Last July I got my first “real” job. Before last summer I had only had a temporary summer position and babysitting jobs. I knew I wanted a job that was an easy commute from both school and home and this place were perfectly located halfway between both.

I was working with one of my best friends and thought this job would be an easy way to keep money coming in even during the school year. Before I knew it, my coworkers became my family and this was more than just a job.

Everyone can agree work is exactly what it is; it’s work. It can be draining, stressful, and at times gets in the way of your social life. However, when you’re able to walk into work and know you’re going to be surrounded by some amazing people, work becomes less of a chore. You become excited to do your job and want to be there. I cannot express in enough words how grateful I am to have coworkers who are as uplifting, funny, and caring as the people I work with.

To all the people I work with: Thank you. Thank you for making the 30-40 hours each week I spend at work feel like home. Thank you for listening to me rant and complain when I’ve had a bad day. Thank you for the advice and constant reassurance things will be okay when I am feeling lost. Thank you for being an amazing support system by believing in me and motivating me to achieve my goals. Thank you for making me laugh everyday. Thank you for giving me a safe place to love coming to.

If you are lucky enough to find coworkers like mine who make you love your job, hold on to them.

Thank you for being more than just coworkers, but for being my family. I love you guys so much.