As part of any reflective introspection, one tends to go back to past jobs. Not only are they a source of comedic relief in our memory, but I've also found them to be rich with insight into the metaphorical kiln that's molded our current selves.
Growing up I heard tales of odd jobs that my parent's had at some point.
Dad; an electrician assistant, a loading dock, Men's Warehouse
Mom; a department store and babysitting.
Over 22 short years I've had 6 jobs; Life-guarding, Retail, Health Insurance, a Peer Mentor, a Swim Coach, and a Financial Analyst.
But three stick out to me as having molded me the most. The most impact on who I believe myself to be. To no surprise, they all involved a form of service to others.
Life-guarding was simply a pleasure. Evening sun beating down on my back as I sat in that stand and watched a attentive father play with his little girl. Morning dew on the chairs as I watched the responsible mother bring the 4 little ones to play in the chilly, still blue water. I learned so much from that job; 3 years of beautiful observation about the world, mixed with many hours lost in thought, and a great deal of responsibility for a 16 year old. But the greatest part, being privy to life's greatest gift; companionship. I loved serving my community. It was the first time I felt able to give back to that which had given so much to me. The first time I felt mutual gratitude. They were grateful for my being there watching over, and I was grateful for their being there; past teachers, coaches, local employees, mothers, fathers, and friends.
The water has always felt like home, and home is where we feel most comfortable. So naturally I searched for another job in that environment; teaching swim lessons to kids. Subconsciously I know that it was an attempt to yet again complete the cycle of giving and receiving. Many summers, coaches gave up their days for me, teaching and interacting so that I could enjoy a wonderful sport. This job, this gift, this opportunity. The chance to interact with young hearts and minds has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Swim lessons is the medium. But interaction, companionship, and mutual gratitude are the underflow. I'll never forget energetic Aiden, or quiet Lece, giggly Olivia, and wise Kai. These kids and this job have given so much to me as a person. The service to families whom I respect with co workers who have a common vision under a program and boss who truly cares about people, has been a cherished part of my story thus far.
Once you become aware of the feeling that's obtained from helping another person it becomes a sought after endeavor. To recreate that feeling in a new environment, with new people, new problems, and new solutions, becomes a point of focus with not only a job, but day to day life. I don't remember when, but at some point I became partially obsessed with conversation. Uber drivers, people on buses, adults, fellow students, a bystander in an airport, I realized how much people had to offer. And then I realized how much you can give to another person through conversation. Mutual gratitude. It was around this time I discovered the Joe Rogan Experience, a podcast where Joe Rogan has people on to talk. Plain and simple but so, so much enlightenment. So much exchange of knowledge and experience. So much mutual gratitude. I seek now to recreate that. And the job I have currently allows me to do that but from a vantage point of more experience and wisdom, able to be passed on. As a senior, freshman and sophomores are sent to me for advice; on careers, involvement, job applications, interviews, and life. Mostly life. I'd say 9/10 times, a student comes in asking for me to help edit their cover letter for a job. Next thing I know we've been sitting there for 25 minutes talking about hometowns, past experiences, and laughing about how hard this thing called growing up can be. I love it. Sure I have a few years on these guys, which allows me to give them some advice and guidance, but the truth is, we're all just wading through this journey with a feigned confidence and an open mind. I truly feel that The University of Florida has given me so much: the opportunity to travel abroad representing the school, the chance to get to know faculty and advisers, to help influence future curriculum, and ultimately a piece of paper that will assist me in achieving my dreams. So, helping out a few students a week find their way is the least I can do to give back to this institution.
The cycle of give and receive isn't something humans invented. It seems to me that all living things on this Earth contribute to this cycle. To understand this interconnectedness and become a part of it is one of life's great pleasures. I thank the universe for opportunities past and future. For the chance to improve myself while contributing to the improvement of other's situations. For the profound realization that comes with observation. For the unique circumstance of serving others. And for the gift of mutual gratitude.
Growing up I heard tales of odd jobs that my parent's had at some point.
Dad; an electrician assistant, a loading dock, Men's Warehouse
Mom; a department store and babysitting.
Over 22 short years I've had 6 jobs; Life-guarding, Retail, Health Insurance, a Peer Mentor, a Swim Coach, and a Financial Analyst.
But three stick out to me as having molded me the most. The most impact on who I believe myself to be. To no surprise, they all involved a form of service to others.
Life-guarding was simply a pleasure. Evening sun beating down on my back as I sat in that stand and watched a attentive father play with his little girl. Morning dew on the chairs as I watched the responsible mother bring the 4 little ones to play in the chilly, still blue water. I learned so much from that job; 3 years of beautiful observation about the world, mixed with many hours lost in thought, and a great deal of responsibility for a 16 year old. But the greatest part, being privy to life's greatest gift; companionship. I loved serving my community. It was the first time I felt able to give back to that which had given so much to me. The first time I felt mutual gratitude. They were grateful for my being there watching over, and I was grateful for their being there; past teachers, coaches, local employees, mothers, fathers, and friends.
The water has always felt like home, and home is where we feel most comfortable. So naturally I searched for another job in that environment; teaching swim lessons to kids. Subconsciously I know that it was an attempt to yet again complete the cycle of giving and receiving. Many summers, coaches gave up their days for me, teaching and interacting so that I could enjoy a wonderful sport. This job, this gift, this opportunity. The chance to interact with young hearts and minds has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Swim lessons is the medium. But interaction, companionship, and mutual gratitude are the underflow. I'll never forget energetic Aiden, or quiet Lece, giggly Olivia, and wise Kai. These kids and this job have given so much to me as a person. The service to families whom I respect with co workers who have a common vision under a program and boss who truly cares about people, has been a cherished part of my story thus far.
Once you become aware of the feeling that's obtained from helping another person it becomes a sought after endeavor. To recreate that feeling in a new environment, with new people, new problems, and new solutions, becomes a point of focus with not only a job, but day to day life. I don't remember when, but at some point I became partially obsessed with conversation. Uber drivers, people on buses, adults, fellow students, a bystander in an airport, I realized how much people had to offer. And then I realized how much you can give to another person through conversation. Mutual gratitude. It was around this time I discovered the Joe Rogan Experience, a podcast where Joe Rogan has people on to talk. Plain and simple but so, so much enlightenment. So much exchange of knowledge and experience. So much mutual gratitude. I seek now to recreate that. And the job I have currently allows me to do that but from a vantage point of more experience and wisdom, able to be passed on. As a senior, freshman and sophomores are sent to me for advice; on careers, involvement, job applications, interviews, and life. Mostly life. I'd say 9/10 times, a student comes in asking for me to help edit their cover letter for a job. Next thing I know we've been sitting there for 25 minutes talking about hometowns, past experiences, and laughing about how hard this thing called growing up can be. I love it. Sure I have a few years on these guys, which allows me to give them some advice and guidance, but the truth is, we're all just wading through this journey with a feigned confidence and an open mind. I truly feel that The University of Florida has given me so much: the opportunity to travel abroad representing the school, the chance to get to know faculty and advisers, to help influence future curriculum, and ultimately a piece of paper that will assist me in achieving my dreams. So, helping out a few students a week find their way is the least I can do to give back to this institution.
The cycle of give and receive isn't something humans invented. It seems to me that all living things on this Earth contribute to this cycle. To understand this interconnectedness and become a part of it is one of life's great pleasures. I thank the universe for opportunities past and future. For the chance to improve myself while contributing to the improvement of other's situations. For the profound realization that comes with observation. For the unique circumstance of serving others. And for the gift of mutual gratitude.
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