“How would you like to have free ice cream for the rest of your life?”
These were the words spoken to my brother, who has Down Syndrome, at Togo’s/Baskin Robbins as the owner served us ice cream. I nearly teared up, feeling glad that people valued my brother. From that moment on, I wanted to work there.
In addition to my desire to be a part of such a great company, I decided last summer that I had to have a Coach handbag. My parents refused to buy one for me, so I concluded that with such a job I could earn a purse myself.
I nervously awaited my interview at Togo’s/Baskin Robbins as I played with my skirt. I was prepared for my first job interview, but my stomach felt like butterflies were fluttering around inside.
The managers asked me a multitude of questions, including an inquiry about a time I had failed, why I wanted to work at this particular franchise and what my strengths were.
I awaited the owner’s call anxiously as I sat behind stage at a choir concert until I checked my phone and saw that I had a voicemail from the owner. I listened to the message and it felt like my heart stopped as the manager announced that I was hired.
The first month of work was difficult as I was being trained. I learned how to delicately scoop the perfect round balls of ice cream, blend the chilly refreshing milkshakes, pile ingredients on and tightly wrap a multitude of sandwiches, how to clean up and where supplies were located so I could restock.
Though I enjoyed my job, the manager only gave me about two three-hour shifts per week, as I was new and and slow at helping customers. The added incentive of more earnings convinced me to work harder.
My second job was working in my father’s office, Regency Investment Advisors. The repetition of repeating the phrase: “Hello, Regency Investment Advisors. This is Sydney speaking. How may I help you?” several times an hour made me feel robotic and phony as I stuffed, sealed and mailed envelopes. However, I did enjoy being in the corporate environment. I became friendly with my co-workers and joked around with them during the slow times.
My final job was working in the office of my parents’ church, North Fresno Mennonite Bretheren. I answered phones and took messages for staff members who were out of the office. I also edited, printed and folded the Sunday bulletin, with the help of staff and church members.
I liked this job because I got a taste of all the small yet important jobs a secretary has to do. It was particularly stressful because I was representing a Christian community. Slipping up became a constant fear of mine. I attempted to be calm by telling myself that the staff was forgiving and any mistake I made would not cause a life-or-death situation.
Togo’s/Baskin Robbins was my favorite job because I loved to do my best to make customers happy. However, the work was very demanding. Scooping ice cream quickly becomes tricky when the tasty treat has chunks or is too soft. Once a customer impolitely commented that I was taking too long; other customers were coming and leaving, she said, but she was still waiting for her sandwich. Being publicly criticized was humiliating.
I wish I could say that I worked three jobs to pay for college or to support a missionary. However, I saved for something much less noble: a Coach purse and new jeans.
Despite my less-than-selfless intentions, there were added benefits to my work-filled summer. I learned how to be humble yet confident. I now have three references to put down on my next job application and I expanded my skills three times over. I also learned how to manage my finances better, dress professionally and handle an angry customer. Though the work was hard, I was both blessed by the opportunities I was given and improved by my intense summer efforts.
