“There is something about working there—something special.”
As this summer slowly comes to an end, I cannot help but to reflect on it and the new job experience it brought me. I am super thankful to have met so many new people. After six summers at Dorney Park, I realize that change is good--always. However, I would not be giving credit where it is due, if I did not thank the job that molded me into the worker, leader, and person I am today. I was fifteen when I began my first summer job, a job that I did not intend on keeping for six months let alone six years.
Dorney Park is a common first job for locals in my hometown. Despite the negative things many people think about Dorney, I stand strong in the fact that it gave me a family and was more than a summer job to me. If you know me at all, you know that the summer months are just as busy for me as during the school year. If you would like to spend time with me or see me, you should plan weeks ahead of time; because it is rare for me to ever take a day off work. Day in and day out, I can truthfully say that each day spent at my second home brought fun and new adventures. Many people have the mindset of going to work to simply earn a paycheck, but I never had that mindset. A paycheck never mattered to me! I loved what I did and would have did it for little to no pay at all.
The park offers tons of job opportunities, so I had plenty of departments to work for; but I had the privilege of working in the foods department. I had the honor of holding a leadership position in a foods location, but nothing made my job more worthwhile than creating the family that I did and allowing others to trust in me. My job was never “too much trouble.” I did what I did because I wanted to. If it was not for my first job experience at such a young age, I definitely would not have the work ethic that I have or customer service experience that I do. I have a saying that goes something like this, “Some of the greatest people whom make their mark, you will meet from working at Dorney Park.”
I often think of the person that I would be today, if it were not for me having that job or that structure that I did. I met such wonderful people from countries like Columbia, Dominican Republic, and Taiwan at Dorney Park. Working at an amusement park is more than just amusing, you gain a sense of adoration and loyalty to it. There is something about working there—something special. The motivation I had for going to work each morning, whether I was working an eight or a 16 hour shift, is unmatched.
To my past coworkers, thank you for respecting me as I respect and love all of you. To my previous supervisors and managers, thank you for noticing my hard work and challenging me each day. To my Sweetie Tee fam, thank you for giving me a wonderful two years. To all current Dorney employees, do not take the job for granted! I know the heat is sometimes rough and customers are not always the easiest to handle, but cherish your time working at my second home.
To say the least, I am blessed to have had such a great experience. I am more blessed to remember my time spent there and to have enjoyed a new, fun job experience as a server at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. If anyone is looking for a neat summer job-- especially young teens, I promise Dorney will not disappoint. Dorney, thank you for giving me six years of laughter, family, and adventure. I owe you more than I could ever give to you.
