Like many teenagers, my summer breaks were usually filled with week after week of camps – church camp, softball camp, cheer camp and etc. – leaving little time to even think about getting a job. However, after graduating from high school this year, I found myself so free I didn’t know what to do! Not wanting to waste my summer, I decided to get a job as a teller at my local bank. Here is what I learned:

1. Having a job is a lot like going to school or being on a team.

You must show up at a certain time, develop your skills and give it your all. I see now that school was doing much more than just teaching me how to read and write. It taught me to be punctual and to focus on the task at hand. Being on a team, I learned that you must always try your best and give all your effort or someone else will take your place – a job is no different. Not showing up or not completing your work will ultimately leave you unemployed.

2. Work ethic counts A LOT.

Being the youngest and latest hired at the bank, where I have been employed this summer, I certainly heard my fair share of millennial jokes. I now feel a responsibility to help break the stereotype of my generation. We tend to be viewed as video-game-loving, Bernie-Sanders-supporting, cell-phone-addicted slackers looking for a handout. I must say, I do understand that assumption to a degree. But, this summer I felt a great deal of pride in my first attempt at adulting. Some days I missed being a kid who could pack up and go wherever I pleased or hang out with my friends at a moment’s notice. And, unfortunately, my tan definitely suffered this summer! But, I believe our generation gets a bad rap. At 18-1/2 years, I really did want to be employed! This was true of at least 90 percent of my friends, as well. As a result, every hour spent at work really made me appreciate the time I did get to spend with friends and family.

3. Money means more when you make it yourself.

A couple months ago, I threw around money like it was no big deal. However, now that I know firsthand what it takes to earn money, I’m no longer so quick to spend an hour’s worth of wages on a chili cheese cony and ocean water from sonic. It was a rude awakening to realize the Kendra Scott necklace I would have asked my parents for like it was no big deal, is worth a whole day’s hard labor! Coming to an understanding of the value of money has made me much more appreciative and frugal. You’ve heard the old saying, “It’s not your salary that makes you rich, it’s your spending habits." Well, this actually means something to me now!

4. I have a new sense of pride now that I can buy my own things.

It’s honestly the best feeling ever to be able to buy those cute, strappy sandals at the mall without asking my parents first! Not only does earning money give one a sense of accomplishment, cutting those apron strings – to a degree – is a feeling most young adults (and parents, too) greatly desire! Ahhhh, sweet independence! Because of this new sense of pride, I now have a desire to push myself harder to earn more. I pray I never know how it feels to not be able to pay rent or feed my family when I am finally, truly, on my own. Working in a bank, I witnessed the different ways people handle money which raised many questions on personal finance, money management and the nagging question of why most schools don’t educate students more thoroughly on these topics. Also, seeing the amount of taxes that our government withheld from my check every two weeks certainly has me watching and rooting for Trump and his attempt at tax reform! No matter what age, who doesn’t want more of their own money in their pocket?

5. I got my first taste of working with the public and it was, well...interesting!

As seniors in high school, my class got pretty used to being top dogs on campus. Teachers would often look to us to step up and be leaders in certain situations. Occasionally, sharing my “wisdom” with an underclassman was needed, for the greater good of the group, and I was happy to oblige! The tables turned on me this summer, however. Working the drive-thru window at a bank as a young, inexperienced, new hire really humbled me. Not everyone was nice or patient. Once or twice, I wanted to -- but I couldn’t -- just tell someone, straight up, how rude they were being. I had to learn to be mature enough to hold my tongue which is something I really struggled with on some days. Yet, it was good for me. Being in a customer service role opened my eyes and has made me really appreciate the people who work with the public every day. Attitude certainly does affect the outcome of every situation. My summer job taught me to always respect the person on the other side and that staying calm and friendly goes a long way toward a positive experience for all.

Overall, my first job was an interesting, enlightening and fun time with people who have made a huge impact on my life going forward. I already can’t wait till next summer!