Dawn Messer has created her personal success story through determination and perseverance.  A Kings High School graduate, Dawn had been employed in retail jobs most of her adult life. She says she knew she would be happier and more productive in a clerical job but those jobs were few in the post 9/11 job market.  She was referred to the Great Oaks Employment Services Program from the Rehabilitation Services Commission and began her job search with the help of Employment Services Specialist Sue Spradlin. 

Dawn was searching for a part time clerical job close to her home in Mason.  She had a little previous office experience, had taken Computer and Keyboarding classes through the Adult Occupational and Continuing Education Program at Live Oaks, and had even enrolled in an Internet Basics class at her local library. 

After months of scanning help wanted ads, submitting resumes and interviewing for jobs, Dawn was hired by Lesa Greene at Terry Lee Chevrolet in Mason.  Dawn said she had a good feeling about the job during the interview.  Lesa and all of the staff she met at Terry Lee were welcoming and encouraging.  She has found that same environment since she has started working as a file clerk in May of 2002.  Dawn works three days a week filing the mountains of paperwork that accompany the sale or lease of a car.  Lesa says she is glad to have Dawn there because she is conscientious and dependable; she knows that things will be filed where everyone can find them.