I would like first of all give thanks to Ms. Regina for giving me the opportunity to advance in my career. I started here as a receptionist in July of 2005. After being the Receptionist for two months, Ms. Regina gave me the opportunity to become her Executive Assistant.

The executive assistant position is critical to the smooth operation of the Center’s continuum of programming. This position works directly with the executive director and requires considerable initiative and organizational skills that enhance the ability to manage and insure the smooth flow of an inordinate amount of information.

This job means a lot to me, particularly because I am able to work with Regina Jackson, the Executive Director. I see her as my role model because I would like my future to look like her present. I don’t want to be exactly like her but I do want to achieve great things as she has. I graduated from college in July 2005, with an Associates degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Software Application. This position requires a lot of experience; I know with the help of Ms. Regina I am going to be successful in this position. This job means a lot to me, because I able to spend more time with my daughter and I am also able to take her to different places where she enjoys having fun. I also like to be around the kids and be able to help them in anything they need.

I have been working here for four years. I have seen a big improvement in every aspect of my life. This was actually my first administrative position. I knew only the basics of being a receptionist, so I had some challenges in my new position. As time passed, I started improving in my weak areas. Since I have been promoted to executive assistant, I now have more responsibilities and I have to meet and exceed expectations in order to keep my position. What I have learned working here is that no matter if you have a degree or not, we still have things to learn everyday. For example, I take critiques from my coworkers as a lesson for me to become better, and have learned that in order to work in a place like EOYDC, you have to be willing to be a team player. The reason I say this is because we are like family; we are always helping each other.

I decided to go back to school last year to continue my education. This past summer of 2009 I just completed a Nonprofit Certificate at California State University of East Bay. I am currently enrolled at Chabot College taking my general studies classes towards my bachelor degree. I have sacrificed my evenings and weekends to invest in my future. I am a powerful woman changing myself, daughter, family and my EOYDC community. It is never too late or too early to make a difference in you, we can not make a difference if we don’t start with ourselves. I am thankful for all the people that are around me because they are giving me the motivation to keep going.

I would like to thank EOYDC for helping me monetary with the Pathways to College Scholarship to assist with school expenses. Also, I would like to express gratitude to the Soroptimist International of the East Bay for awarding me the Woman’s Opportunity Award to assist with school expenses. I have learned that there is no excuse to continue the path to becoming successful because there are too many people that care for me.

By becoming the executive assistant at EOYDC, I have taken a big step towards my future. After working here I am already “A part of The Solution” and EOYDC has already fulfilled their mission; because I am now a young adult with more skills than before I came here and I am a responsible citizen that has assumed an executive position. I have learned to grow thru my mistakes taking them as lessons to better myself in every way. Everyday I come to work to be productive therefore I expect a positive outcome, and I know I will be successful thanks to the support of EOYDC.

I enjoy working in the nonprofit sector because I am able to give back to the community and I am happy to make a difference and being a role model for our participants. I want to accomplish my goals to let other women know that because you have kids it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams. We have to continue to improve and teach our children that we all need to have an education to be successful in life. Also, I want to be a role model for my daughter.

My legacy would be “making a difference”: I will start by changing myself, then my family, then my community and one day I would change my world.

Alma L. Barocio, Executive Assistant