Customer Spotlight: Jesse Talks Special Olympics Oregon, YouTubing, and D&D!

We’re excited to kick off our new “Customer Spotlight” series, where we celebrate the voices, achievements, and experiences of the incredible individuals we serve at Community Pathways. In each post, we’ll be featuring a different customer and share a bit about who they are, what they’re working toward, and what brings them joy. Stay tuned as we get to know some of the amazing people who make up our community!

This July, our Administrative & Communications Specialist, Loren, connected with one of our long-time CPI customers, Jesse. In their interview, Jesse shares about his experience participating and mentoring in the Oregon Special Olympics, how he got started with his YouTube channel, and gives a special shout-out to his fellow D&D fans!

Jesse at the 2025 Special Olympics Oregon this July.

First of all, what was it like competing in the Special Olympics Oregon?

It was not easy!

What did it involve?

It involved two days of running, jumping, and throwing. 

And how did you train for that?

Like I said, lots of running, lots of practice, and even outside of practices, I was still doing something.

That sounds pretty grueling!

Yeah, and it’s even harder when you’re dealing with 90 degree weather.

Was this your first time competing in the Special Olympics Oregon?

No, I’ve been doing it for years. I’ve been collecting medals pretty much since day one.  I’ve got a whole wall full of them. 

What have you gotten from your experience with the Special Olympics Oregon?

Well, I’ve been training a little protégé – I’m proud of that kid. He actually made history as the first pentathlon youth. That means you do five events in track and field: 100-meter run, long jump, shot put, high jump, and 400-meter run.

That’s really cool that you’ve been able to pass your experience along like that.

I figured it could be put to good use when the time comes to pass the torch.

The Special Olympics celebrated 56 years in 2025!

Would you have any advice for people who are interested in participating in the Special Olympics Oregon, but might be nervous or don’t know how to get started?

Take that first step. I mean, basically that’s what you can do in every aspect of life. It’s how I started my YouTubing. It took a thousand miles, but you’re never going to make those miles if you don’t take that first step.           

And how long have you been doing your YouTube channel?

Years! I’ve honestly lost track! I’d say I’ve been doing it since maybe 2013? Over the years you kind of lose track. Now I’m well over 1,000 followers, which I call ammonites.

Why do you call them ‘ammonites’?

To understand that… I cover dragons, dinosaurs, and all things deep sea in regards to gaming. I had to think of a way to combine all three of them as a mascot, and I came up with ammonites. I do parodies, top 10 lists… It’s evolved to the point that I have digital puppets to do a puppet show, which is called “V-tubing.” My channel is called “yenguyandfriends.” I cover both new games and old games. I try to add a little bit of nostalgia and intrigue here and there. 

Since there are a lot of things out there in the mainstream that are not so good, I wanted to be an alternative to it. It started as a casual fun thing, but the more I did it and the more things that I’ve seen, the more I felt responsible to give a little something that people can actually look forward to. I do what I can. 

It sounds like you have a real diversity of interests, Jesse.  It sounds like you’re up to a lot of really cool stuff.

There’s a lot of projects that I want to get going on, but it’s kind of hard when you’re trying to balance YouTubing with real life. It can be daunting sometimes, but it’s worthwhile.

Can you also mention that I also play D&D?  I am not a dragon-born player, I am actually a dragon player. I do not play diet-dragons, I am FULLY dragon!

I’m guessing this is something that D&D players will definitely understand?

Yes!

Join our “Customer Spotlight” Series!

Customers of Community Pathways are invited to share their stories and help amplify the voices, achievements, and experiences of the individuals we serve.

Want to share your story? Let us know! Contact your Personal Agent, or email us at info@communitypath.org. Our Administrative & Communications Specialist will follow-up with you to schedule a time to talk with you and ask questions about:

• Who you are

• What you’re working on (whether its a job, favorite activity, or specific goal)

• What brings you joy

We look forward to hearing from you!