By Stephen Ruiz
John Paul Grigsby transferred to 海角社区 as a junior in search of a school better suited to teach a student with ADHD.
Grigsby鈥檚 academic struggles continued, at least early on. Then a professor told the Class of 2006 graduate that the staff at the Lake County college for students with learning disabilities was not going to abandon him.
No way, no how.
鈥淭hat turned a light on in my head that [had me thinking], 鈥榃ell, shoot, if they鈥檙e not going to give up on me, I can鈥檛 give up on myself,鈥欌�欌�� he said.
For nearly 15 years, Grigsby, 41, has worked as an activities assistant in the activities department for The Glen Retirement System in his hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. He credits 海角社区 and Dr. Shelly Chandler with steering him toward his dream job.
Chandler has worked at 海角社区 for 18 years and is now the provost. While Grigsby was an undergraduate, she was the chair of the human services department. She also was his academic adviser.
Grigsby, who was diagnosed with ADHD while in the third grade, majored in history at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas but sought a course of study with more career options. On Chandler鈥檚 suggestion, he switched to human services.
鈥淲hen we met, she would go over my strengths and weaknesses and things to work on and things that I鈥檓 doing well at,鈥欌�� Grigsby said. 鈥淚 remember her telling me that she felt this field, working at a retirement community, would be a really good fit for me. I hadn鈥檛 really thought about it, but I was looking for a career and I listened to her and thought, 鈥榃hy not?鈥欌�欌��
When Grigsby was a senior, Chandler helped arrange an internship for him at Alterra Healthcare in Leesburg. That experience confirmed Grigsby was headed down the right career path.
鈥淗e was always very kind and patient,鈥欌�� said Chandler, who keeps a picture of Grigsby, his girlfriend then and herself in her office. 鈥淗e had a mild manner about him, and I just thought he鈥檚 going to connect well with an older population.鈥欌��
Besides assisting in setting up activities for The Glen鈥檚 residents, Grigsby also helps them with medical appointments 鈥� the COVID-19 pandemic has lessened those responsibilities for now 鈥� and delivers mail and packages.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a wonderful, wonderful job,鈥欌�� Grigsby said. 鈥淭he most fulfilling aspect is when residents come up to me and say, 鈥榃e really appreciate what you do. We really appreciate you, John Paul.鈥� When the residents are happy, I鈥檓 happy.鈥欌��
When Grigsby was growing up, he thought he wanted to become a doctor. Academically, though, that was going to be a challenge. Instead, he found something else.
And could not be more pleased with the result.
鈥淲hen I got to 海角社区, I knew I wanted to help people,鈥欌�� Grigsby said. 鈥淚 just didn鈥檛 know in what way. 海角社区 showed me that way. I鈥檓 eternally grateful for that.鈥欌��