Lifesaving Success
Everyone’s first couple of jobs usually come and go. Although sometimes someone might get lucky and find that job that they truly find irresistible. The majority of the time people can’t wait to get off their scheduled shift to search for a new profession. Whatever the case may be, everyone would rather work at a place they enjoy. Working someplace you enjoy makes the work day fly by. Most people don’t end up working in a career they like. People just stick with it because they never feel like starting over. Times are different now though because of economy being down, jobs are becoming hard to come by.
I had my first job when I was fifteen, my parents made me. My first job was the worst job I’ve experienced. I was a house keeper at a local water park. I had to deal with trash, public bathrooms, and the scorching sun. One time I had bathroom duty and let’s just say someone missed the toilet and I got stuck cleaning up their mess. In the past three years all my jobs have been back to back. Quitting one job and get another one shortly after is uncommon in teens if you ask me. These journeys with each work experience took me threw a lot as far as commitments and responsibilities.
The best job out of the three I’ve had is no doubt the one I have now. I’m currently employed as a lifeguard at a local recreation center, known as Bow Creek. It’s been well over a year since I first started working there, and I’m so grateful I have made it this far. The pay is rewarding and I can’t complain about the hours either. I get paid $8.64 an hour for lifeguarding and $12.17 an hour for teaching swim lesson. In order to teach swim lesson you have to go through Water Safety Instructor training or WSI. It was surprisingly a month long certification class filled with a lot of tough effort. It may not seem like much to a lot people but to me its one of the better paying part time jobs out there. I technically work for the city of Virginia Beach, which has its advantages. Some advantages to working with the city include discounts on local stores or restaurants. A city job is really the way to go for me.
The best part about Bow Creek is the fact that they will work with your availability, which most part time jobs don’t. We have a request off binder we use. Whenever I need time off, I just go to that binder and find the days and simply write the word off on the calendar. Even if I do accidently get scheduled a shift I’m unable to work, there are five other recreation centers I can call to get a substitute. If I’m unable to get my shift covered then most likely the supervisors will work something out with you depending on the severity of reason as to why you need off. Another plus is that the centers close at five o’clock on Saturdays and Sundays. This way I can count on my weekend nights being free.
I’ve met a lot of new people while working for Bow Creek’s aquatic unit. My co-workers and I get along very well and we’re always willing to help each other out. We are always offering to help cover someone’s shift if they need it. I mean that’s more money in our pockets so it works out for both of parties. Its safe to say we’ve all became close friends while working with each other. We are like a little aquatic family, like a school of fish. My supervisors are really down to earth, which makes them easy to talk to. Whenever I have a problem with anything or anyone I feel comfortable enough to bring it up with them. They’re so easy to talk to that we often just talk about our everyday lives to each other while still maintaining a professional image. I appreciate the open door policy and how it’s always an option. Feeling comfortable with everyone comes in handy when a problem arises, makes it easier to find a solution.
Along with meeting my co-workers and developing a bond with them, I also keep a good professional relationship with the patrons (customers). Bow Creek has a lot of regulars that come into the pool area for a good swim. These people are fun to talk with. I enjoy their company while I’m on the lifeguarding stand. Working at Bow Creek allows me to interact with people and that fits perfect with my personality. I don’t just get to interact with people but with kids! I love working with kids. Now that I’m WSI certified I can teach swimming lessons. I’ve waited so long to get this certification I can’t wait to start teaching in January. This job is definitely the best job I’ve ever had.
Although I’ve only had three jobs in my working career, I feel this one is really rewarding. I’m very appreciative of the fact that I found a job at Bow Creek. I really enjoy working with my co-workers and being able to be around people all the time. I plan on keeping this job for awhile until I start my career as an Occupational Therapist or at least till I’m almost done with college. I can’t think of a lot of negatives about this particular job, that’s why it’s the best job I’ve ever had!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Critic of Eng 111
Class Critic
The fall of 2009 being my first semester in college, I didn’t set my expectations as high as I should have. Especially not for Mr.Gasparo’s class, I’m just kidding it wasn’t that bad. In all seriousness I knew it was an English class but I wasn’t used to the fast pace college life. It was difficult for me to adapt to at first but I’m pretty sure I’ve got the hang of it now. Once you’re in college you’ve really got to learn how to perfect your work ethic skills. One important thing I’ve learned this semester being in Mr.Gasparo’s class is how to push myself and be self-motivated. This is an extremely vital skill for a college student to obtain early on in their college career.
