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Kwik Trip job bringing new independence to area senior
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| By: Rachel Westberg |
January 07, 2009 |
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Cameron High School senior Nathan Sundvall says he loves his job at Kwik Trip in Chetek, and the occasional frustration he has with understanding people because of his hearing impairment does not stop him from enjoying himself at work.
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Due to complications during pregnancy and at birth, Sundvall was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a hearing impairment just days after he was born. Sundvall surprised doctors and was able to attend school in Cameron, using interpreters to help him through classes. About four years ago, Sundvall received cochlear implants, improving his hearing. His mother, Cindy Shirley, who manages a Rice Lake Kwik Trip, says Sundvall can probably hear about half of everything most people can.
Sundvall worked odd jobs while at the high school-maintaining the pop machines and helping with recycling-but had not had a full-time job. On a way to a meeting with other Kwik Trip store leaders last spring, Shirley commented that her son was a very bright young man, but she was worried that there would be very few businesses willing to give him a chance at employment.
"Nathan is smart, a hard worker and would do whatever someone asked him," says Shirley. "But because of his disability, it is not an easy thing to get a job."
Shirley's comments caught the attention of Chetek's Kwik Trip manager Cindy Blaeser, who decided to give him a shot. Sundvall began working in March.
"At first when I started, it was hard," says Sundvall, using his mom as an interpreter. "But I just had to keep on trying things for a while. My mom finally asked me if I wanted to quit. I told her 'no' and that I wanted to keep working. Month after month, it got better. My feet and body weren't hurting anymore."
Sundvall does a variety of jobs at Kwik Trip-from stocking shelves and the cooler to cleaning or buffing the floor. According to Blaeser, she didn't feel there was anything-with the exception of working at the register-that Sundvall couldn't learn to do.
"When I started I had a lot of help, but I've been here nine months and have gotten smarter and know what to do," says Sundvall."
Sundvall has maintained a positive attitude, and it does not go unnoticed.
"When Nathan comes, he is always in a good mood," says Blaeser. "When the snow came and others were complaining, he didn't bat an eye. He is so positive and just wonderful to be around."
Shirley adds that Sundvall's co-workers have been wonderful, and she has told Blaeser that it has given her son a new level of confidence. Sundvall says he enjoys working at the store, even admitting he likes to goof around and have fun with his co-workers. Some co-workers do a little signing, but Sundvall is able to read lips and hear a little, so he can understand short conversations and directions.
"The co-workers absolutely love him," reveals Blaeser. "They all thought it was a great idea to hire him, and once they met him, they had fun with him. We've been very fortunate to have such a wonderful young man join us. He's been a great fit."
Blaeser explains that when a customer asks Sundvall a question, he does his best to listen and read lips to understand what they are saying, Then, he often takes them to the product they are looking for or brings it to them.
"I get frustrated sometimes, because people talk too fast," admits Sundvall. "I'm trying to understand, though. Some people just leave, but a lot of people here-both community members and co-workers- started to talk slower so I could understand."
Customers have even helped Sundvall with random things, helping him carry items to his truck at the end of his shift or even offering to brush the snow off his truck.
Sundvall recently received his driver's license. That, coupled with his new job and truck, has given him a sense of pride in the independence that he has earned.
"It has been wonderful," says Shirley. "I was thrilled when Cindy said she'd give Nathan a chance. When he started work, I didn't know how he'd do. I didn't know how much he could do without me. As a parent, though, I learned to let go."
Sundvall doesn't plan on going to college, and the smile on his face when he talks about his job at Kwik Trip suggests he just might make a career out of it.
"I love my job," he says with a huge grin.
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©The Chetek Alert 2010
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