Did you do anything meaningful but also enjoyable last summer? What have you learnt? I’ve joined a three-week ‘Summer Work Experience’ scheme as an assistant in a pet shop, and I found it rewarding and fruitful.
I had never had any proper work experience before, but I was determined to impress my boss and to take up the challenges. So I plucked up the courage, feeling thrilled with a little apprehension, and stepped into the shop. Carrying a set of rules, the boss met me and asked me to abide by them because they helped maintain the quality of the pets. I had some cleaning and washing to do on the first day. To be honest, it was a simple job but was really boring. Still, I went home that night, feeling tired all over.
I was late the next day. My boss crossed his arms in front of his chest, waiting for me at the door of the shop. I bowed my head after giving my apology. He reminded me the importance of being punctual. That every animal’s routine would be affected and so on. After his lengthy lecturing, he patted my shoulder gently and asked me to finish the day’s job. I swore to myself that I would not be late anymore. Eventually, the first week passed.
My role in the second week was to take care of the animals. That was a real challenge but I took it anyway. I had to make sure that they all got what they needed, for example, food, water, warmth, rest and sleep. So I had got to keep an eye on them. This required me to pay my utmost attention. All of my patience was summoned in this task but I’d say it was much better than my first job in the shop. Any pet owner would know that handling an animal is not all easy and I was like dealing with a bunch of them at that time. That night sound unbelievable, but I truly enjoyed my time. It was a pleasure to stroke them because they stopped making sounds and became peaceful right away. They were so adorable that I couldn’t help sinking my fingertips into their silk-like fur to feel their softness rubbing gently against my skin. (I bet they loved it too!) The second week just went by like this.
In the third week, my boss gave me the ultimate test: to serve the customers. At first, my boss let me observe and make notes when he was doing the work. Since he was familiar with all the things, he did them with ease and I was amazed. That night, I tried my best to run everything that I had to tell the clients over and over till I felt asleep. I found myself downright gauche and tactless in front of a lady the next morning, but fortunately my boss came to my rescue before she grew annoyed. I was extremely embarrassed but my boss supported and encouraged me by saying that “practice makes perfect”. So after gaining more experiences, I became more confident and skilful. I was really proud of myself.
I’ve learnt a lot through this programme and I like it too. Being punctual and patient, conforming to rules, loving what I do instead of doing what I like, keeping practicing in order to achieve perfection, etc. are the life-long practice that would be beneficial to me in the future. That was really a great way to learn outside the school context. I’ll definitely join the ‘Summer Work Experience’ scheme next summer. Are your ready to join me?