I’ve been around the block once or twice when it comes to being the queen of part-time jobs, and this summer of working finally coming to an end has got me feeling all sentimental. Sure, things were tough, tiring and stressful at times, but all in all I could not be more grateful for the wonderful experiences I’ve gained from my various little jobs. And to think it all started the summer prior to my freshman year of high school!

Ah, freshman year -- sweet, sweet, demented freshman year. I somehow was able to retain a job in the midst of my awkwardness during these dark times. I worked at a cute little café in the town where I basically grew up. It got me learning how to do all sorts of basic food service duties that would help immensely later on as I ventured on to new and, more or less, synonymous jobs. From this café I blossomed into working at a movie theatre, a bookstore, an outdoor theatre and a breakfast diner. But the best thing I learned and experienced while working these numerous places? The beauty of a small town. Especially a cute little touristy town like Spring Green, Wisconsin.

I have met some of the most honest, authentic and truly amazing people through my many little jobs in Spring Green, and I’ve gained so much good from just getting to meet them. Whether it be through finding them the book they’ve been tirelessly searching for, quickly selling them their snacks and drinks during intermission, chatting while it’s slow or even just over a cup of coffee…the small talk that these jobs allow me makes up for any and all shortcomings of working all the time.

I’ve always loved being busy and luckily this summer has proven to be nothing to the contrary. I have somehow managed to work three jobs through the course of the summer without keeling over or just curling up into a ball and crying. And I am thoroughly convinced that I would most definitely not be able to have pulled it off thus far if not for the small town camaraderie surrounding me and helping me get out of bed every morning.

Whether it be serving breakfast to the tourist who’s driven hundreds of thousands of miles just to see a show at American Players Theatre or visit Taliesin. Or catching up with a high school peer who’s stopping in to grab a latte. Or the regular who always has some amazing CD burned and who loves to chat about life. Or bonding with your fellow co-workers and laughing till you cry. Or the professor who is visiting from New York who invites you to come check out the campus when you find yourself in the area (that’s true).

I could go on and on with stories and experiences I’ve had the privilege of remembering through the course of my small town workings. Surprisingly, there is rarely a dull moment in such a sleepy little town. And of course there are bad days, when you are tired and it seems like every customer you happen upon is crabby…but all these good things? They all make up for that tenfold.

I’ve said this before and I shall say it again, growing up in such a lovely small town and having the opportunity to serve such interesting humans has helped me want to be the person I am actively striving to become. It has taught me to put on a happy face, no matter how tired or fed up I am… because who wants to ruin someone’s vacation with a sour attitude? Who wants to make someone else feel cruddy too? Always stay positive and hopefully it’ll rub off on any disgruntled customers… that’s been my philosophy thanks to Spring Green!

I cannot wait to be back at school learning to be the person I want to be, but I will deeply miss Spring Green while I’m away. At one point it seemed so small, this town I call home. Yet, as I return again and again I am never left lacking something new to see or learn. I know this is my second round of leaving my tiny town, but it is still just as hard.

Thank you, my little Wisconsin town, for taking me in and teaching me what it means to be me. See you soon.