The past two summers, I have worked on a farm stand called Long Season Farms from early June to late August or early September. I get to see different foods going in and out of season, watch plants grow from seedlings, and meet a wide variety of different people with a common interest: fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables. People come from all over New York for our tomatoes, they are the best in Long Island. Working at Long Season, my days usually consist of sorting tomatoes, cleaning garlic, and helping customers, but I have learned so much from my days there.
Being outside all day has its pros and cons, but the only bad thing I can really think of is being in the heat all day on an extremely hot summer day. Other than that, working outside is the best work environment there is. It is scientifically proven that working outside reduces stress, and I can personally attest to that. It's peaceful and relaxing; there is just something about being outdoors all day that is hard to beat.
Behind the counter at the stand, my view is mainly of the plants and produce in front of me. From having this view every day, I know how beautiful nature truly is. It is beautiful to look at, and interesting to think about. To me, it is captivating to think about how a plant grows. Similar to how a human grows, a plant starts from nothing and grows into something magnificent. I love to sell plants because I know that the person buying it will have something stunning in their yard. Fruits and vegetables are no different. My first summer working I found a saladette tomato with three parts, and it made my day. The simple things sometimes make us the happiest.
Working with customers all day has taught me a lot about myself, and the person I want to be. I have learned to be more outgoing, and have tried my best to be more patient. I have come out of my shell a little bit more than I was before I started this job last summer, which has benefited me throughout the fall, winter, and spring when I'm not even working. I learned how to communicate better with others, which comes in handy with my family and at school. I know how to be calm, cool, and collected when need be, which should be always. I tend to make a lot of mistakes with the cash registers, and often get nervous about a customer becoming impatient. However, I have realized that usually, the customer knows that I'm a normal human being and make mistakes. So because of my restored faith in humanity and trust in the customers to not get angry, I have learned to go easier on myself.
Working on Long Season Farms the past two summers has been the best job I could have ever hoped to find. My bosses are amazing, and the people I work with are fantastic. I've made friends with customers, learned about produce and plants, and have become closer with myself. I would not trade my job for anything. These past summers have been the best of my life, and I recommend to everyone to find a job at a farm stand, because it's worth clipping back geraniums and cleaning garlic. I can't wait for next summer, and for work to begin again.
