I got my first job this summer as a food and beverages employee at Deep River Waterpark. I am very fortunate to have gotten this job and have learned a lot from it in the short while I’ve had it.

I have learned how to deal with people. Not in a bad way by any means, but how to deal with customers who may not be happy. I’ve come to the realization that I can’t make everyone happy. No matter how I try or what I do, the customer may not always be satisfied. So, I’ve learned to just smile, apologize and let it go. There are always those people who may have had a bad day and are just taking it out on others, and that’s unfortunate but it happens. Some customers may be the nicest people you’ve met, or they could be the complete opposite, whatever type that you may come across in your job, treat them with respect and it will just make life easier.

I’ve also learned hard work does pay off. When I am closing shift, I often have to stay longer to clean up. It’s not a fun part of the job because I had been there for seven hours already and we all are itching to go home. It's a lot of work. Cleaning to make sure the stand looks as best as it can look, but at most it takes up to an hour to do. Constantly having to refill product and supplies can be tedious, but in all honesty it pays off. Knowing you are contributing to society and being a working person, and making money on your own is a great feeling to have.

Finally, the best part of the job is meeting new people. So far I’ve made many friends through working with them and talking during our breaks. These people are some of the nicest, funniest, kindest people I have ever met. We spend a majority of our weeks together, and it’s awesome we get along the way we do. We joke with each other, have inside jokes and get along. It makes me want to go to work. The people aren’t shy either, which is the best part. They’re easy to talk to and make friends with. It makes me happy that I get along with my coworkers, and it makes my job that much better.