A Journey of Growth and Understanding
Solidariti
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As I reflect on my life, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the experiences I’ve had and, even more so, for the people who have been part of my journey. Their support, understanding, and compassion have been remarkable, guiding me to where I am today. Thanks to their help, I’ve experienced tremendous growth and learning. However, the challenge I now face is integrating into the world without the support or understanding that once helped me navigate my interactions.
My previous career was built through mutual connections, and within that organization, I cultivated a strong network of support. I had trusted relationships with people I worked for, worked with, or led. These individuals provided honest feedback and helped guide me through moments of uncertainty. If I didn’t understand how to respond or act in a situation, I knew I could rely on them for direction. Now, outside that environment, I’ve had to do a lot of self-reflection, and there’s still so much I don’t fully understand.
When I consider the challenges related to social interactions and the nuances of human connection, it makes sense why neurodivergent individuals often struggle to break through employment barriers. People tend to feel comfortable around those who are like them, and I saw this reflected throughout my career. Hiring decisions were often based on familiarity—candidates who shared similar traits with their interviewers or those who were outgoing and able to sell themselves. While self-promotion has its place, it raises the question: what about those with valuable skills that aren’t immediately visible? How do we ensure that everyone, especially those who may struggle with self-advocacy, is given a fair chance?
This is the challenge I face today. I’ve studied human interaction extensively, yet I still don’t fully grasp human connection—an essential component of integrating into the world. I understand the concept of small talk and see how it facilitates connections, but I struggle with it. While I can engage in conversation, it often feels insincere. There’s still so much about communication that escapes me, and I know that some people see me as "weird" or "different." This makes it difficult to find my place, and overcoming the fear of connection is one of my greatest challenges.
When I look at the top challenges to gaining employment, many revolve around communication in some form. These challenges include:
So, how do we overcome these challenges? I’ve often been told to "just get over it" or "don’t worry about it," but the reality is that these struggles are a part of who I am. A career coach once told me that my greatest challenge in life would be interacting with others, and I’ve focused on that. But rather than simply overcoming, it’s been about adapting, learning, and growing.
Is there a solution? While I can research various approaches, there is no single answer—each person faces their own unique challenges. However, I’ve found that the most growth, comfort, and ability to connect with the world have come through the compassion, understanding, and empathy of others. By opening up to those around me and creating a trusted space where I could share my challenges, I was able to grow. Building a support network of people who could help me navigate difficult situations was essential. Forming that connection may be the hardest part, but once it’s established, it’s incredible how much people can grow and showcase their true talents.
Though I may not always show it, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my life. Your support has meant more than words can convey.
For anyone reading this, this is a glimpse of my journey toward understanding. I’ve shared more details in other posts, but this is the essence of my experience. Finding empathetic, compassionate individuals has been the key to overcoming obstacles and moving forward, day by day.