My phone buzzed in my pocket as emotions wiped over me. I was nervous, yet eager. I looked at my phone. This was it – the call I had been waiting for. And here it was.

“Hi. Is Courtney available?”

“Yes, this is she.”

“This is Adam from Molly’s Gluten-Free Bakery. If you’re still interested, we’d like you to start work here this Tuesday at 3 o’clock.”
“That sounds great! Thank you very much.”

I might have been a little overdramatic in that moment, but this job determined if I could move on from being a restaurant hostess.

On that Tuesday afternoon, I was nervous, but ready. My first impression is my last impression. Feeling good, I drove to the bakery. I told myself this job would be simple. I will ice some cupcakes, bag some bread, and maybe even bake a cake. How hard could it be?

“Do you know what gluten is?” Adam, the manager, asked.

“Foods with sugar in them, right?” I answered with confidence.

“No, gluten is actually foods that have a protein composite processed from wheat and some grains. Sugar is a common misconception. Eventually, you will need to know this, and more, to answer any questions customers might have.”

So maybe this job will harder than I anticipated.

I was now expected to learn about a diet I didn’t even need to be on. I tried my best to make a great first impression, but I still sensed tension. I felt that some of my new coworkers didn’t like me. I’m a “newbie” – what more can I expect?

Being aware of the tension, I worked harder. I was as efficient as possible. I tried to remember as much information as I could. The first few weeks were stressful and I knew I had to stay focused. But, I wasn’t focused enough.

“Courtney, it looks like some customers are being charged less recently. We have lost about 27 dollars in sales this past week,” my boss Mary said.

My stomach dropped and I felt horrible. Was this a crime? I thought I was about to lose my job. How could this have happened?

Mary explained that the computer system can be tricky. That’s when I realized I had been clicking the wrong buttons. That would explain the shortage in money. I would have to pay closer attention.

I offered to give her the 27 dollars out of my next paycheck. She declined, but gave me a second chance. And I didn’t let her down.

In the following weeks, I worked hard and I pushed myself. I stayed focused and I learned what I needed to know about gluten. I stayed determined. And the tension with my coworkers vanished.

Not only has this job been fun, but I have also learned more about responsibility and work ethic. I couldn’t ask for a better job as a student in high school, and I am thankful I pursued it. I am elated to bring my skills and determination to your school, and as a future alumni, I cannot wait to see how I will further improve upon them.