Have you ever taken a job that is totally different than what you would normally do? Not just any part-time or full-time job, but one that takes you out of your comfort zone and challenges your way of thinking? Let me share my experience in something I honestly knew nothing about or how to do. Even as college students it can be difficult finding work during the semester or seasonal breaks. So how is it that I found a job that pays so well for only 3 months? I can thank my best friends for that because I also was able to work with them.
I took a job at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation where I taught 4 classes a day and worked a zip-line to many of the scouts from all parts of the U.S. Specifically I taught 2 classes for the Climbing merit badge and 2 extra classes in C.O.P.E. Not just anyone can teach kids how to climb or do high course events, so I went through training that would prepare me for what was to come. The job was at times difficult and somewhat vexing due to the fact that I had a fear of heights. However, I chose to think in a way that would help me prove that I and anyone else is capable.
The kids were my motivation to work harder because to them I was their safety net. Every week I'd have new boys that would be more excited and nervous than ever to participate. To me, I feel as if I learned more than I did teach with each group. I learned how to collaborate everyone and their personalities to work together as a team and help form close friendships amongst the scouts. Most importantly, I made sure it was fun in the process.
I noticed that my public speaking skills started to improved, as well as hands on learning became an everyday thing because everything that I did was always changing. I had a thing for routines but each day always seemed to change because there was always something new to do. I was able to speak up more and try out more things.
However, even though I was able to conquer my own fear of being a failure, I also had a difficult time adjusting to the environment as well. Since it was a camp in the midst of Pennsylvania, I kept an open-mind with the people I would be working with. I'm from NYC so diversity is nothing new, but that was the problem there wasn't much of it. Stereotypes and rumors were a thing for some of the staff that I lived and worked with. It wasn't all that bad because I met some of the most amazing people with stories that have touched my heart. I was able to learn more about them and keep close friendships even to this day.
I also spent my nights in a tent, learned to climb, belay, conduct a safe zip-line, sailed, fished, and most of all I got to teach. All in all, the experience was incredible and totally different from what I'm used to. It's about taking chances and trying out new things. I recommend taking a job that you really want to do. Never settle for less than you deserve. Instead of taking the average retail or waitress job in your local area, go to the extremes. Take that job as an intern for NASA, maybe even work at a resort in Disney World, try out being an entrepreneur, maybe even work outside of the country. You'll never know unless you try.
