I've been working as a restaurant hostess since the summer of 2017. It's a small chain of five locations in the DMV area; Cava Mezze, widely known for their fast-casual locations, that emphasizes family, sustainability, and good times. While greeting customers, setting down menus, and becoming part of the "Cava family," I have gained more wisdom, insights, and experience than any school course could have taught me.

Every person I have encountered within my nine months in the restaurant industry has prepared me for the "real world." They showed me how wrong I was about the difference between high school, college, and the working world. The gossip and drama doesn't end. The cliques and exclusive groups follow you. The liars, manipulators, and cheaters never change. The weird kids don't grow out of it. The dumb kids still don't understand anything. And the annoying kids will always be annoying. I believed leaving high school would mean leaving everything I hated about it behind, but I was sorely mistaken. My time working gave me a glimpse of the "high school outside of high school" I would have to prepare myself for.

But every customer had a different reason for all assembling in one place; family time, a birthday, a baby shower, an anniversary, a big game, an old friend, a leaving friend. And every one of my coworkers had a different story; a teen pregnancy, a move from New York, school, a love for food, a need for money. I gained a new perspective and appreciation for those around me and what they endured and celebrated. Before this year, I sneered at those who didn't attend an acclaimed four-year university, apply for internships, and land a stable job. But what I've learned is that not everyone needs to follow that strict route, and not everyone does. Some people go to college, graduate, and serve tables part-time while they search for a full-time job. Some people work in restaurants to make some extra money while they go through college. Some people don't graduate college, or don't graduate high school, but work hard regardless.

The Cava brand prides itself on creating a family-environment, both for its customers and employees. When emergencies happened, someone would always step in to cover a shift. When a mistake was made, the lesson was learned, and no one held grudges. When one person had something to celebrate, everyone had something to celebrate. No matter what happened during each shift, I knew I could go to any one of my coworkers or managers for anything; a ride home, advice, or a simple smile. Working at Cava taught me about the importance of loyalty and family, and it gave me one that I can always come back to.

Within the hours I clocked, I haven't just learned about customer service, or the restaurant industry, I've learned about teamwork, respect and patience. I've learned not everyone follows the same pathway but can still be happy and successful. Most importantly, I've learned that your quality of life doesn't revolve around your job, or school, or your next step, it depends on the people you choose to surround yourself with and the perspective with which you choose to look at life. Undoubtedly, my time at Cava has prepared me for wherever I go and whatever I do.