My First Job

BEEEEP! I rolled over and pressed snooze for about the tenth time that morning because it was summer and sleeping in only seemed mandatory. I felt the warmth of the sun come in through my large bedroom window and make direct contact with my half open eyes. I immediately knew that today was going to be a good day. Just like any other summer morning I woke up around noon, slowly drudged out of bed and walked over to the sink where I would typically fall asleep brushing my teeth. But on this particular day I remember being wide-awake with a ready to go mentality. I quickly brushed my teeth and went downstairs to enjoy some breakfast. One bowl of milk with exactly 3 handfuls of Captain Crunch cereal was a tradition; so I got my bowl and sat down to enjoy the wonderful meal that awaited me. I was enjoying the bowl of cereal and watching House, my favorite television show when I saw a bright little screen light up. I slowly turned my head to look at my phone and saw a text from my friend. It said “Hey you can come by today and interview if you want.” At that moment my day went from being just another summer day to the most important summer day. This was the day that I would be applying for my first real job. I hurriedly unlocked my phone; 0-8-8-0 a password that was meant to take no time to enter did the trick and text awaited me. I replied saying, “Great I’ll come by later today.”
At this point a multitude of emotions hit me. First, I felt happy and excited because it was my first real job and I could finally start making some money that I could squander on whatever my heart desired. But then I was filled with remorse and sadness because I knew that getting a job meant that I was growing up and I couldn’t be a kid anymore, it also meant that I had more responsibility on top of my already long list of obligations. But nevertheless I was going to be ready for this interview.
I wasn’t too sure on what the interviewer would ask me so inquired the help of a friend who had been working at Kumon for over a year. I called him up and told him that I needed some help with the interview and asked him for help on what kinds of questions she would ask me. I was hoping for some excellent advice and questions but all he said was, “Don’t worry you’ll be fine.” But this only made me worry more because the interview was only an hour away and I still had no clue what to expect.
Now I only had one option left. I didn’t want it to come to this but I had to seek the aide of my mom. I knew she would take this as an opportunity to give me not only a harsh lesson but also an hour long life lecture that I’ve probably heard a thousand times. But I had no option so I went anyways. I slowly walked into the door and said, “Hey Mom,” my voice trembled. She immediately knew that something was up and she knew I was worried but instead of providing me with the comfort I needed she instead proceeded to torture me with a series of questions that I did not want to answer as well as a series of questions that seemed impossible to answer. One by one it began…
“How old are you?”
“17”
“What school do you go to?”
“ Colleyville Heritage High school”
“What are your hobbies?”
“umm uhh…?”
“What are your plans after high school?”
“umm uhh…?”
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
“umm uhh…?”
“What are your goals for the future?” I was lost, I couldn’t answer her questions but one by one they kept coming like a cheetah chasing down its prey. And she was coming in for the kill. At this point I had had enough so I got up and said, “STOP!” I couldn’t take it anymore. But all she did was smile and say, “Good luck.” Well what was I supposed to do now? I was more nervous now then ever before because I knew if I messed up this interview I wouldn’t have the job and it would hurt my confidence.
Nevertheless I went up to my room to get ready. There were so many choices; I didn’t know what to wear. Formal attire? No, too much. Business casual? No, not that either. Finally after 10 minutes of searching I had found it! The perfect button down shirt with some nice jeans, it would do the trick! So I quickly threw it on and got ready to go.
Kumon was only an 8-minute drive from my house, but I decided to leave 20 minutes early just because I wanted to be prompt. I got into my car, turned on Selena Gomez and I was ready to go. I proceeded to drive and I entered the highway. A new ramp had just been built and I thought I would get there in no time. The drive went by really quick and before I knew it I was taking the exit. As I approached what was supposed to be my final destination I saw a line of traffic that was bumper to bumper backed up a quarter mile back.
At this point I began to stress out even more then I already was. Every scenario was going through my head and I was having a panic attack in the car. The other drivers stared at me like I was insane, but the only thing I cared about was getting to this interview on time! Slowly but surely I made it out of the traffic. I got out of my car and slowly approached the fine establishment in front of me.
I walked into the building and felt the cool air welcome me as I walked in. I slowly approached the front desk and said, “May I interview?” She handed me a slip of paper with basic information to fill out. I completed it, gave it back and she said, “Alright just wait a minute.” So I waited, and waited, and waited. It felt like an eternity waiting for this interview but it had only been 30 seconds when she called my name. I looked over my shoulder and saw a dark haired woman. She was about six feet tall, in her mid forties and about as intimidating as could be. I was scared for my life.
She called me into her office. I slowly walked in; I was so nervous that sweat was dripping from my forehead. There were so many questions that she could ask me and I didn’t know how I would answer any of them. It felt as if I was going to the first day of school naked. I couldn’t possibly imagine what was to come.
I prepared myself. Rampantly, she asked my name, grade and how involved I was with school. Those answers required no thought and I responded politely, my confidence was rising. I knew the worst was only yet to come. But then something different happened. All she said was, “When can you start?” I had the most puzzled look on my face; I could not believe that those words had just come out of her mouth. I quickly gathered myself and said, “umm tomorrow?” She smiled and said, “Perfect.”
I slowly got up, thanked the lady for the opportunity she had given me and I walked out of the building. The smile on my face was larger that of a hyena. I felt electric, like anything was possible. My self-esteem was at an all time high because I had accomplished something that I didn’t think I could. I learned something very important that day. I learned that if I genuinely wanted something and if I was willing to work for it, I would get it. That is a lesson I will never forget.