Like I said before I knew this class was an English class and they usually require a lot of work. While I was going through this semester I’m not going to lie, I became stressed out a couple of times; mostly in Paul’s class (No offense Paul). Also as I was going through this class I thought it was a lot of work and at times too much to handle with everything else going on in my life. Now, after the fact I sit and think about it the work load wasn’t as much as I previously had thought. Yes I would recommend taking Paul’s class. I just think you need to be self-motivated, show up, and do your best on your assignments.
My peers were something else in this class. I believe this was partly our instructors fault. He set himself up with our loud, obnoxious discussions. Not trying to bash the discussions though because honestly that was my favorite part of the course. Not having to listen to your professor lecture you all about this and that is definitely a plus in my book. He got us involved and allowed us to express how we felt about the information that we went over. This got everyone, well almost everyone comfortable with each other and that’s how we became like a little English 111-60 family. I can really appreciate this because it is nice to have someone you can talk to who is in the same boat as you. I mean my peers were going through the same things as me. Even though sometimes our discussions dragged on a little too long causing us to get out a few minutes late, it was still my favorite part of the class.
Another reason this class is beneficial is because you only have to purchase a little handbook, which is only thirty-eight dollars. All the other material you print out off of Blackboard. Saves you money, but you just have to keep up with the course calendar and have all your materials printed out. Paul’s pretty lenient and understands though, also not what I was expecting from and college professor. He is also really good about getting back to you with e-mails in a timely manner. The can be really helpful when you have questions you need answered before next class.
I really didn’t dislike anything in the course except for maybe getting out late and feeling a little rushed at times.
All in all it was a good experience and really enjoyable at most times. Paul is a funny guy but also knows how to be serious. I recommend taking any of his courses unless you’re a slacker. If you do take his courses I’m confident to say you’re bound to learn something. I’m kind of sad he isn’t teaching English112. His class is not an easy A, but it isn’t like it is impossible to get one. Your grade will reflect the effort you put into your assignments. You should definitely take his class if you like group discussions, understanding instructors, and meeting new people.
The fall of 2009 being my first semester in college, I didn’t set my expectations as high as I should have. Especially not for Mr.Gasparo’s class, I’m just kidding it wasn’t that bad. In all seriousness I knew it was an English class but I wasn’t used to the fast pace college life. It was difficult for me to adapt to at first but I’m pretty sure I’ve got the hang of it now. Once you’re in college you’ve really got to learn how to perfect your work ethic skills. One important thing I’ve learned this semester being in Mr.Gasparo’s class is how to push myself and be self-motivated. This is an extremely vital skill for a college student to obtain early on in their college career.
Like I said before I knew this class was an English class and they usually require a lot of work. While I was going through this semester I’m not going to lie, I became stressed out a couple of times; mostly in Paul’s class (No offense Paul). Also as I was going through this class I thought it was a lot of work and at times too much to handle with everything else going on in my life. Now, after the fact I sit and think about it the work load wasn’t as much as I previously had thought. Yes I would recommend taking Paul’s class. I just think you need to be self-motivated, show up, and do your best on your assignments.
My peers were something else in this class. I believe this was partly our instructors fault. He set himself up with our loud, obnoxious discussions. Not trying to bash the discussions though because honestly that was my favorite part of the course. Not having to listen to your professor lecture you all about this and that is definitely a plus in my book. He got us involved and allowed us to express how we felt about the information that we went over. This got everyone, well almost everyone comfortable with each other and that’s how we became like a little English 111-60 family. I can really appreciate this because it is nice to have someone you can talk to who is in the same boat as you. I mean my peers were going through the same things as me. Even though sometimes our discussions dragged on a little too long causing us to get out a few minutes late, it was still my favorite part of the class.
Another reason this class is beneficial is because you only have to purchase a little handbook, which is only thirty-eight dollars. All the other material you print out off of Blackboard. Saves you money, but you just have to keep up with the course calendar and have all your materials printed out. Paul’s pretty lenient and understands though, also not what I was expecting from and college professor. He is also really good about getting back to you with e-mails in a timely manner. The can be really helpful when you have questions you need answered before next class.
