Like most other kids my age, I dove into the realm of getting part time job while I was in high school. I remember being 16 years old, trying my best to apply to any place that could potentially hire me; from retail shops in the mall, to fast food restaurants. I eventually landed a job as a drive-thru cashier and worked there until I graduated high school. I knew I needed more money in order to stay on my feet a little when I started college.

That's when I entered the restaurant service.

I first started working at P.F. Chang's as a food runner, mainly because I did not have any experience with serving tables, though I expressed interest in becoming a server. After a year of rotating through food running, hosting, doing take-out and becoming an expo in the kitchen, I finally received training to become a server.

Admittedly, I truly miss the server life. Since leaving the restaurant business to go and work in my professional field, I look back on how much I truly had when I spent my Friday nights cooped up in a kitchen, and getting off work with my hair stained with the smell of soy sauce.

Why do I miss being a server, you ask? Well, here are just five of the reasons why.

1. Camaraderie.

Some of the closest friends I have, to this day, I met while working as a server. We would relate so easily to each other, and we knew that we could depend on each other with whatever we need (especially when it came to switching shifts).

2. Flexible hours.

For my first two years of college, I found that working at a restaurant became the most convenient. It worked out in two shifts, where there was a group of people who worked the lunch shift, and another group who worked dinner. Those who dared to, stayed the entire day. Needless to say, I was one of those people who stayed the entire time, from the opening of the restaurant at 11 am, til' it's close at 11 pm.

3. Meeting new people.

The greatest part about being a serving was encountering hundreds of different kinds of people. The stories that I've heard about the life experiences of people from different walks of life was sure to stay with me forever.

4. Expanding my food and wine palette.

Learning about wine and alcohol pairings became my favorite part about being a server. It was amazing to see how different combinations of wine and drink can really enhance your food tasting experience.

5. Having an outlet to showcase my personality.

I've dined at restaurants where the server has made me incredibly uncomfortable. Because I didn't want my guests to ever feel the way I sometimes did, I made sure that I appeared as welcoming possible. Outgoing people tend to thrive in these types of environments because it becomes incredibly easy for us to just talk to anyone.

One thing is for sure: I didn't realize just how much I'd miss it, until I wasn't a server anymore.