Smiling Through the Storms

                Each day of our lives, we should aim to be positive and not focus on everything that may be going wrong. This statement was true for a young waitress at Applebee’s. I was out to dinner with my family, when the cheerful and professional waitress walked over to our table. She immediately asked us how we were doing and proceeded to ask us about our desired beverages. We ordered water with lemon, and continued to look over the menu. The waitress left the table to go get the beverages. I noticed that the waitress had a smile on her face, while interacting with the diners. She did not seem overwhelmed by the fast-paced atmosphere. She was able to serve approximately three to five tables, while still being able to interact positively with everyone.

            The waitress came back to our table and took our order. The waitress went beyond just taking our order, she began to talk with us about some aspects of her personal life. She talked about balancing work, while raising a child with special needs. The waitress shared some of the concerns that she had, while trying to ensure her child was safe and successful in school. She talked with me about her college experience, and what she would have done differently. The waitress went on to offer me some advice to help me land a job in the future. She said that it was important to participate in organizations related to my major, and to line up as many internship opportunities as possible. The waitress also shared some of her dreams, such as opening a home for single mothers and their children.

            The experience with the waitress caused me to think about the importance of remaining positive, no matter what challenges have to be faced. It is important to hold on to our dreams and desires, and believe that they will one day be accomplished. The waitress allowed her circumstances to make her a better individual. Her heart was not hardened, and she was not bitter about certain situations. The waitress was willing to offer me some tips that can be beneficial to me, as I progress through my college career. This interaction helped me to realize that people in the world are dealing with very difficult situations and still manage not to complain. I must not focus on the negative aspects in life that sometimes pale in comparison to the situations of others.