Semester 1 is finished. It seems like yesterday I was counting down the number of days I had left in Layers. Looking back, I am thankful for my experience in Layers and the way my life has unfolded over the last six months. It has taught me an incredible amount about the type of student I want to be, the peer I want to be, and the worker I want to be.
I have realized is that there is something to learn from every person you encounter. Though it may be positive, negative, or somewhere in between- there is a way to apply it to your life. While working with my classmates this semester I have learned several things; focusing on yourself is always best, going the extra mile is always worth it, if you want to go up you must show up, and don’t sweat the small things.
There were times this semester where I was frustrated with what other people were doing, but that got me nowhere. Once I decided to focus more on what I was doing and why I was there, (and less on the others around me) working in Layers became less dreadful. I am a strong believer that going the extra mile is what will distinguish you from the rest of the group. While sometimes going the extra mile doesn’t take effort, it does take a willingness to spend the extra time. As I have observed from my classmates and others, if you want the best opportunities, the best letters of recommendation, etc. you must show up early and stay late. Being in the kitchen can be frustrating at times and some days are completely dreadful. I used to be one who would sweat the small things, but I have learned that “shit happens” and you just have to roll with the punches or stop rolling all together.
This semester has come with a lot of changes- from being back in school, to being in a kitchen with a lot of people, to not being my own boss, etc. You often hear people talk about hind site being 20/20, but this now has an entirely new meaning to me. I can’t wait for what’s to come!!