Program Helps Young Adults Explore Careers with a Canine
Thursday September 12, 2024
In August, eleven young adults throughout the U.S. took a deep dive into career exploration and how a guide dog might fit into their future employment plans. They attended Guide Dogs for the Blind’s (GDB’s) Careers & Canine Connections program, a collaborative effort between GDB and the APH Connect Center (a division of the American Printing House for the Blind).
The group of 18 to 24-year-olds spent a week at the Hull Park Foundation & Learning Center and GDB’s Oregon campus exploring topics ranging from resume-building and job interviewing skills to dog care and grooming while leaving time for fun social activities like swimming, archery, and hiking.
GDB Youth Outreach Specialist Jane Flower said participants learned about employment options and conducted informational interviews with GDB employees to practice their communication skills and gain insight into a career they may not have considered. “It was truly inspiring to see how much the students learned and grew throughout the program and the many connections they made with one another,” said Jane.
Sofia Panitzke attended the camp after a friend recommended it. “My favorite parts were getting to have a dog overnight and talking about many different careers with people who understood what it was like to be someone with a visual impairment.”
For 21-year-old Mia Perra, it was a week of learning and personal growth where she and others discovered a variety of career options and the value of networking for both work and greater independence. “After reflecting on my amazing time with Careers & Canine Connections, I wanted to let you all know how grateful I am for this experience,” said Mia, who added that a couple of years ago, she never would have seen herself traveling across the country on her own to attend such a program. “I have gained so much confidence through this program that I will take into my career and my low-vision journey. I appreciate all of you as mentor figures and people in the community to whom I can go for support. I feel more prepared than ever to make a decision on getting a guide dog.”
Meeting others who are blind or visually impaired was also a big plus for both women. “Building connections with other students is something I will never forget, as we all know the blind experience can be isolating at times,” said Mia. “This has been such a wonderful reminder that we are all here to support each other and that no one is alone. I learned so much from the people around me this week, and I think it's so beautiful that so many different types of people from across the country can come together and build these connections," said Mia. "The importance of community from this experience is something I would like to include in my grad school application essays. Thank you all so so much for making this an unforgettable and life-changing experience.”
