Student lands dream job through FGCU R.I.S.E

LEE COUNTY - A senior at Florida Gulf Coast University is turning his passion into a career path through a program designed to help adults with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams.

Landon Evans interns at Miromar Lakes Golf Club as part of FGCU R.I.S.E, Southwest Florida's first academy for adults with intellectual disabilities.

"I come in, I clock in, I go put my stuff in my locker and then I go out," said Evans. "Sometimes I go in the picker, sometimes I go out in sand and sometimes I bring the golf balls out to the range and set them up."

Evans said his favorite part is talking to people.

"It's my dream job," he said.

The program has been helping students like Evans for five years, giving them opportunities many never thought possible.

"For so many young folks with intellectual disabilities, college is not something that you really even consider or really see as an option," said Nicholas Kutz, the career development coordinator for FGCU R.I.S.E.

Kutz said Evans spent his first year building his resume and working on interview skills before applying what he learned in his internship at the golf club.

"And then to be able to see him come here and apply it has really been amazing," he said.

The staff at Miromar Lakes Golf Club said Evans has made an impact on everyone there.

"We've learned as much from Landon as he's learned from us," said Baker Fredal, a professional golf management intern at the club and junior at FGCU.

James Tamasy, assistant golf professional at Miromar Lakes Golf Club, said Evans has been a great addition to the team.

"He's been great to have here, we're really thrilled to have him and he's done a great job as well," Tamasy said.

With graduation weeks away, Evans has his sights set on a full-time position at the golf club.

"Hopefully...hopefully! I'm hoping I'll be back here," Evans said.

FGCU R.I.S.E is always looking for more businesses that could benefit from having interns on board. Kutz said bringing in more companies means opening up more doors for students looking to gain real-world experience and build their careers.