I never envisioned my summer job would be a bartender at a taco bar— but it has uncovered a hidden talent and taught me many things, both in and out of the restaurant/bar scene.

Before this summer, I did not really ever pay close attention to what, or how, I was ordering at restaurants. As long as I used good manners, I was golden. Boy was I wrong! I now know how annoying it is when people get too picky, or one person asks for one thing and then another person at the table sees it and asks for it as well after already having ordered. It’s all part of the job, and honestly, putting up with picky people surely helps build a little character. Speaking to strangers beyond the “Welcome, what would you like to drink?” pushes you to step out of your comfort zone. And surprisingly, those “strangers” become regulars and you’ll welcome them back with open arms – or an open Corona bottle.

As a bartender, I’ve gotten to meet so many new people (both good ones and the bad ones). There have been people who come in and I feel like I am friends with them by the time they leave. There have also been people who come in and leave their phone number on the check or ask me what I’m doing when I get off. Sure, I’d rather have the first patron, but both are beyond entertaining. When you aren’t swamped, listening to this man’s childhood story of when he lost his snake is the most important thing in the world. Oh and don’t worry, all the patrons who come in alone and have more than one drink, feel it necessary to give me an explanation as to why: “I had a bad day at work” or “The air-conditioning man never showed up.”

The amount of times I have been asked where I’m from is infinite, and everyone is always surprised when I say “right down the street.” The question of how old I am and what school I go to always follows. I’m thinking of putting a nametag on, like they do at Disney, with my name and hometown. Answering questions about the drink and food menu is also obviously, not a rare occasion. Everyone will find a drink that they like, some will even ask to try them before committing. I’m sorry, but you want me to make the entire drink just so you can try it? How about you just try one of the beers. As for food, I’m always going to suggest the same things, so just try the darn queso and chips.

Most importantly, this job has given me a new set of friends and a new respect for the workers in the restaurant industry. I got lucky with a great boss, manager, and coworkers. When you work a double, hour 9 comes around and you feel like you just want to sit down on the floor of the bar or yell at the man who tipped you 5% of his bill, there will be people there to make you laugh.

So, I highly suggest if you have the opportunity, become a bartender at least for one summer. It has taught me to step completely out of my comfort zone, drastically improved my patience level, introduced me to people that I consider my friends just from frequenting the bar once a week, and given me an amazing summer with the best coworkers. And – the tips aren’t half bad!