It’s joy for everyone.

Success works overnight as a Direct Support Professional, working with adults who are living with developmental disabilities, as well as older Maine adults.  She is originally from Nigeria and has lived in Maine for seven years.

What do you do for work, and what communities of people do you work with?

I work with the aging and also people living with disabilities. I help them with their day-to-day chores, making sure they’re able to do their tasks for the day. I administer their medication; I change them into their pajamas, get them ready for bed. When they are in bed, I help with the house and do the laundry. Then, of course, I monitor them when they’re sleeping. When they wake up in the morning, I give them a shower, and then after giving them a shower, I make their breakfast for them. Then, I take them to their programs.

How did you get into this line of work?

Back home in my country, my mother was aging, and I was supposed to be there supporting her. I felt since I wasn’t able to be there to support my mother, I should do it here in the United States—support of the ones I see around me, give back to those around me. That was how I got into the career. Supporting those people—it’s as if I’m also doing it for my mother. It reminds me of my mother, although she passed away last year.

What do you enjoy about your work?

I think the most rewarding part of this job for me is the satisfaction I get from doing the work. I’m here to help them achieve something, and this makes them happy, and it makes me happy, too.  Sometimes when I walk into my program, I see the excitement on the faces of those people I’m supporting. They’re always so excited to see me. It means a lot to me. These are the families I have here in the United States. I’m always there with them—even during the festive season, I’m there. After a good day at work, I feel fulfilled. I feel happy. I feel so excited because I know I’ve achieved a lot, and it keeps me strong and keeps me going the whole day. 

What types of skills and qualities does it take to be successful in this field?

It requires a lot of love. If you want to do this, you have to be a loving person. This job requires love; it requires patience. It requires tolerance, but the job is worth it. Anybody who is interested in joining us—you’re welcome to do so, and you will love it. 

This job is all about giving back to society. It’s an avenue for you to show love to people. Be ready to impact the lives of people. 

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting into the field?

This job is demanding, but at the same time, it’s so rewarding. You get satisfaction when you do this job. I’ve been able to make a lot of friends apart from the people I support—like my colleagues I work with. There is this connection I have with those I work with and also those I support.