…Before I punched out for the day, my last day of work with UPS, my boss made one last attempt to keep me employed with UPS, but I couldn’t accept his offer. He didn’t understand my reasoning. I was motivated to complete my degree requirements, and I found an employer who wants to help me do just that. He believed that the money alone should have motivated me to stay with UPS. I informed him that I did enjoy working here in the beginning. We were all on the same page. The five hour days were perfect for fulltime classes at the college but after the work load was reorganized, the five hour days went to the way side. We were told not to leave until all the trucks were unloaded and loaded. I was lucky to get through my last two weeks of classes. He seemed to understand, and wished me the best, saying “we will definitely miss you.” I thanked him for giving me the chance to work here, and this was my formal goodbye. He acknowledged it.
… So in May of 1975, a month before my twentieth birthday, I accepted employment with Harper Hospital and began a life journey that I believe was divinely inspired. I would learn a great deal about my self, people in general, science, and God. The 15 years I would be employed by them were my learning years. The education I received working at the Detroit Medical Center went beyond the lecture halls I attended at the University. I was a continued work in progress and I really appreciated those who helped mold my growth. Gwendolyn would be the first mentor I had working at the DMC, but there would be more. When I spoke with the personnel manager she wanted me to report to her office to fill out all the necessary forms. She would be responsible for my orientation to the medical center.
… I would be assigned to the afternoon shift in the Central Supply Department. They would train me for sterilizing and distribution of medical equipment. This included the following: Operating room surgical instruments. Supplies to the Nursing Units. STAT runs to any area of the hospital where supplies or equipment were needed immediately. Collection of equipment when maintenance was required. She would introduce me to my supervisor and he would get me started in the department. It was a great feeling knowing I would be working here and I was excited.
…My supervisor also knew Gwendolyn and she spoke highly of me. He informed me of that when I began working. He believed she had an incredible knack for reading people both good and bad. I had scored high on the good side. I thought to myself, man all I did was change her tire, but I didn’t let him know that. She was well respected here and people valued her input. I could tell that for sure. I was either just lucky or God made sure I would run into her that day. In any event, I was on a new life journey and I would make sure to thank her when I see her again. Praise be to God. … My Life’s Journey To Be Continued…. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
MJ-Way 