This past summer I was overjoyed to get my first job. I have now been a proud employee of Cheri’s Bakery (Branford) for about four months, and I can honestly tell you that I love my job.

First of all, I’ll admit, I feel extremely lucky to even have been hired in the first place. Jobs are becoming increasingly scarce and I had already been turned down by multiple other businesses before applying to Cheri’s Bakery. In fact, entering Cheri’s Bakery that fateful day was going to be my final attempt at securing a job that summer; otherwise, I would have resumed my search the following year. Anyway, the manager informed me that she would be in touch, and I was elated. However, a week passed without a word, so I began to worry a bit. But, I reached out once again, via a phone call, and was rewarded with a date to start training. My advice for all of you job-seekers out there is persistence, as it tends to pay off.

The first day I began working, all I remember is being somewhere between scared out of my mind and excited beyond belief. Fortunately, the other girls I was working with those first couple of days were extremely welcoming and put my nerves to rest. There was not much formal training beyond being taught the very basics of what the bakery offered and how to use the cash register. After that, I dove head first into the sea of customers. Of course, my co-workers were always more than willing to throw me a lifeline whenever customers had questions I could not answer or when I was not entirely sure how to do a certain tasks. Once I completed my first weekend of training, I was officially hired and I could not have been happier. I loved the environment, my co-workers, my bosses, and also the baked goods. Oh, not to mention, I loved the paycheck and tips, too!

As more and more working weekends pass by, my knowledge and capabilities involving my role as “Bakery Girl” have grown exponentially. I can rattle off prices and explain almost any item in that bakery. I can sweep and clean until the whole bakery seems to sparkle. Most importantly, though, I can genuinely greet each and every customer with a smile and a sweet item. Of course, there is still a ton of room left for improvement and some customer experiences are not exactly pleasant, but I can honestly say I would not want any other job.

With the start of the new year, I have struggled to balance all my school, family, and work responsibilities. However, I can assure you the additional efforts are worth it. Through my job I continue to learn new things, grow more confident in my people skills, earn my own money, and maybe, just maybe, consume a slightly sweeter diet.

I think the best parting advice I can lend all my fellow SHA sisters is never be afraid to ask for help, learn from your mistakes, and always treasure the uplifting moments. Working in and of itself can be both insanely trying and extremely rewarding, but it is important to always put your best foot forward so that you can take pride and joy in all of your hard work.