For two years, I worked alongside residents and staff members on day-to-day tasks and activities. I also assisted in preparation for high-profile conferences and events, including the Marbridge CoAct Symposium, Brookwood Way™ Center for Learning, and Bike to the Beach.I had opportunities to work closely with Brookwood leadership, learn from the examples of mentors and role models, and meet donors. While I absolutely learned practical skills through my internship, the real blessings came through the opportunity to serve in my local community, connect with some remarkable people, and learn from the neurodivergent population that Brookwood serves.

During my junior year, then through the end of the summer following my senior year, I worked as a front of house employee. My main areas of focus were:1. Customer engagement (managing transactions, providing second-mile service, and addressing customer concerns to ensure a positive dining experience)2. Supporting operations (assisting with stocking, cleaning, maintaining store appearance, and working to contribute to smooth and efficient daily operation)While I worked there, I learned a lot about positive company culture by observing and participating in employee training and team-building practices. I also observed how intentional hiring processes, as well as a supportive work environment, directly impact the overall customer experience.

As a side hustle to earn more money for college and a church mission, I started a lawncare business at 16. I went from door to door in my neighborhood, offered my services, and secured regular lawn maintenance as well as some odd jobs.In addition to exposure to door-to-door sales, I learned how to effectively articulate what services I was offering as well and experience the satisfaction of doing a job well and to a customer's liking.

Prior to my sophomore year of high school, I worked as a lifeguard. This was my first hourly job, and I worked as many hours as I possibly could. It wasn't uncommon for me to work six days a week, pushing overtime as often as I was allowed. My primary roles were:1. Ensuring the safety of patrons (by enforcing pool rules, scanning the water, and teaching myself to remain focused on the task at hand)2. Ensuring a positive customer experience (by being respectful and friendly as I enforced rules and helped to resolve problems or concerns that patrons had)Aside from improving my work ethic, one of the biggest takeaways for me was learning from the founder. After talking with him on a couple of occasions I began to consider entrepreneurship as a possible career path.