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LLOYD AUTEN, ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR The last few years have been quite a journey for Peter Yau in every respect. In 2004, Peter – a successful hotel manager in Hong Kong – suffered a stroke that left him facing a long road of recovery and permanent impairment his short-term memory and the vision in his right eye. Though he grew physically stronger as he recuperated, Peter faced emotional wounds that left him feeling that his life as he knew it was over. Along with his wife and son, Peter left Hong Kong and moved to the United States to begin a new life. Peter was introduced to Goodwill through the South Carolina Commission for the Blind in 2006, and enrolled in the training program at St. Andrews Road in Columbia. Peter started out sorting clothing hangers by size and was gradually able to take on more responsibilities. He was determined to permanently rejoin the workforce, and his determination paid off. In 2007, Peter was hired as a Goodwill employee. “It feels good to help put food on the table, to provide for my wife, my son,” Peter says. Peter is also learning to overcome the physical barriers that remain as a result of his stroke. He carries a pad in his back pocket to jot down notes of things he needs to remember, like job assignments for the day or a message to share with his wife when he gets home. Peter has embraced the chance to work and be productive again. He is confident and content in his new position, where he is a top producer for the Production Team. His joy is contagious; it has earned Peter the nickname of “Sunshine” from his colleagues at St. Andrews. |
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