Transferred from Johannesburg, South Africa to Houston, Texas, Jessica Pool volunteers at SEARCH in the Resource Center and Development Department.
Jessica’s husband was recently transferred to Houston but she knew she couldn’t work on a spousal visa. She needed something to do that was rewarding and that would leave her with a sense of achievement. Volunteering to help those in great need was her “go to” activity. Her parents instilled the value that giving back and being grateful is vital
“Every day on our way to school, we would so many people who were homeless or much less fortunate.” Jessica was involved in many volunteer activities in South Africa. She was part of a group that sponsored a family with 7 children who were living with AIDS. She also raised money for local animal shelters.
Jessica studied tourism and worked for a cruise line, traveling world-wise, between 2007-2009. When she realized that traveling was not her passion, she became an employment recruiter when she found that helping people find their own passion was something she greatly enjoyed.
Jessica tells the story of a SEARCH client who came in the Resource Center on a rainy, cold February day. She remembers that he had such a smile and aura of positive energy. He told her that he was so grateful that the rain woke him up.
“He always has a smile on his face. He calls me his South African daughter.”
“No matter what you’re going through each day, there is always something to be grateful for.”
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