My name is Caroline and I was born with a facial difference called Hypertelerism, which is the wide spacing of the eyes. I also had a premature closer of the suture which means my soft spot closed too quickly after I was born. Therefore, as a child I had more than 12 surgeries and lots of hospital experiance. I am now a high school and college graduate with a family studies degree and I wanted to work in the social services or medical setting. However, because of many stares and people assuming I cannot do a job due to my facial difference it has been quit challenging to find a full time job or volunteer work. All I want to do is live and work on my own and not still be living at home. Does anyone have any advice on how to handle a facial difference in an interview or volunteer setting? I don't like to wear make up because I feel like my scar represents who I am on the outside.

Hi Caroline! good for you! you should be proud of who you are and not feel that you have to hide to please others.

Interviews can be a tough one and i would have hoped that others would have responded to you. however, here are a few suggestions:
- there are some artilecs on this by other adults in our Life Stages section on the website - go to programs and services-click on life stages and then adults.
- also we have monthly teleconference calls for adults only where by we address such topics in small group discussions - have you joined AF yet? membership is free, sign up and ask about how to log in - the monthly calls are free too
- finally, this june AF is hosting an adult retreat for adults 24 and older - the main focus is to help adults meet and connect with others, develop trust, team building and self confidence - it will be like camp but with wine! LOL! I hope you will join us!! to learn more check out the website or contact randy@aboutface.ca

Hello Caroline,
That is great you want to work in social work. My mom is a social worker in Michigan. She works for Hospice and provides counseling for people who are not expected to survive illness like cancer. It is tough and emotional work counseling people who may be dying. In this line of work I don't believe any one cares about someone's outward appearance just someone who is caring and compassionate. If you would like I could try to help and see if the place my mom works is looking for Social Workers.

Hello again Caroline,
I have also fealt uncomfortable with interviews and what people think about the way I look. However, last year I was able to obtain a job through a telephone interview. I was living in Iowa at the time and the job is here in North Dakota at a call center for technical support. This could be an option you could try for an interview any ways. Without having seen you or a picture I bet you are still very beautiful.