by Nabeela Qaiser

My first job was at a café shop named “Kefe Nytt” in Fredrikstad in Norway.  As my first time working, personally it made feel proud.   I remember walking in very nervous and afraid.  I took a seat and glanced around.  I saw my expression mirrored in my co-worker’s face.  Yet, our supervisor welcomed us warmly and even gave us snacks.

I was very excited, but also a little nervous.  I did not know how to talk and handle customers, as this was my first time.  I was afraid of making a mistake and messing things up.  I was very dedicated to learn my job fast and make no mistake so I could impress my boss, Astrid.

During the first two training weeks, I learned how to make different types of salads and soups.  Sometimes, I made mistakes.  I burned the cookies in the oven and made the cake very sweet. I forgot the foccacia bread two times in the oven.  My boss smiled with angry eyes.

But time passed. I learned my job and perfected it.  The customers started loving my dishes and soon I became a really good worker and better baker.

It was an enjoyable experience and I loved every step of it.  Having a job was a way of making extra cash for clothes and makeup.  It made me feel independent and responsible.  I also learned how to handle my fiancés.  I had to learn how to take public transportation, how to interact with my coworkers and different types of people.  I also learned punctuality and especially how to be with my boss.  In a way, it was almost like I had learned real life skills in eight months.

I will never forget my first job experience.  It will always be a big part of me maturing and becoming a real worker.  This job taught me to always have an open mind and be willing to work in any type of work environment and to always be respectful and kind to others.

Born and raised in Qatar, Nabeela Qaiser has been in the United States for one year.  She has a husband and two children.  She is a hard worker.  She loves praying, cooking, reading, stitching and yoga.  She studies at the Harlem Adult Learning Center at the New York Public Library.  She wants to improve her English because it will open new doors.  She gives special thanks to all of her hardworking teachers.