My First Job At Chick-Fil-A

I remember my first job interview. My heart beating frantically— as if it were going to pound its way out of my chest— each slow stride I took, closer and closer to the restaurant. “Alright Rebekah. You got this. Show them what you got.” I whispered to myself as I confidently swung the door open. “Welcome to Chick-Fil-A!” a young woman in her early twenties cheerily greeted me as I shook hands with her. She was the very lady who hired me, and I will be eternally grateful. I later learned her name was Leigh as we conversed about a myriad of topics from our favorite desserts to why I chose to apply at Chick-fil-A. A suspenseful week later, I got an email one night saying I got the job and I jumped for joy, storming downstairs to my “um-ma” and

We exchanged hugs, kisses, and delight and went to bed that night with smiles that could last a lifetime. Getting a job at Chick-fil-A is my most valuable achievement; not because of the hard earned money it brings me or even the free food, but the powerful lessons and values that I have learned while at work and will be able to apply into my future profession as a pharmacist and until my very last breath. One slow Thursday night, a silent man trudged in, came over to my register, and ordered his food. I smiled at him, looked into his indifferent eyes and asked him how his day was. “I’m fine.” he gnarled, looking the other way as he spoke. In situations like this, it is always easiest to reciprocate the same response and treat customers rudely— which further ruins the customer’s day and my day as well. However, there was a tug in my heart that led me to share my love and happiness with this man, despite the belittlement and

It is very easy to get caught up in solely bettering oneself. “When I grow up, I am going to buy myself designer clothes, live in a nice house, and drive around in my Audi R8.” This mindset of “me, me, me” seized the best of me when I received my first paycheck. I spent all my money getting my nails done, buying new clothes, and buying good food for myself. Although I looked good and felt good, this satisfaction rush lasted temporarily— to be more exact only a few hours. By the end of the day, I laid in a bed full of regret and emptiness. Now, instead of spending all my small income on myself, I donate more earnings to church and always make sure to buy food for others, whether its my two younger sisters to that time when I bought my Uber driver food when my car broke down. I am so thankful to have learned the joys of giving out the little I have to others. This value of generosity will remain in me even as I earn more wealth as a pharmacist. Earning much more money will give me the opportunity to share my blessings with my community on a larger scale— like creating food shelters for the hungry— and like NOA bank— supporting the future leaders and change- makers of Georgia. Working at Chick-fil-A has taught me that money is best spent bettering