The Origins of ELEVATE NEXT

Recently, I came across a business card I saved from my very first, real career job out of college at the International Institute of St. Louis (IISTL). Driving down the highway on my way to interview for the job, a tire blew on a semi-truck and exploded into the side of my car. It sounded like warfare had just erupted. I assumed my car was annihilated, but, after pulling over, I realized it received only minor cosmetic damage. Upon arrival at the Institute, my future boss and colleagues were very understanding of my somewhat harried, late arrival to the interview. I was shocked at their kindness.

As a Job Developer at the International Institute, I found my place helping others – refugees and immigrants - to find their place (and job) in the United States. My studies in college had focused on international relations. I had traveled quite a bit by this point, but, at the age of 22 I still had a lot to learn about how the rest of the world lived. I met refugees and immigrants coming from circumstances across the globe that many of us cannot comprehend. Working with doctors, veterinarians, government officials, tailors, professionals of all kinds, and parents trying to protect and provide for their families profoundly changed my life. I was humbled by their stories – and their strength. Refugees and immigrants often have to start over in their new country with an entry-level job because of language and cultural barriers.

In helping to prepare their new resumes in English, I learned their stories - something that most people they meet in their new lives may never know. I will never forget this unique experience – or the sheer determination of the families that just wanted to survive. The clients with whom I worked were some of the most accomplished people in their field. Most of us have never been in a position to fear for our lives, or for the lives of our families and friends, because of political, religious, ethnic, or other persecutions.

While working at the International Institute, I also received life-changing career guidance from my boss and mentor, Glenda Sullentrup. When I told Glenda that I did not feel comfortable speaking in public, she encouraged me to join the St. Louis chapter of Toastmasters International. I was the only young or female person in the chapter at that time. Looking back, I can’t believe how much I learned and improved my public speaking skills. Toastmasters provided a very unusual (but accepting) setting for a girl fresh out of a liberal arts college in Colorado. Glenda has remained a mentor and friend ever since, and she is another gem I treasure from my time at the Institute.

In the end, remember to be kind to those you meet – everyone has a story you might be glad to know. Ask and listen. The colleagues, volunteers, refugees, and immigrants with whom I worked at the International Institute of St. Louis more than a decade ago are the ones that inspired me to take a plunge and start ELEVATE NEXT. I will always have more to see and learn, but I owe a deep debt of gratitude to those IISTL colleagues and clients, who inspired me and taught me the foundational principles that started me on a rewarding, lifelong path.

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Glenda Sullentrup, MA, LPC, MCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Career Counselor with over 20 years of experience. She has her own practice, Inspired Life & Work, in St. Louis, Missouri. She recently launched a virtual career exploration workshop, Inspired LifeworkShop.

The International Institute of St. Louis is a 501(c)3 based in St. Louis, Missouri and is dedicated to building a more connected and productive society to benefit immigrants, their families, and the wider community. Please contact your local refugee resettlement shelter to see how you can help support their mission to relocate displaced peoples.

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