Working in retail has really changed me and how I think about life. It is true that I am an optimist and an idealist to a fault, but those traits are overshadowed by the way I now react because of my experience working as a retail manager. I have been at my current job for a year now, and I have been the acting manager for six months.

Being a manager comes with a lot of responsibility. When you work under someone else, you can look out for yourself. But when you have people working for you, you have a duty towards nurturing them and their talents. I see myself as a natural leader, but I really had to come into my own when I first got promoted to the position. I didn't have any aspirations toward becoming a manager. I was offered it and so I accepted it.