Fine tuning his self-confidence and selling himself to an employer are the most important things that Richard learned in the Starkloff Career Academy. “Meeting and getting to know my fellow classmates was amazing,” he adds. “Seeing how strong the human spirit is, the huge obstacles that can challenge us to accomplish and achieve so much. I am in awe of my classmates.”

Richard came to the Career Academy with a BA in Art History from UMSL. The Career Academy helped him develop strong interviewing skills and learn how to self-promote. Richard is now teaching at the St. Louis Community College, where he leads a continuing education class on how to use Twitter as well as freshman orientation, a semester-long class. “The class is to help freshman understand and adjust to the college work load and responsibilities.” He has been there since 2014.

Using his degree and training, Richard values helping students start their journey to learn new skills. “This is a huge task and I admire their will to succeed.”

Richard has Muscular Dystrophy. He has been using a wheelchair since 2003, at the age of 22. Having a disability helps make him an outstanding employee. “I see more possibilities from a different view. We can make anything possible with a different approach.”

“Always look for and find new inspiration,” Richard proclaims. Be a problem solver. “Where there is a will, there is a way.”