"I'm resigning today."

"No way. You're playing."

I stood there, wavering on my nervous, wobbly legs as I searched for an answer to my coworker's teasing. I looked around the store, at the Publix where I had spent so much time, had made so many friends, and inherently knew the prices of so many mundane objects. I stifled my nervous laughter; I wasn't playing. Today, I was quitting. I had no choice, it seemed.

This was two Friday's ago. So much has happened since then, and so much happened before that moment to push me to quit. Since then, I've been struck with a feeling of such surreality that makes it difficult to admit to myself that my time at Publix is over. Publix had been my home, my workplace, where my friends were, for five years. Five whole years.

It was softball season, in the midst of spring of 2012, when I first started working at my hometown store. I was sixteen and my mother urged me to get a job. I walked into Publix on my first day, eager to make new friends but so, so very nervous. Now, I walk into my workplace and I smile brightly at everyone that greets me. Publix helped mold me into the outgoing individual I am today. Publix pushed me to talk to coworkers, go to the beach with coworkers, go blueberry picking with coworkers. Publix pushed me across the starting line, and carried me over the finish line. Publix has been with me for five entire years, and, though I recognize the necessity of quitting, I am so, so very sad to be leaving this part of my life behind as I progress past the finish line into my future.

I'll miss the regular customers who were always commenting on my change of hair, my new glasses, and my smile. I'll miss my managers, who have been so kind during this affair. I'll miss the feeling of productivity that comes with having a job, and I'll miss the time I got to spend laughing and joking in the breakroom with my lovely friends.

Jessika, you are one of the most beautiful humans I've met through Publix, and I'm so thankful that our lovely friendship has lasted - and will continue to last - throughout the years. Jackie, you always make me smile when I see you - and sometimes get me to scream and curse aloud when you come up behind me and scare me at my register. Darion, I love always getting caught up on the rollercoaster that you call your love life. Olivia, I loved blueberry picking with you - you are one of the sweetest souls I know. To everyone, every sweet soul I've met during my time at Publix, thank you.

I've been working non-stop since the ripened age of sixteen, when boys were the biggest thing on my mind and graduate school was eons into the future. I am so thankful for the experiences I have gained and the beneficial characteristics I have developed during my time at Publix. I am so thankful for the friends, and family, I have made at work.

To my coworkers, thank you. Thank you for loving me as I am, for who I am, and for making me laugh, smile, and feel so warm inside. I will miss you all dearly. You make it so hard to leave.

Sporting my green vest and my favorite Snapchat filter with my lovely coworker, Jackie.