Odd Jobs Really Do Come in Handy

Since we've been discussing "work" recently in class I figured I would address this topic. I don't plan on  arguing about working conditions, or low wages. Let me tell you about my work experience- it's actually a little humorous.

When I was twelve I got a job cleaning tables at an ice cream shoppe. That's right, I was twelve. Definitely illegal but nonetheless worth it. I was trying to raise money in order to go to Australia with my soccer team so being an illegal employee seemed like the best option. What did I learn here? Well, I did not want to be a permanent part of the ice cream industry and I wanted to stay in school so I wasn't washing tables for the rest of my life.

Then came high school. I was now able to be on the official pay role so it became easier to get a job. Keeping one was my issue. I started out as a sales associate in a toy store. This was less than enjoyable due to my lack of responsibility in the store and my desire to do more than break down boxes and rearrange stuffed animal puppies. I understand that we all have to start somewhere but as a junior in high school I quickly realized that I would not be trying to become a fixture in the small business community. Funny thing is that I remained with small businesses until I graduated high school.

I went back to an ice cream shoppe for a summer until I moved to Texas for school and the experience was great- when I wasn't hounding my boss to actually pay me. I got to work with some of my best friends and got to eat ice cream regularly so as an 18 year old, recent high school graduate this job was perfect for me. This ice cream shoppe was strictly seasonal so when I came back for winter break I had to look for other options. I became the sample girl and a local cookware store. I baked chicken with their specialty glazes, stuffed olives with somesort of cheese mixtures, made cheeseballs and dessert dips, you name it, I probably had to cook it at some point. This is where it gets interesting, though. I didn't like to cook then. Better yet, I didn't know how to cook. I didn't even know how to bake chicken in the oven. When I ruined one of my bosses expensive pans by scorching it with burning meatballs I realized I wouldn't be a professional chef.

Now I'm at my current job. I'm a student manager for the University Center Hospitality and Events department here at A&M. I don't plan on being an event coordinator or event planner, but I love my job. I get to interact with people everyday, I have positive relationships with my supervisors, and I get to help at huge events like wedding and galas- I love weddings. This job has taught me how important it is to keep great relationships with my bosses because they can ultimately make or break my experience as an employee. I also know that I would rather not answer phones for a living and take reservations.

I consider myself lucky to have had so much experience with different jobs because it has helped me realize what I want and don't want in my future occupation. What odd jobs have helped aid in your decisions? What have you learned from your work experience?

Conflicting Voices

I cannot imagine having to cycle through different languages in my head on a daily basis. I have been raised speaking English at home and at school and I am not fluent in any other languages. The schools I have attended have never had a large minority population so I haven't experienced other languages through my classmates either. I would like to clarify that I am still culturally aware and have been enrolled in Spanish classes for years, so I'm not completely in an English bubble.

Writing is a struggle for many people due to their inability to successfully convey their points and opinions onto paper. Personally, I will talk your ear off about a topic but I find it hard to do the same through writing. The added stress made by having to decipher between two languages would do nothing but overwhelm me.

My voice at home and at school are not very different but there are some difficulties when I am trying to compose an academic project or paper. I'll be honest, I do not have a very advanced and colorful vocabulary. If I win an argument, it is certainly not because of all of the big words I use. This is partially due to the lack of importance a wide vocabulary has in my household. I'm not complaining, though. Growing up I never felt inferior because I did not understand what my parents were saying, and I am very thankful for that today. I do struggle, especially in high level classes, to reach the level of language that many of my peers have. This has made me have to enhance other aspects of my writing, along with add to my less than extensive vocab list.

Although I do not have to fight through competing voices, I do have to fight through a disadvantage as well. I applaud those who are determined enough to sift through their two languages on a daily basis. This is not just a work, school, or home. This is also during every day tasks and interactions. The values of each language may encourage the individual to use one for a certain situation even though it is not the "proper" language for wherever they are.

I do not have to struggle with competing languages, but I certainly have unending respect for those who do. I have a hard enough time with just English as my language. What experiences have you had with competing voices? How do you think one who is in this situation gets through these difficulties?