A LETTER FROM ZOE COLLINS: WHAT I HAVE LEARNED WORKING AT NEW CITY MICROCREAMERY

I had always expected life to carry out logistically, growing and growing until I finally reach a point of consistency and stability.  But disproved by many people I have come to the realization that I will never stop trying to figure out the way life should be. I became certain of this after help from my young adult coworkers. I started working at a local ice cream shop at fifteen, so naturally many of my coworkers were much older than me. When I first started I still had the mindset that people have life figured out by their twenties, so meeting people in their twenties and thirties working alongside me took me by surprise. I had never expected to learn so much at my first job. I learned that success is still achievable without the stereotypical education, from my manager. She has been working with the company for a long time, eventually being recognized for her abilities to communicate and organize. Although she has not received a degree in business management she continues to better the company and make her credibility known through hard work and dedication. Her perseverance has taught me that even if I do not learn everything about an activity, success is still achievable and I will always be learning new things after I complete my formal education. 

Another concept that I learned was that no matter what my job title is, if I utilize my resources effectively, doing what I love will be easy. Although employed as a barista, one of my supervisors is very dedicated to art. Expressing this to owners and higher ups, he is now able to do many ads, posters and other artwork for the shop building his portfolio. The way he is able to combine his interests taught me that if I reach out, opportunities to succeed are very attainable. Another example of finding great opportunities is the way the production manager can associate his job with his passion. With a major in journalism, production is not my first thought. But, he has always been interested in food blogging, so production is an amazing introduction to the industry.

Taking advantage of opportunities is a huge lesson that my supervisor and production manager have made me aware of. 

Another thing that I learned about was succeeding in foreign environments. English is not the first language of many of the kitchen staff but they constantly impress me with their ability to communicate and succeed in the shop. Succeeding somewhere foreign must be so difficult but the way they carry themselves through this career has taught me the importance of dedication. They are completely devoted to practicing their English and communicating with the staff. This also influenced the behavior of all of the staff while we continue to improve our communication skills. Experiencing this taught me that language is not the only source of connection in humanity. 

Although these experiences gave me a new understanding of others in a work environment it also gave me a new look on my daily life. After meeting these people I made efforts to be more like them, I tried to be dedicated like my manager, in my job, of course, but in school as well, taking advantage of my opportunities to take more rigorous classes in subjects that I find interesting. I also began finding and taking opportunities like my supervisor and production manager, starting to become a barista at work, but also trying out new clubs and sports to seek new interests. I am trying to better my communication skills like the kitchen staff, by learning common words in their language but also communicating and becoming friends with people of all different backgrounds in my diverse community. Working with these people has completely changed my look on others and myself, the things I learned constantly helping me become a better version of myself.