Albert Yu, 17
Ballpark Vendor
University California San Diego
Intended Major: Sports Marketing
"[While at Juma,] my communication skills and seriousness with people have definitely improved…I learned something special about myself at Juma Ventures when I vended at the Giant's opening day game. I wasn't the top vendor that day but I realized how significant competition is."

Ethan Mims II, 17
Ballpark Vendor
California State University East Bay
Intended Major: Computer Science
"With my involvement with Juma, I realized a personal strength was to never give up on myself no matter what…What I have learned will benefit me in the future."

Tiffaney Lau, 17
Cart
City College of San Francisco
Intended Major: Social Worker/Teacher (k-5)
"I already knew that [Juma] was different from any other work place I've been. Not only were the workers kind and understanding, the programs and workshops pertained to a student's future, not just the immediate present. I've learned skills that helped me at work such as: customer service (which I never believed I had the patience for), how to do multitasks efficiently, even when it seems impossible, and being responsible for something larger than just myself."

Alvin Yu, 17
Team Leader/Cart
San Francisco State University
Intended Major: Business
"Contributing to the Individual Development Account is one of the most intelligent decisions that I've made. Having Juma match my money two to one will help me financially."

Jesus Ramirez, 18
Vendor
University of California Davis
Intended Major: Biomedicine/Mechanical Engineering
"One of the ways that Juma was an asset to me was that they helped me get through one of the toughest points in my life. The Individual Development Managers helped me the most because they helped me solve my own problems."

Latrice Shanae Atkinson, 18
Cart
Grambling State University
Intended Major: Nursing/Business
"I am dedicated in my work and I work hard. I know all of this to be true, but I would not have believed it if somebody else hadn't told me. I realized that I needed to trust in myself first…I never thought that I would get past the 11th grade due to my grades and attendance. I can say that I have achieved one part of my goal by graduating from high school and getting accepted into a four year university at an historical black university… Knowing my strengths is how I realized that I am a strong person and know that I can do anything. I just have to believe in myself and keep a good attitude."

Preston Chen, 17
Cart
San Jose State University
Intended Major: Architecture/Dentistry
"To be honest, Juma has done more for me than I could ever do for Juma. Juma always provides and provides, and the only thing in return we are asked of is participation and compliance-a seriously sweet deal…I've learned from mistakes and realized that time management not only affects myself but others as well. By improving the way I handle time, I can effectively spend my hours wisely and make sure people around me don't waste their time because of me…There is one thing about me that I can always be proud of and it's that I hate to disappoint others. If it's a 'promise,' I won't break it because guilt to me is unbearable. This trait can be translated to 'the will of others will become mine.'"

Henry Tran, 17
Vendor
San Francisco State University
Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering
"I am a valuable asset to Juma. By working to the best of my ability, I am setting off a positive vibe for the people in my environment and therefore create a domino effect of hard workers…Determination would be one of my strengths. I believe my determination has been fueled not only by my parents, but also the drive I have to be successful. I realized at an early age that my parents immigrated to America in search for a better life for their children and I do not want to disappoint them. They have worked hard to provide me with an education so that I can be the best I can be in life and that's what I plan on doing."

Anthony Rodriguez, 17
Vendor
University of California Berkeley
Intended Major: Political Science/Psychology
"Juma has supplied me with a cushion to help me smoothly transition into adulthood. It has exposed me to life as an accountable young adult, pushing me to take on responsibilities from work, set personal goals for myself, and interact with the community of diverse individuals…Soon after I was hired, I felt a bit overwhelmed with the amount of work that I was juggling. Struggling to divide my time wisely and efficiently, I often prioritized one task over another, either resulting in the decline of my grades or increase of my exhaustion at work. Through trial and error, and discussing my anxiety with staff, I leaned that I had the ability to control how I spent my time, meaning I realized I couldn't rely on anyone but myself to get the work done."

Cheryl Pascual, 18
Supervisor
Intended Major: San Jose State University
Business (Advertising or Accounting)
"I have contributed to Juma Ventures by participating in the planning and making of the Juma Youth Advisory Board…A personal strength of mine is resiliency. Even though there were obstacles that I had to face, barriers that have blocked my way and tried to prevent me from reaching my college goals, I was able to pick myself up again. Here I am today: anticipating moving into my dorm, excited about the weird classes I chose to take, and ready for a new beginning."