Kent State Student Featured on Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Podcast

Kent State University senior Brandon Lewis has big plans to become a sports journalist, he told OOD Works, a podcast by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities that interviews students with disabilities looking to be more independent. And with the assistance of Jessica Vass, a College2Careers rehabilitation counselor at the university, his career options are vast.

Lewis recently talked to OOD Works about his future career goals and how he met Vass, his counselor.

College2Careers is a partnership between OOD  and Kent State, which provides career services to individuals like Lewis with disabilities. Vass, who works in the Student Accessibility Services office, runs the program herself. 

“I always think of it as a partnership between SAS as well as Career Services,” Vass told OOD Works. “So I’m actually on campus helping the students navigate the college life, college experiences and just making sure that they are on track to graduate and to get employment and their degree.”

Lewis, a journalism major and columnist for the Kent Stater student media outlet, connected with Vass last September by scheduling an appointment through the university’s website. Lewis realized he needed to find an internship to graduate, so he sought help. 

“Jessica has been a tremendous help. She really has understood me, she understands my wants, my needs, and she has helped me get on the right track,” Lewis said on the podcast.

Along with being an author of “Brandon’s World” in the Kent Stater, Lewis is the general manager for Kent State’s Black Squirrel Radio. Lewis stresses the importance of seeking out help while looking for jobs or internships. 

“If you have a disability, reach out to SAS, reach out to Jessica directly, and just get started. Because no matter what industry you’re in, no matter if we’re in COVID or not, it’s hard,” Lewis said. “ I will say, right now, I feel like I’m on the right path. If it wasn’t for Jessica and it wasn’t for OOD, I would more than likely still feel lost.”

To listen to the full OOD Works episode with Lewis and Vass, visit https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/about-us/communications/podcasts/

For more information on College2Careers, visit https://www.kent.edu/today/news/ohio-college2careers-creates-opportunity-and-encouragement-students-disabilities-kent.

POSTED: Friday, February 12, 2021 03:21 AM
Updated: Friday, December 9, 2022 01:54 PM
WRITTEN BY:
Olivia Futo