I really didn’t dislike anything in the course except for maybe getting out late and feeling a little rushed at times.
All in all it was a good experience and really enjoyable at most times. Paul is a funny guy but also knows how to be serious. I recommend taking any of his courses unless you’re a slacker. If you do take his courses I’m confident to say you’re bound to learn something. I’m kind of sad he isn’t teaching English112. His class is not an easy A, but it isn’t like it is impossible to get one. Your grade will reflect the effort you put into your assignments. You should definitely take his class if you like group discussions, understanding instructors, and meeting new people.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Diagnostic Essay: Best Job Ever
9/2/09Best Job Ever
Everybody’s first couple of jobs usually come and go like the wind. Although sometimes you might get lucky and find that job that really works for you. Other times you can’t wait to get off your scheduled to search for a new one. Whatever the case may be, everyone would rather work at a place they love and enjoy. Working somewhere you enjoy makes the work day fly by. Most people don’t end up working in a career they like. People just stick with it because they never feel like starting over, so they’d rather suffer. Every time I hear someone complaining about their job, I always tell them to get a new one if it’s so bad. I understand its different now because of the economy and how it’s so hard to keep a good steady job.
Since I’m only eighteen years old I’ve only been through three employed experiences. I had my first job when I was fifteen. My first job was the worst job I’ve experienced. I was a housekeeper at a local water park. I had to deal with trash, public bathrooms, and the scorching sun. In the past three years I’ve had three jobs back t back, that’s not bad. This journey took me threw a lot as far as commitments and responsibilities. I believe that I started out low and worked my way up. I’ve worked my way up in job description as well as in income.
The best job out of the three I’ve had is no doubt the one I have now. I’m currently employed as a lifeguard at a local recreation center, known as Bow Creek. It’ll be a year since I fist started at Bow creek in October, and I’m so grateful I have made it this far. The pay is rewarding and I can’t complain about the hours either. I get paid $8.64 an hour for lifeguarding and will get paid $12.17 an hour for teaching swim lesson after my certification class. It may not seem like much to a lot people but to me its one of the better paying part time jobs out there. A city job is really the way to go for me.
Bow Creek works with your availability, which most part time jobs don’t. We have a request off binder we use. Whenever I need time off, I just go to that binder and find the days and simply write the word off on the calendar. Even if I do accidently get scheduled a shift I’m unable to work, there are five other recreation centers I can call to get a substitute. If I’m unable to get my shift covered then most likely the supervisors will work something out with you depending on the severity of reason as to why you need off. Another plus is that the centers close at five o’clock on Saturdays and Sundays. This way I can count on my weekend nights being free.
I’ve met a lot of new people while working for Bow Creek’s aquatic unit. My co-workers and I get along very well and we’re always willing to help each other out. We are always offering to help cover someone’s shift if they need it. I mean that’s more money in our pockets so it works out for both of parties. Its safe to say we’ve all became close friends while working with each other. We are like a little aquatic family, it’s nice. My supervisors are really down to earth, which makes them easy to talk to. Whenever I have a problem with anything or anyone I can just go talk to them about it. They’re so easy to talk to that we often just talk about our everyday lives to each other while still maintaining a professional image. I appreciate the open door policy is always an option. Feeling comfortable with everyone comes in handy when a problem arises.
Along with meeting my co-workers and developing a bond with them, I also keep a good professional relationship with the patrons (customers). Bow Creek has a lot of regulars that come into the pool area for a good swim. These people are fun to talk with. I enjoy their company while I’m on the stand. Working at Bow Creek allows me to interact with people throughout the whole day. I don’t just get to interact with people but with kids! I love working with kids, and I will soon become a Water Safety Instructor. Once WSI certified I’ll be able to teach swimming lessons. This job is definitely the best job I’ve ever had.
Although I’ve only had three jobs in my working career, I feel I have a really rewarding job as of now. I’m appreciative of the fact that I found a job at Bow Creek. I really enjoy working with my co-workers and being able to be around people all the time. I plan on keeping this job for awhile until I start my career as an Occupational Therapist or at least till I’m almost done with college. I can’t think of a lot of negatives about this particular job, placing it as the best job I’ve ever had!
The picture link can be found here.
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