First jobs, first lessons

By Adyson Rackley, Contributing Writer

From part-time gigs in retail, babysitting, teaching positions and summer internships these early jobs provided lessons in responsibility, work ethic and perseverance.

 Everyone’s journey to their current career begins somewhere, and for many, that starting point was their first job. These jobs, though sometimes simple or short-term, lay the foundation for future career paths and provide essential skills that last a lifetime.

For most teenagers their first job is usually in retail, food service or working at a grocery store. First jobs help teach young minds crucial skills such as time management, teamwork and professionalism. Working as a cashier at Prengers grocery store has taught Centralia High School (CHS) junior Audrey Ricklefs how to count money efficiently and have excellent customer service skills. Ricklefs currently works at Prengers while also balancing a second job. She also works as a daycare teacher at the after school program The Lighthouse. Audrey credits some of her customer service skills to CHS alums Laila Payne and Eli Hill because of their excellent mentoring at Prengers. 

Food service is one of the most common first jobs and employs most of the younger demographic. Alise Williams, CHS senior is currently employed at Scooter’s Coffee as a barista. Williams secured her job by applying on a hiring platform called Indeed. Once her application was forwarded to Scooter’s, her now manager gave her a call and scheduled the in-person interview. Williams started working at the coffee shop when she was 16. She didn’t have one specific mentor because she felt that everyone who worked there helped guide her. “There were a lot of coffee recipes that I didn’t know how to make but I eventually remembered after a while,” stated Williams when asked if there was a challenge she faced during her training stages. 

Mr. Justin Kephart, CHS Government and AP Government instructor believes his first job showed him how to be successful and have an outstanding work ethic. His trek to personal and professional accountability began when he was 15 as a busboy in a small diner. He acquired this job by going in person to ask the owner for the application and interview.  He realized during his starter job that if he had a bad work ethic it could be damaging to not just himself, but his coworkers as well. “It installed the work ethic I have in my profession,” replied Kephart when queried how his first job impacted his current career. 

Every job is a stepping stone towards personal growth. Whether or not you stay at one job for the rest of your life or have multiple jobs to get more experience, the appreciation for hard work grows exponentially.