… It wasn’t long before I was called to a meeting with the Director of Hospital Facilities, the Hospital Project Administrator, and the General Manager who worked for a private contractor responsible for all medical center renovation and new construction. Gwen was not kidding. After they formally introduced themselves, the Director of Hospital Facilities opened with a proposal. The hospital administration wanted someone to follow up on the construction projects and report on what has been completed to date. Since many of the contractors were working through the night, they needed someone to follow up with them, and report back any problems encountered that would deter completion. They also informed me I would be the one to schedule the areas to be cleaned and ready for occupancy by working with the Environmental Service night manager.
…..I would also be working with the skilled trades personnel, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters getting their “signoffs” as projects were completed. That information would be left with the General Manager and the Director of Hospital Facilities on a nightly basis. They understood I was pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree and my work schedule would be based on my class offerings. They were willing to work with me on that. “Was I interested?” This was a chance of a lifetime and I knew it. I was going to play a part in the growth of the Detroit Medical Center while I was still an undergraduate student at Oakland University. I let them know I was very interested. I also understood I’d have to work a flexible schedule. They understood my need to be in class to meet degree requirements by passing those classes as well. I would meet with them again.
… That meeting would be with our Personnel Manager, The Director of New Facilities Construction, and the Vice-President of Harper-Grace Hospitals. They told me the job was a good opportunity and they didn’t want to lose me. They thought other employers were interested in employing me as well. I was flattered, but still naive, and wondered what they meant by that? What other employers? I thought to my self, who has times for other employers? I was very excited and looked forward to our next meeting. In the days ahead that’s all I could think of. I had to refocus. School!!!! I had to stay on top of four classes worth of home work, papers due, and lecture notes to decipher.
…Exams were also coming up in all of my undergraduate classes. They were extremely important. They were all the classes required for my major in Public Administration and Public Policy. This was also my first full semester at Oakland University. This I thought would determine my career path and if I should pursue Law School. I had a lot riding on these four classes. I was even happier as I later found out I not only passed all of the exams with an A average, but I was now on the Deans list for academic honors. I had a 3.80 GPA. All I could think off was thank you “Jesus.” My prayers for continued guidance were being answered. This was a new world for me, and I wouldn’t be lying by saying at times I had felt very overwhelmed. All I could think of at those stressed moments was how nice it was camping in Canada, fishing for salmon, and driving on the open Canadian highway with music playing on my cars stereo. Hebrews 10: 1-10
MJ-Way 