Tessa’s Journey: A Work-Based Learning Success Story

The Sonoran Center’s Work-Based Learning Program has been helping teenagers and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities make the transition from school to the workplace. We previously looked at the program’s partnership with a particular employer: Sonoran Stitch. Now, we’d like to highlight one of the program’s individual success stories: Tessa. 

Tessa is an 18 year old girl on the Autism spectrum, getting ready to graduate high school. She has a bubbly personality and moves through the world with a genuine curiosity, eagerness, and zest for life. Her bright smile spreads joy wherever she goes. 

Tessa’s longtime dream is to go into robotics to make assistive technology for others with disabilities. Even before starting the work-based learning program, she knew that this was her goal for her future. 

However, like many students getting ready to leave high school, she was unsure of the steps to take between where she was and where she wanted to be. She didn’t have much in the way of employment experience, and didn’t quite know where to start. 

The Work-Based Learning program provided her the opportunity to get used to the structure of the workplace in a supportive environment. With her mother’s help and guidance, she enrolled in the program. 

She started her time in the program at ACE Hardware doing product refacing. Initially, Tessa had some difficulties adjusting. The requirements of the workplace were more rigid than what she was used to at school. She was also unsure of how this would help her move towards her ultimate goal of working in robotics.  

As time passed, however, the program helped demonstrate that each goal is built on a series of smaller accomplishments. Soon, she became accustomed to the needs of the workplace. Before she can work in a robotics lab, she has to learn the structure of the workplace itself: How to show up on time, follow directions, prioritize tasks, interact with coworkers, and other aspects that are universal to nearly every workplace. 

“She’s a fast learner,” Tessa’s mother said. 

Tessa then moved from ACE Hardware to the Hilton hotel. Here, she started working as a pool attendant: giving out water, folding towels, and generally ensuring that guests have a pleasant experience. As a more public-facing position, Tessa thrived as she got to share her boundless positive energy with customers. This ended up being a much better fit, and Tessa has come to find the process of working and interacting with new people to be very rewarding. 

According to her mother, Tessa has become more confident. Tessa has learned that she can try new things, stick with them, and ultimately succeed, even if it seems difficult at first. She’s making strides towards independence, all while honing her social skills, meeting new people, and having fun.

“I want to work with people and get to know them,” Tessa said. 

“I didn’t know these programs existed,” Tessa’s mother noted. She also said that she wished opportunities like the work-based learning programs were more well-known, so that more people like Tessa can use these services. 

With the confidence Tessa has gained from the Work-Based Learning Program, she will be participating in Project Focus at the University of Arizona. With this, she’ll be moving one step closer to her goal. 

Parents, students, and others can learn more about the work-based learning program by visiting the Sonoran Center website.