Tamson has been with the Advocacy and Resource Center since February, working as a Direct Support Professional at ExploreAbility and helping out at Inspiration Way. Tamson starting at the ARC has given her a new perspective on the people she supports and all that they are capable of.
“I think definitely it’s more eye-opening to see the different abilities that people with disabilities have, all the things they can do still, even with any challenges they may face,” she said.
Tamson’s previous job at a local bakery and breakfast spot gave her an introduction to some familiar faces at ARC. Several of the people she now supports were regular customers, making the transition to ARC feel a little more familiar.
One of Tamson’s favorite parts of her job is being able to get out into the community. She has enjoyed trips to the Wild Center, walking trails downtown and visiting the monument, and said that whenever there is an opportunity to go somewhere, she is ready to go.
Working at ARC has also taught Tamson skills she never expected to develop, particularly sign language. She has learned the different ways individuals communicate, including their own forms of signs, which help her understand when someone is hungry, needs to use the bathroom, or wants something.
Tamson said one of the biggest surprises about the job was how hands-on it can be. Over time, though, she has learned to adapt and said many things eventually become second nature.
“It’s a rewarding job, but it’s not always easy,” she said.
Even though she is still relatively new to ARC, Tamson has already become someone her coworkers can count on. One coworker said that, especially considering Tamson’s age and how little time she has been with the agency, she has “her head on right” and has quickly become someone other staff can go to when they need help.
Tamson credits Lauren Winterbottom as someone she can rely on and learn from.
“We bounce off of each other,” Tamson said.
Her advice for anyone considering becoming a DSP is simple: take it day by day. “Literally, every day is a new day and different.”
Outside of work, Tamson plays softball in a women’s league, usually at third base or centerfield.
Tamson once wanted to become a nurse because she liked the idea of caring for people. If her 12-year-old self could see her now, she thinks she would be cheering her on.
“She’d be absolutely screaming at the top of her lungs, ‘Yeah, you did it!’”
When she needs a little energy during the workday, Tamson reaches for an Alani or Red Bull. Her favorite Alani flavors include Green Apple, Witch’s Brew and Sunkist Blue Raspberry. And if she ever gets the chance to take the mic for karaoke, her go-to song is “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
For Tamson, every day at ARC is different, and she’s happy to take it one day at a time.
