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by Winston Clements
Sebastian Jones never imagined he would build a career as a 911 dispatcher, yet today it is hard to picture him anywhere else. For nearly eight years, he has been the steady voice on the other end of late-night calls at Fort Benning, guiding people through emergencies with calm focus.
His journey began at a crossroads. After moving home from college, Sebastian was looking for direction when he attended a job fair. There, he discovered an AbilityOne opportunity that offered more stability than his retail job at Walmart and the promise of a role where his needs would be understood. He took a chance, and it changed everything.
The work is not easy. Dispatching requires sharp instincts, the ability to stay level-headed under pressure, and a willingness to learn constantly since no two shifts are ever the same. But for Sebastian, the challenges have been a source of growth. He has developed new technical skills, honed his leadership abilities, and learned how to thrive in unpredictable situations. “The job pushes you to test your limits,” he explained, “and that’s where I’ve found my motivation.”
Equally important is the environment that makes the work possible. With asthma and other health needs, Sebastian appreciates the flexibility to step away when necessary and the assurance that accommodations are met with support, not resistance. That security has allowed him to focus on his responsibilities without fear that his health could jeopardize his career.
Looking back, Sebastian describes the opportunity as life changing. It gave him not just a paycheck, but independence, stability, and confidence for the future. His advice to others is simple: explore the opportunity. “This job has given me more than I ever expected. It showed me that I’m capable of so much more than I thought.”