(17, NJ, USA) James - The New Waiter

When I first joined a banquet hall called Addison Park back in mid-July, I was very nervous about starting my new position as busboy. As time went on, my knowledge of the workforce significantly improved. This truly taught me how hard I needed to work for what I want, and how appreciative I must be when it comes to the opportunities I receive. Addison Park showed me how my hard work payed off— because at Addison Park, it usually takes about a year, and some waiter training to level up from a busboy to a waiter. In my case, it took me 3 and a half months. About 2 hours into a normal wedding, my maître d' Sal pulled me to the side after a waiter went home sick. He gave me a card with a layout of 2 tables, one on the front, and one on the back. It hit me as soon as he pulled out the card that I was going to become a waiter. I knew what I had to do would be different, but I've learned over the past couple of months that I am ready for this next level. I began taking orders for the 2 tables I had. This was a stressful but very big step— because they trusted me enough to pick up this position when it was truly needed. I was now finally a waiter. Their trust in my ability to serve the people despite my lack of experience as a waiter made me reflect on the potential rewards of my diligence and dedication to my work.