Reframing the Future

Jan Niesen reflects on the trail of clues that's led to her current position training autism service dogs. "I've discovered my bliss," she writes.

No, I never looked up in the sky, saw the "puppy" constellation and shouted "Eureka!" In fact, my search has taken four years. But there is no question that I've traveled a long distance to reach this point, and I can honestly say that everything is beginning to gel.

Now that I've taken this path, I can look back and see the trail of clues behind me. Last summer, I took my first Life by Design NW class, led by Steven Joiner, about finding work in the non-profit sector. It recommended volunteering at various non-profit organizations to discover whether it was a good fit, as well as an opportunity for them to learn more about you. I followed that recommendation and became a Big Sister. I also volunteered at Life by Design NW and the Humane Society.

But it was the next Life by Design NW class that triggered an important connection. Instructor Dave Rozell asked each of us to write down what we thought we wanted to be as a child. A chill went down my spine when I recalled my dream of becoming a veterinarian or a Seeing Eye dog trainer. I literally picked up the phone the next day and called Autism Service Dogs of America (ASDA). I knew about this organization because I'd met someone a few weeks earlier at my local dog park who was raising a puppy for them. Their office was near my home, and I'd even emailed them - but never heard back. This time, they called back. Eight new puppies had arrived, and they needed volunteers to help with socialization. Off we went to Home Depot. It was such fun.

It's been a few months since I began volunteering with ASDA, and now I'm working 20 hours a week for them. I've discovered my bliss. This organization has everything that I want. I'm helping them do marketing and fundraising, and raise puppies too. I am hopeful that it will become a full-time job for me. I realize that I've come full circle from my childhood dream, and the future is exciting.

Jan Niesen is a single working mom. She has been a successful art director and graphic designer for the past 30 years, working in large advertising agencies in Chicago before moving to Portland and freelancing. When she turned 50 and sent her youngest son off to college, it triggered a life change and search.

Autism Service Dogs of America is a non-profit, community-based organization located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. It provides uniquely trained service dogs to children living with autism and their families. The placement of a dog with a family increases the mobility and socialization of the child and the family. The dog goes everywhere with the child. Its presence calms the child, reduces emotional outbursts and serves as a positive social link for the child to their home, school and community.