DSP Spotlight: Niesha

Niesha is a DSP at our Adult Learning site in Lincoln Square, Chicago and has been with Search for a year.
Her supervisor says, "Niesha enters the building every day with a smile. She makes our Glidepath Adult Learning modules fun for our individuals. She emits positivity in the lives of the individuals we serve as well as her coworkers."
Q: How did you start in this career?
A: A friend of mine had been working in this field for some years and she told me to apply for the position because she thought that I would make a good DSP. So I inquired and found it to be very rewarding.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of the job?
A: The most rewarding part of working as a DSP is knowing that I put a smile on somebody's face and that I made a difference in someone's life. This job makes me feel like I'm living with a true purpose. This job has taught me how to truly be selfless.
Q: How do you stay motivated when things get tough?
A: Honestly, I try to laugh and smile through tough times. Something about laughter defeats sadness or the feeling of failure. Working at Search, everyone laughs at your jokes so make a few jokes throughout the day and you're fine.
Q: What is your favorite part of working with Search?
A: The individuals and staff. Everyone is so human here. It's ok to be who you are. To be into the things that you're into. It's judgement free. It's a breath of fresh air.
Q: What advice do you have for people who are thinking about this career?
A: Be the best that you could be. Really put in the effort. Never think that you're not helping enough, the fact that you're putting your best foot forward is helping a lot.
Q: What activities, interests or hobbies do you have outside of work?
A: Outside of work I turn into an Artist Manager. I don't have any talents with instruments but I have a true passion for music and people who are talented. I'm always planning and putting together something for different artists. When I'm not managing artists, I'm relaxing with family and friends, eating good food, and laughing too hard. I recently helped start a book club with a group of awesome women.