“I was not doing anything. I was getting into a deep depression, feeling like I was not able to do anything worthwhile, and becoming a burden for my family,” says Melissa of her life prior to joining the Neil Squire Society’s (new window) Employ-Ability Program in Regina (new window), Saskatchewan (new window). “I was stuck in a rut and feeling hopeless. I still had many aspirations, but they seemed so far out of reach it was pointless to think about them.”
Prairie Regional Manager, Nikki Lamb, contacted Melissa and asked if she could tell her about the program. “I was hesitant at first, thinking that I wouldn’t be good enough to take part, and shy about meeting new people,” says Melissa. “She came and told us about this wonderful program and all the great opportunities it presented to its participants, it seemed like it was too good to be true. She left her card and it took a lot of persuasion to get me to agree to take part, and I’m so glad I did!”
Melissa has a severe disease known as Myotubular Myopathy (new window). She is only one of 13 people in Canada (new window) with this rare disease, and the only one in Saskatchewan. It is believed that she is the only female in the world to have the most severe form, which was thought to only occur in males who died by the age of 2. “It affects fifty percent of my skeletal muscles, causing them to not mature,” explains Melissa. “With having that, I have also developed severe Scoliosis and I am in a power wheelchair. I also suffer from severe anxiety.”
“The Employ-Ability Program has helped build my confidence and has helped me make friendships that I really needed. It has also taught me how to create effective cover letters and resumes to help in my job searches. I also acquired my first real job while taking part in the Employ-Ability Program! I am doing something I have a strong passion for, and that is Graphic Design (new window),” says Melissa. “I think the Wellness and Career Development modules have helped me the most, with learning how to make healthy friendships, and how to effectively sell my skills and talents to possible employers. I know I cannot be afraid and I need to chase after my future.”
Melissa plans to continue with her job as a graphic artist while saving her money to pay for the tools and schooling she will need to learn 3D modeling (new window) geared towards video game design (new window). “I want to someday start my own video game design studio and be successful, and become an advocate for the disabled. Many disabled people cannot enjoy the fun and benefits of video games and I hope to change that. I am so happy that the Neil Squire Society believes I can do that, and has shown me the way to get started!”
If you would like to make a donation to support others like Melissa, you may do so here.