Wheww. The long month of June is finally, finally over. I have been unbelievably busy this past month. There were days that I was literally on my feet for almost 16 hours straight. The first half I would spend at the Museum, teaching.. then from 4 to about midnight, I would have training for my new waitressing job. Then, I would come back to my room and study for my next training day, as well as making sure my lessons were in order, as well as doing some O-week stuff on top of everything else. It was busy. It was hard. I've never felt so in-demand or so spread so thinly than for the entire month of June.
But, somehow I survived! *Cue music!* And looking back on it, I feel super proud to have made it through! I mean, at least I know I can do it, right? 16 straight hours of smiles, calm, cool and collected control? Heck yes. :)
My last day at the museum was last Friday. And I kid you not - I cried. Granted it may have been just pure exhaustion from my long work days, but regardless, 3:30 came around and resulted in me becoming a crying, blubbering mess. My students kept asking me, "Miss Sherry, are you okay?" I will say that it was definitely an awesome experience, and I also learned a whole lot about myself and my particular leadership style. With 8 and 9 year olds, it's imperative to be in control of the situation at all times, never yell but be firm and straight forward with directions, and never, ever work with glitter and expect there to not be a mess. Seriously. Glitter is in the recipe for a messy disaster. But the kids love it. :) I must say, I do miss teaching quite a bit. Although I'm working full time waitressing and O-weeking now.. I definitely feel a void where my kids and my lessons used to be. Next year, I've been offered a full time teaching position during the summer.. While my heart is still set on an internship in New York.. If I need to stay close to home, teaching again is definitely something I may consider.
Waitressing is turning out to be pretty fantastic! I don't know what it is about it.. but I kind of really adore the whole process. Maybe it's because when I was growing up, eating out was a special treat.. and now I'm bringing (or at least trying to bring) a bit of sunshine to other people's dining experience? Oh, except for the woman who was allergic to almonds (eeekk.. sorry about that) In my defense she didn't tell me! But ahhh.. it's all a learning experience for sure. I think the thing I dig about it the most is that I'm interacting with so many different kinds of people and of all different ages - I have the sweet old couples who insist on sharing their meal and drinking coffee black; the nervous young couples that just sit and giggle at each other during the whole meal; and the business people who bring laptops to the table - They're fun. And eating habits! Oh, SO many different kinds of people. From vegans who order fried fish and egg-filled salads to dog-lovers that insist on extra prime rib bones for treats.. Haha, it's also turning into a really motivational experience as well. I had a table the other day who actually gave me a tip so high that my manager had to perform a quality check and then validate my adjusted tip in the system using a special code. The couple was visiting town briefly, because the gentleman had to run some tests at our cancer center. He had a wicked sense of humor, and his wife had a bit of sass in her demeanor. They were the sweetest couple I've ever had the opportunity of waiting on.. and I sincerely hope that they'll come visit me again.. but this time not because of a Doctor's appointment.
Right now, my head is absolutely spinning about the incoming students! Coordinating O-week is turning into quite a demanding job, but my fellow coordinators and I are definitely up the challenge. Every night for the past week, we've been reading and rereading roommate forms, pairing people up, putting them on floors... Next step is O-week groups.. to be discussed over wings tomorrow night at BWWs! And of course, T-shirt designs, planning activities.. Mmmm hmmm.. Gotta love that O-week bonding! :)
Other than that, made a quick trip home this past weekend.. I forget sometimes how much I love being home. I don't know whether it's the stellar Mexican food, or the fact that my mom always sends me back to college with goodies galore.. I love it. Or maybe it's the fact that I know my hometown like the back of my hand and don't get lost all that often. Some unexpected events happened with the family, but nothing we can't or haven't handle in the past. All in all, a very short and sweet visit home.. Oh and a cute movie with a cute new friend.
I love summer ♥
