Follow the journey of SLDC alum, Sergio Pousima, as he speaks on the transformative work of SLDC and how he seeks to give back to the school that changed his life.
Memories from an SLDC Alum
In 2003, 19-year-old Sergio Pousima enrolled at SLDC to seek out treatment for his speech impediment.
“I thought I was going to lose my voice,” Pousima shares as he recalls what some experts and doctors had told him. “At the time, a lot of people told me I wouldn’t be able to do certain things and that I would have difficulties in my adult life.”
However, from the moment Pousima stepped foot on campus, SLDC’s dedicated staff and expert therapists sought to challenge what the rest of the world told him he couldn’t do. SLDC founder, Dr. Aleen Agranowitz, personally worked on Pousima’s case and was a driving force in helping overcome his obstacles and reach his goals.
“They challenged everyone individually and took the time and care to know your case and exactly what you needed.”
Pousima remembers how SLDC went above and beyond to ensure his success on campus and his future after SLDC. Programs like SLDC’s Hi-Tops Dance Team and the vocational program created a community of support and taught him social, behavioral, and job skills he would utilize in his adult life.
Around campus, Pousima was known as a “handyman” and would help out wherever was needed. Teachers would ask him to fix all sorts of things in their classrooms and he always kept an open mind to adapt and learn new things to help.
One of his favorite memories with SLDC is applying to his job at Michael’s. With support from the vocational instructor at the time, Teacher Sandy, Pousima walked into the craft store eager to speak with the manager about a job opportunity. Pousima was hired and would work at Michael’s for 9 years thereafter.
Pousima emphasizes how special his relationships with SLDC teachers and therapists were and how they inspired him to pursue his goals and passions. He credits their mentorship as essential to him finding success after graduation.
“You don’t just become an inspiration; you are inspired both ways,” Pousima says.
Passion Turned Career
After graduation, Pousima found his passion as a DJ after attending church events. He realized that working events as a DJ was a way to “share the happiness and energy you have” with others.
Using job and social skills from his time at SLDC and past work experience, Pousima created his own business where he can display his passions professionally. Being a DJ and working events is a very rewarding experience for Pousima. He gets to be involved in people’s life memories. Whether it’s weddings, proms, graduations, or quinceañeras, Pousima is grateful to be part of his customers’ major life milestones and achievements.
“We’re there to create memories. I’m thankful to my customers for allowing us to be part of their memories. Every single one is special. I pour all my time and effort into each event.”
Pousima has also made this business a family affair. His wife, Margeret, works the business side of things while Pousima works on the music and events. They are both extremely passionate about the work they do and always have each other’s backs. They have been married for 6 years and share their life with their five-year-old son.
Giving Back to SLDC
As Sergio reflects on the journey that led him from a young student with a speech impediment to starting his own business and creating a family, he acknowledges the transformative role that SLDC played in shaping his life. He is so grateful to the institution and is now eager to give back.
Having experienced firsthand the unwavering dedication of the staff and therapists, he understands the importance of creating a supportive environment for students. By volunteering and offering his DJ and emcee services during SLDC’s signature events, Pousima aims to provide encouragement and inspiration to current SLDC students, just as he received during his time on campus.
Pousima also envisions a deeper involvement with SLDC, possibly taking on a leadership level volunteer role with the Board of Directors. He believes his unique journey – from a student overcoming speech disabilities to using skills learned at SLDC to start a business – brings a valuable perspective to the table.
To Pousima, this isn’t just a professional aspiration but a heartfelt commitment to ensuring that future generations of students have the same transformative opportunities that he had. Pousima remains grounded in his roots, ready to pay it forward to the institution that believed in him when others doubted.
Learn more about Pousima’s DJ and photobooth business on their website: Calioso Photobooth & DJ
