There's a particular way to stock a shelf.
Products should be organized. Items should be easy to find. Labels should face outward so customers can see what's available.
In retail, it's called front facing.
For Brian, it's one of the skills he's learning during his first internship at Sparty's Café through Spartan Project SEARCH.
But there's more going on here than just stocking shelves.
Brian is learning to follow workplace expectations. He's practicing attention to detail. He's becoming more comfortable completing tasks independently. He's gaining experience in an actual workplace alongside actual employees and customers.
One shelf at a time, he's learning what it takes to be an employee.
Spartan Project SEARCH creates meaningful workplace opportunities for young adults with disabilities, helping interns build the skills, confidence and independence needed for successful employment.
The program recently welcomed Michigan State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko, who visited with interns and staff and saw some of that learning firsthand.
But the bigger story happens during all the ordinary days in between.
It's in showing up.
Learning a new task.
Trying it independently.
Talking with coworkers.
Solving a problem.
And doing it again tomorrow with a little more confidence than yesterday.
Those moments may not look monumental from the outside. That's often how growth works.
For Brian and other Project SEARCH interns, these opportunities are practice for something much bigger.
They're facing forward, too.
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