Today is filled with working my summer job at the rather small, local amusement park where I’m working the gift shop. My coworkers and I alternate positions almost daily. There are an equal number of pros and cons when being employed at this famous community amusement park.
Pros: Since my coworkers and customers are from all over the world, I communicate from a worldly perspective one being, greeting in different languages. I’m a worldly cultured person and working here helps me display those traits. Also, the environment is family oriented, most days I feel as if I’m at a family barbeque.
Cons: The typical, long hours for little pay. Many days, I’m here from open to close. This is a summer position, so it’s hot, with many people in a small setting. The weather determines your mood, and many customers take their frustrations out on us. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been yelled at and I haven’t been working here a month.
Overall, the positive outweighs the negative.
I’m currently working in the gift shop. It’s usually quiet and I’m inside. It’s still early when a customer enters. She’s an elderly woman from Palestine. She walked in with the biggest smile on her face. First, she asked for assistance with her purchase. Moments later, she asks, “Is it ok if I can pray to God?” “Sure!” I reply without hesitation. She is a devout Muslim; she prays five times a day no matter her current location. After her prayer, we begin to converse. She immediately notices my passion for languages, travel, and culture. So, she decides to give me a brief Arabic lesson. Learning about new languages is always a breeze for me, stemming from my ability to communicate with everyone. I’m enjoying the lesson, and I love that we’re both smiling the entire time. I can’t help but feel excited. This is my first time learning any Arabic. My world knowledge is expanding right here at home. She continues telling me that she led her entire family to the U.S., followed by some brief experiences growing up in Palestine. I feel overjoyed for her, as she overcame her obstacles, she is very social and joyous.
My ordinary day at work turned out to be fantastic. As I’m leaving for the day, I see her again. I can’t leave without saying goodbye. I tap her on the shoulder, she turns around. Before I can get my words in, she gives me the biggest hug, then introduces me to her family. As I’m leaving, I’m smiling, enjoying my lesson in another culture.
Loray’s Journeys 