Ah, children's playlands. I grew up at the Capital Region's Hoffman's Playland, and now that it has shifted hands, I get to continue the magic for new generations by operating rides. As an education major, I absolutely love children, and I love the opportunity to continue this family tradition that has been going on for over 50 years. It's a great summer job, and I absolutely love working with children and families, but I know I'm not the only one who has strong feelings about some of our experiences. Who better to sum up our feelings than a child we all grew up alongside, Michelle Tanner?
1. When you open up the park:
I absolutely adore opening! There's always at least one family waiting at the gates to start their day, and I'm often just as excited.
2. When you operate a new ride for the first time:
Sure, I've been trained on most of the rides, but there's so many, it's quite easy to get them mixed up. They're simple enough, but there are many safety precautions in place, so if all the switches aren't flipped, the ride won't move. Which is unnerving when children are already seated.
3. When you're having trouble uncovering the ride:
I'm trying, I'm trying, but I just can't stretch anymore!
4. When you go through your safety speech without stuttering:
I know, I know. I do this speech about a hundred times a day. I still get a little nervous with a new audience though, and I'm pretty prone to fumble for words.
5. When a child asks you to help them onto the ride:
It is my job, after all!
6. When a parent encourages their child to utilize the noise-making devices:
Please sir/madam. It's been a long day, and it isn't over. I need to preserve a little bit more of my patience.
7. When a kid hands you a ticket and asks to go again:
Especially if the park is dead; I'd rather see you smiling than sit alone in the sun!
8. When a kid starts crying on your ride:
I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I guess it was a little too scary for you, it'll stop in a second!
9. When you're starting to get hungry during your shift:
All the patrons walking around with fried dough and milkshakes, and I'm not allowed to eat. Is it almost time to clock out? I can hear my stomach over the children.
10. When your ride finally has more than one family:
It's totally my doing. I'll keep telling myself that.
11. When it's payday:
I love working with the kids, but dang, is it nice to get a check.
12. When you clock out:
Can't wait to wipe this smile off, my face is killing me! Gotta rest my customer service presence until next time.
