During the spring semester of my sophomore year, I started working first ever jobs. I responded to a message that Jessi sent out, regarding available on-campus jobs. One was for an office assistant in the English and Modern Languages Department, and one was for a game-day assistant for the Athletics Department. I responded to both.

I knew I had been wanting to begin working, and with no driver’s license, felt it would be best if I got a job on campus. I reached out to both departments, had an interview, and I was filling out not one, but two applications. I was eager to begin working, and ambitious enough to take on both positions.

First, I started in the English and Modern Languages Department. I worked for a woman named Lisa, a man named Dave, and I worked with a fellow student named Cece. I began making more trips to the mailroom, completing tasks for professors, and looking forward to shredding papers. My first week, I even thought about stopping by on my only day off, just to see if there was any way I could help out. My roommate invited me to Starbucks after class, so I went there instead, but made sure to tell Lisa I missed being there, and I did. I felt responsible and proud of helping out in any way I could.

I also began working with Phil in the Athletics department, but this job was short-lived. I worked two games: one I shadowed the scoreboard keeper, and the other I greeted incoming parents, handing out informational papers on a windy, rainy day. Even though I was happy to help, I felt like a poser. I put so much pressure on myself to fit in this atmosphere; I dressed different, I spoke different, and my attitude was different. I felt inauthentic and as if I did not belong. So, when the end of the semester creeped in with more projects, presentations, papers, and tests, I took the opportunity to focus on my academics and apply my energy where I felt most at home: the English department.

I kept working with Lisa, Dave, and Cece, and I absolutely loved it. I felt honored to be there, to be chosen, to work in an environment I felt comfortable in with great people, and to fully enjoy my very first job.

I am happy to report I have been asked back for next school year and will continue working for Lisa and Dave in the fall. I cannot wait to see where next semester takes me and gain more valuable experience for my career.

(Spring 2021)