“Hi! My name is Pamela Xiong. I went to Sacramento Job Corps Center (SJCC) in October of 2014. At the time I was attending SJCC, I was a full-time employee at Apple. I worked from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Monday through Friday. In addition to attending SJCC and working, I am a full-time mother. I decided to attend SJCC because I did not have the money, nor did I want to owe any loans, for school. I have friends who went to a 4-year university and ended up working at minimum wage jobs, or not working in their field. Even my friends who went to Vocational school end up owing a lot of money, and having to work 2 jobs just to pay off their loans. When one of my co-workers at Apple told me about Sacramento Job Corps, I looked into it and decided to take the opportunity. After having 3 full-time jobs for about 3 months, I decided to put my main focus in completing my trade at SJCC. I quit my job at Apple, and one month later, I started Worked Based Learning (WBL) at Sacramento Community Clinic in the North Area.

I worked as the Front Medical Receptionist for WBL. My most important job duty was to greet patients. Whether the patient was having a good or bad day, I greeted each and every one of them with a smile. It was a fast-paced and busy work environment. It was challenging at times. However, it was fulfilling when I was able to help out a patient, and they leave the clinic satisfied. It was definitely a great experience for me! I was not only fulfilling the patient needs, but also collaborating with the other health team members and providers. I learned a lot from the staff. They took time to explain protocols and train me on various aspects of the position.

After 6 weeks of WBL, the Medical Office Manager offered me the Front Medical Receptionist position. I took the position and worked part-time so that I could finish my trade in Medical Officer Support (currently known as MAA, Medical Administrative Assistant). After finishing my trade in July of 2015, I went to work full-time. I live in South Sacramento and the drive was far for me. However, I was determined. I worked hard so that I could gain experience and knowledge in the medical field.

I have been with the clinic for 2 years and 5 months. I started as a Front Medical Receptionist and was recently promoted to Medical Biller. I have always been interested in being a Medical Biller. After the hard work and hours that I put into the clinic, I have finally achieved my ultimate career goal. This is very exciting for me. Even though it was a longer process to become a Medical Biller, I do not have any school loans to worry about. Going to Sacramento Job Corps definitely worked for me! If it wasn’t for the opportunity that SJCC gave me, I would not have achieved my goal as a Medical Biller. I want to thank everyone at Sacramento Job Corps for helping me with my journey. What I want to tell future students is “Never give up on your goals because one day you will arrive where you want to be””.

-Pamela Xiong, former SJCC Trainee

Thank you, Pamela, for sharing your story. SJCC couldn’t be prouder of you for setting an example for the other students, but most importantly, for your inspiring hard work and dedication to achieve your goals. Congratulations!