My first job was at a retail store, and though I had some interaction with various individuals at the store, I never really had much conversation. I occasionally worked as a cashier, but mainly I just folded clothes and tried my best to avoid glares from people shopping there. And don't get me wrong, this wasn't to be rude or anything, or because I was lazy; it was mainly because I was so uncomfortable and inexperienced when talking to people, it pretty much gave me anxiety. So, when I switched to a new job more in the health care field, you can imagine how scared, nervous, and intimidated I was to start. I was afraid no one would take me seriously because I had such little experience in communicating with people on a professional level. But eventually I settled in and here are just a few things I learned because of this job:

1. I learned how to communicate better.

I am now able to be in a room with a patient and talk professionally without doubting myself or thinking I sound stupid. And i love to talk to them! They always have cool stories.

2. I learned to be more independent.

There is no one in a room with you when you have to screen patients, so it's all you. This has helped me so much.

3. I have improved my people skills.

Before this job, I would often go out of my way to avoid contact with individuals because I was anxious, now I have nor problem going up to someone and starting a conversation from nothing.

4. My computer skills have improved.

I have to be on a computer all day, and I type, click, and review more times than I can count. But this has really helped me get papers done faster during school. (I used to type with two fingers)

5. I learned to multitask.

I used to be so bad at multitasking but since I do it everyday, whether it be typing and talking, or thinking and examining, it has helped me greatly.

6. I learned to be more patient.

People will be people, and well, patients require patience sometimes.

7. I became more compassionate.

Everyone has a story, and you would have no idea until they opened their mouths to tell you.

8. I learned new simple skills.

Would you believe I never knew how to use a scanner? Actually yeah that's pretty believable.

9. I learned not sweat the little things.

You will get behind, and patients will randomly get mad at you, and you will mess us, but honestly it's all a part of life, and we can't get hung up on little things.

10. I learned to manage time better.

Whether it be deciding if you will spend your lunch eating or sleeping, or deciding whether it would be smarter to take a new patient, or returning patient first, you learn to manage whatever little time you have to your advantage.

11. I learned to make friends at work.

I used to think work was work, and you shouldn't communicate with others at all. But, I realized sometimes you need to talk to someone who knows exactly what you're going through at work that day and can relate.