As a driven young college student, I ended the semester with high hopes of landing an internship with a journalism or marketing company. Sadly, I discovered many corporations preferred to hire upperclassmen interns, and as a freshman, my resume didn’t appear as impressive as those of the competition.
Out of options and in need of a summer job, I returned to my old job at a pizza restaurant and took the only position available--a dishwasher. I embraced this title five nights a week for an entire summer, and I undoubtedly learned a thing or two along the way.
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1. Time heals most problems.
Each night, I faced a seemingly endless stack of dirty kitchen dishes. I attacked each pot and pan with a stainless steel scrubber, hot water, and gloves, but it made no difference. The real game changer was adding a little hot water and sanitizer to the sink and letting the dishes soak for a while. To my surprise, each dish became extremely easy to clean.
The same holds true for the battles I’m facing at this stage in life. Sometimes, when you are so close to a problem and so involved, it becomes more challenging to step back and evaluate the best option with a level head. By allowing time to heal the problem and clear your head, you will see issues from a new perspective.
2. Things don’t always work out as planned, and that can be for the best.
I didn’t envision the summer after my freshman year being covered in soap, water, and food, or taking a position I felt overqualified for. But I also didn’t expect a paid internship when the majority of my older peers were taking unpaid jobs. Having a paid job this summer could help me travel abroad or be able to sacrifice a summer without pay in return for a great job experience in the future. Sometimes things need to go “wrong” so we can remember that things are often out of our control and that we don’t always know best.
3. Perspective is important.
This summer gave me the opportunity to talk to people outside my social circle (which usually consists of college students my age with similar goals and interests.) Consequently, I met someone at my job that used to work in a coalmine and now works in restaurants to provide for his family. I met many who tried going to college and simply couldn’t handle the pressure. I even met people younger than me who cannot attend their dream schools because they are just too expensive.
This summer was a reality check. Often at IU I overlook the fact that not everyone is able to go to such an amazing university and experience what I do on a regular basis. While Bloomington and college consume so much of my life right now, it’s important to see that others exist outside of my own little world, which helps me gain a better outlook on what truly matters.
4. Be intentional.
There were many nights when it would have been easier to quit than to clean the mile-high pile of dishes that lay before me. But I made it my mission to be the best employee I could be, and it really paid off. Be early to work, regardless of the job. And from the moment you clock in until the moment you clock out, work as hard as you can.
Why wouldn’t you want to give your best at everything you do? Possessing the skill to attack a problem head on will give you an edge over your competition in countless aspects of life. Don’t wait around for the perfect opportunity–make the opportunity.
5. Nothing lasts forever.
About once a week, I would come to terms with how gross and terrible my job was when taking out the trash or mopping the floor. But, knowing that I was lucky enough to only wash dishes for only three months, I found strength in remembering that it would end soon.
There are times when it seems like it just won’t get better. I promise you that it will. Nothing lasts forever and better things will come your way.
