Bryce’s Story
A Sweet Deal
by Bryce Walker, Student

My name is Bryce Walker. I am sixteen and a junior at Corvallis High School. My hobbies are playing video games, collecting stamps and skateboarding. I wanted a job to earn money for myself and to get a chance to work with people.

I work at Ole’s Country Store and Beer Depot in Hamilton. My bosses are Ron and Lorrie. I work in a place that allows me to meet people. I stock essential items for travelers and tourists. It is mainly a convenience store and gas station. My main responsibility is stocking the pop in the coolers throughout the store. This is neat because I can keep up with the various new products being sold in the store.

The people I work with on a daily basis are Joanna who is the cook in the Deli, Ron my boss and his wife Lorrie. All these co-workers are extremely understanding and patient. They also all have a great sense of humor and are fun to work with. On a typical day I first stock the soda coolers, then fill the fountain pop dispenser with ice. Next, I empty the outside trash cans, then clean the gas pumps. Occasionally, Ron has a project for me to work on such as assembling a display or washing windows. I also stock soda cups and lids and “face” the shelves. Sometimes I sweep the parking lot.

Being in a paid job is a good experience for someone my age. It gives me something for future reference and is something to put on a resume. It’s also nice to have some extra money and not have to depend so much on parents for stuff. What I like best about my job is that I am helping people and making a difference to weary travelers or just people going to work. My job coach, Mr Dowden is one of my best friends and I enjoy working with him on a daily basis. He helps me to become more comfortable with my duties and more independent.

I would like to try working with electronics, like at Radio Shack or disassembling things. The advice I would give to anyone helping a student to find a job is to be as good a friend as possible to the person you are trying to help. Be patient and understanding and try and have fun with the process.

An Update on Bryce:
Bryce wrote this story last spring after he had been at his job for only a few months. Beginning in the summer, Bryce transitioned to working independently without a job coach at the job site. This was Bryce’s first real long-term paid job in the community. Overall, the experience was a successful one and demonstrated to Vocational Rehabilitation that he could work independently in the community. Like many of us in our first jobs, this job did not work out for Bryce and he is in the process of looking for a new job that may better match his unique contributions and interests. Bryce learned a lot about work, his interests, and skills. Bryce is a senior in high school, so the planning that takes place this year to find a customized job is very important and the school is working collaboratively with the adult agencies to make sure Bryce gets the assistance he needs. Fortunately, he has already been referred to and has worked in the past with Vocational Rehabilitation. He can access these services again to contract with an adult service agency that can help him find a job that he could work in long after he graduates, if he so chooses.

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