I first came to the EOYDC to apply for a position in the Administration Department. The job lead had come from one of my mentors, Ms. Ophelia Long. She felt the EOYDC would be a wonderful environment for me to work in, along with the fact that most of my work experience was in the administration field. At the time I had no idea that God had strategically placed me on this path, but who ever does? Once I received a call back from Ms. Regina, the rest was history in the making. During the interview, I gave Ms. Regina information on my work history. I also shared that I had been serving as the Teen Bible Study Instructor at my church, which had over 6,000 members at the time. She halted and said, “Would you wait just a minute, I have another job description that I would like for you to read. It’s a Job Trainer position that I have just created.” The job would require me to assist the Job Developer, train youth and adults in professional etiquette, construct cover letters and résumés, teach job seeking skills, and assess all new Project J.O.Y. participants. After reading it, I didn’t understand why she had given it to me. She said, “I think you would make a great receptionist, but I just don’t see you doing that, not with your personality and the various skills that you possess.” So I became the Job Trainer of the East Oakland Youth Development Center. In less than 2 years, I was promoted to Job Trainer/Developer, and in January 2006, I will have been here for 7 years. I love working here, and I feel that this experience has not been just a job, but a God-given calling on my life. I have been blessed to work with, train, mentor, help, and love youth and adults from one of the nation’s highest risk communities. I also feel blessed to be mentored, shaped, and challenged by such a powerhouse as my boss Ms. Regina Jackson. There is no one more proud of being a part of the EOYDC than me. This is my home and one of the greatest contributions of my life. -Jackie Anderson, Job Trainer/Developer