Hello, my name is Chandell Mitchell. I am a graduate of Old Dominion University. I majored in psychology with a minor in human service. Since graduating in 2015 I have worked in the customer service field. Many of my positions have dealt with the older generation. I’m currently perusing my second undergraduate degree in human services. With my previous position as an aide, I realized how much I loved working with the elderly generation.

Ever since I was a child, I knew my purpose in life was to help. My parents thought I would have a career working with animals. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of spiders or snakes! But when I look back over my younger years, I realized how much I would always hang out with my older family members. I loved helping my aunts and uncles with choirs and running errands for them. As I got older, I realized that I wanted to work with the elderly.

After I graduated from ODU, I moved to Jacksonville, FL. My first job was working for a Home Health Aide company and would sit with a few clients throughout the week. I would do everything from light housekeeping to preparing meals for them. I thoroughly enjoyed that position and miss the friendships I built. When I relocated back to my hometown after my divorce, I began working for a bank. Many of my clients are elderly; it’s like the older generation gravitates towards me.

As far as my career goes, I would like to be a caseworker for the geriatric crowd. I feel like my heart and purpose would be fulfilled with this position. I wouldn’t just be working for a paycheck, but I would genuinely love my job. This course has taught me what to expect from the human service field. It has also taught me a lot of time-management skills. Trying to balance school and a full-time position have been difficult. I’m personally, glad I’ve found my purpose in life at the age of 25.