Andrea is a health care student at YouthBuild, pursuing an EMT certification.  “It’s a family thing,” she said of her career goals. “My father and godfather are both firefighters. I’ve always wanted to be a paramedic.”

Andrea left her old school to find work, but soon discovered that she needed a diploma to get the jobs she was looking for.  Her cousin, a YouthBuild graduate, suggested she apply to YouthBuild.

However, going to YouthBuild means more to Andrea than just getting a diploma and a job certification. Since enrolling, Andrea has found motivation, inspiration and support. “(Health Care Coordinator) Ms. Nakesha is my motivation,” she said.  “She’s on our backs like crazy in the health care program. If we are late or don’t show up, she texts us immediately, and she is always reminding us that our hard work will pay off in the future.”

“I haven’t been at YouthBuild very long, but the staff here have helped me with getting my ID, getting transportation, and even clothing,” Andrea says. “It makes me feel wanted.”

“I’ve been going through stuff, but I manage to show up and stay resilient, and I’m proud of that.  The best piece of advice I’ve gotten at YouthBuild is that nothing is handed to you; you’ve got to put in the work. And when I think about my future, it makes me go at it more.”