I was late to the game when it came to getting my first job. The summer before senior year, I started working in a coffee shop/art gallery as a barista. I love my job and all of these things I've learned along the way.

1. Comfortable. Shoes. Always. Win.

Working as a barista, you're on your feet about 99% of the day. While working my days away in the summer, I didn't realize how important comfortable shoes actually were. Sure, my white converse looked cute, but eventually, the coffee stains caught up with me; the lack of support did, too.

2. Service with a smile is key

This has to be one of my favorite aspects of my job. It never hurts to be Smile! It may seem like just taking and dishing out drink orders, but my job gives me the opportunity to be kind to others. Smiling goes a long way, and chatting with customers about their day creates a nice bond.It always makes my heart happy to see our returning customers!

3. Making mistakes only helps with learning

I'll admit, I'm a bit of a perfectionist; I have to keep trying until I think the result of whatever I'm doing is good enough. When I first started as a barista, I struggled with messing up orders or not remembering the drink formulas. I would feel so defeated and think that I would never get the hang of it. But, making drinks over and over again made for perfect practice. Here I am now, whipping up coffee like a pro!

4. Time management

I come from a family of constantly late people-to everything! Before getting my job, this was a huge concern for me; I figured I would probably never be on time (seriously, it's a struggle). Although, I still have my days, my job has ultimately taught me to utilize my time; something I will seriously need for life after High School.

5. Experience.

Over the course of the last few months, I've gained so much experience. Things like working as a team, managing money, and public service are all skills I've attained. I love that with a part time job, you're really learning to fly. In every mistake and stressful day, there are always things to gain from.