“EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED, IS SITTING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR” | Workbridge

When I was a kid, I was asked by my teacher to participate in a dance competition and represent my class, but I was too scared to go on a stage and perform. I went home, sat on my dad’s lap (my safest haven in the world), with tears in my eyes, sharing my fears.

My dad held my hand, looked into my eyes and told, ” Everything you ever wanted, is sitting on the other side of fear, “ and since then there was no looking back.

Today when I see Delaney Bennett, I feel she is a perfect living example of what my dad told me years ago. I cannot be prouder when I meet her, and she recently celebrated 12 months in work through the help and support from Workbridge.

Delaney lives with an anxiety which impacts her concentration and has caused her to lose her previous job.

Delaney was overwhelmed when I asked what jobs she would like to apply for. In one of the mock interviews with me, Delaney felt shaky and had an emotional breakdown. To begin with, I wasn’t sure myself what would be best for her. She got a trial with our employer Pita Pit and was offered the Job.  2 months in the job and Delaney felt that she couldn’t work there as it was too stressful for her. I met with the employer and requested for some extra support for her.

Since then, there is no turning back for Delaney. Her confidence has gone up, she always greets everyone with a big smile. Great feedback from the Employer. – “If you have more Delaney’s, please send their CV’s to us “. 

Delaney is a true inspiration for many young girls out there who struggle with anxiety on daily basis. Delaney had a tough battle, but she gathered her courage and found her way out to deal with it. I always tell her you treated your anxiety like a sandpaper, no matter how rough it scrubbed you, you ended up becoming more polished and smoother.

A big thank you to Pooja Thakkar, Employment Consultant (now in Christchurch Workbridge team) for the preparation work with Delaney.

Delaney recently informed me that she had her first road trip, (that’s what she gifted herself on her birthday).

– written by Atika Jangral, Workbridge Nelson