To a college student, there’s nothing more satisfying than obtaining a part-time job. Whether it’s having spare cash for the weekend or paying back student loans, money inevitably makes everyone happy. Personally, I could really care less about money. I love my cafe job simply because of the effect is has on my life. My job means more to me than most because of the people I have the pleasure of working with. This is an opportunity for me to say thank you to my coworkers:
Thank you for caring
While attending post secondary education, some people can be extremely self-centered. It is a time when society suggests we should be. We have to compete to be at the top of our class and be the first person to land a prestigious internship or be accepted into an elite program. Unlike my classmates, my coworkers quickly became aware of my mood. They aren’t afraid to call me on it. Normally I’m able to put on a brave face and make my way through a rough day, but not at work. Little things like, “You don’t seem like yourself, are you okay?” or “Do you want to talk about it?” reminds me someone actually cares. So, thank you.
Thank you for teaching me to lighten up
I hate being the new girl. Starting a new job can feel like walking on eggshells. You haven’t yet figured out the culture of a new place, let alone the ins and outs of your responsibilities. At my job we have a saying for when people do something wrong. It’s custom for the person who witnesses the accident to politely whisper “mistakes!” The first couple shifts when I spilled things or made the wrong order I felt embarrassed. As a perfectionist I naturally beat myself up inside because I want to get it right all the time. Over time through reassurance that I wouldn’t be fired for spilling a bag of walnuts, I began to not take myself so seriously. Making mistakes is unavoidable in any job.I finally began to give myself the grace I extend to other people. Thank you.
Thank you for showing what it means to serve
My whole life I’ve grown up believing that to help people I had to volunteer. Somehow I had it in my head that serving people less fortunate than I was the only way to genuinely help others. Work reminds me kindness is going out of your way for people. Sometimes it’s pulling out a chair for a mom with a handful of kids. Other times it’s remembering a customer’s order and greeting them by name because they’re a regular. The small things matter and they will always matter. Serving people doesn’t have to be through healing or donations. Honesty and kindness go much farther than a check sent from around the country.
I feel blessed to know my co-workers and even call some of them friends. A simple thank you doesn’t seem to cover the gratitude I have, but it’ll have to do for now. So thank you.
