David's Story: From Nervous Beginnings to Full-Fledged Confidence

Upon meeting David Magia Sanchez, his interest and passion for animals comes through.

“I’m a huge animal lover,” he says with a smile. “Either alive or extinct, I like them all. They all look unique and have good facts about them.”

Today, he shares that drive with visitors at the St. Louis Aquarium, where he provides guests with unique animal facts, teaches them about safe interactions, and radiates joy about the thing that he loves.

Getting to this point has been a traveled road. Living with autism, David has faced difficulties that many people of a similar background experience, like finding work that lets his talent shine through and getting the confidence to step into something new.

“When I first got here, I was a little nervous and I didn’t know what to do,” David admits. “I didn’t want to screw anything up. So I just told myself, ‘Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm.’”

David was given the opportunity to find that fit with support from his Easterseals Midwest job coach, Jerome. Taking the time to understand David’s passions, Jerome was able to help him explore areas that connected deeply with him. When discovering an opening at the aquarium, even though his original intent was for the zoo, it clicked immediately.

“Jerome’s nice,” David says. “He knew what my hobby is and what I can do. What I can use my skills for about animals.”

The aquarium allowed David to find his footing, and he was able to find a rhythm. On the daily, he now shares animal facts with visitors, shows them which species they can safely touch or feed, and makes sure everyone is respecting their surroundings. From camo stingrays to jellyfish to all of the different species of sharks, David has the answer.

Working there has given him more than just a daily routine. He now has purpose. He views it as a “place with a huge heart.” When asked about his advice for others looking for their own independence, his answer was very clear:

“People like me can still find jobs and find what their talents are. It might be hard, but eventually you’ll find it. It could take months or years, but it’s worth it in the end. For me, it took months to find it, but eventually I did.”

Given the right support to further his beliefs and vision, his dream came to fruition, even if it wasn’t exactly Plan A. Although the zoo was the dream, today, David has discovered something that has proved just as meaningful: a place that combines his love with his gift.

Become an Employer Partner with Easterseals Midwest today.