to me. A woman I deeply respect.
During the seven years as a Coordinator, I co-developed and wrote a newsletter for the mental health agencies two drop in centers. The newsletter was a good way to give members of the peer centers an opportunity to write. It also gave me as coordinator an opportunity to promote a group of leaders that operated the peer centers. As coordinator, I became a part of the public relations team for the mental health agency. With my background experience in working for newspapers and having a degree in English, I also was a part of the public relations team for the mental health agency and peer centers. I was honored to write articles about different programs and people associated with this mental health agency for local newspapers.
The seven years as coordinator was a whirlwind of many, many valuable lessons and experiences. Which is why I consider it a rewarding career.