From rent, food and gas to tuition and books,the list of expenses that the average college student incurs seemsto go on forever. The longer I am been at UTSA, the longer the list grows.

 So, like many students I know, I startedlooking for a job. However, I didn’t have a lot of workexperience. I used to work as a color guard instructor, and I alsotrained and cared for horses. Clothing stores and restaurantsseemed to be the only places with any job openings. Although I canorganize color guard practices and give horses injections, thosejobs are not in demand here in San Antonio.

 I spent hours looking for job openings andfilling out applications. Cory, my boyfriend, was also looking fora job and quickly landed a position as a server at SaltgrassSteakhouse. I didn’t have such luck, which wasdiscouraging.

 However, a couple of weeks ago, I got an interview at Joe’s Crab Shack. During the interview, I wasreally nervous and thought that I didn’t have a shot atgetting hired. Thankfully, I was wrong, and they gave me a job as ahostess. I was excited, but slightly apprehensive because Ididn’t know everything about  my job.

Of course, as with any job, I had to go through training. I had just witnessed Cory go through his training ,and I was aware of the fact that it was not going to be easy.

During my training, I received a lot ofinformation I had to memorize and learn.  I know I have beenasking a lot of questions and haven’t done everything exactlyright, but everyone has been patient and helpful. The other hostesses, servers, and staff members are friendly and welcoming,and everyone has a sense of humor. I have found myself laughingmore when I am at work than during any other time of the day. Icertainly can’t complain about the atmosphere–it isvery laid back and fun.

I can honestly say that I have a great timewhen I’m at work, and I know that not very many people cansay that. Yes, some people are content with and enjoy their work,but I actually have fun. Of course, there is one other plus to working there: I get to go to work in jeans and a t-shirt. Idon’t think you can get much better than that.