This blog was written by our student worker, Beronica, as a reflection to her time with us.
Working for Shoulder to Shoulder has been my only work experience so far. I have grown in knowledge, strength and have had personal development. I have learned to overcome my fears of what people will say about me.
I remember when I visited San Antonio with Minsis and Edel, it was a very unique experience and I think I will never find bosses like them. It was a very long day and rich in learning. I had never configured a router before, I felt nervous, I felt afraid because I had never done it in high school. We were with two other teachers because they too had to do it, and Edel explained it to us. Meanwhile they took
notes, pictures and took videos, I was the only one paying attention to what he was doing and explaining. And let me tell you I was up next to configure the router and again I was so nervous because I did not know how it would turn out, good or bad. In the end, it turned out well and I was happy with what I was able to do because while I was in school many of my peers would say that I couldn’t do this same task… well see, I could do it!
I have personally received many criticisms due to the way I am, I dress, and I express myself. Coming to work for Shoulder to Shoulder has been like an escape from my world in which most of my thoughts were silly and nonsensical because I had plans but I did not know how to execute them. Until I began talking with Mr. Andino (Edel), he helped me find a way to put my thoughts into practice. And I have even pushed my brothers to take advantage of their free time. When I told them about how they could invest money in some lands and reap the benefits, they were amazed. This was because beforehand I never motivated them or gave them new ideas. Today, my younger brother has a banana plantation, and my older brother has a yucca plantation. Thus, I have learned the value of life as well as the value of doing things.
Beronica as a student worker in 2019, at the start of her time with StS
Of course, I would also invite other youth to work because you grow in knowledge and personally. I would also invite them to read. When I invited my best friends to read, they were amazed because I was the complete opposite when I was studying and now I can advise them towards the good.
By being here I have learned more than I learned in High school. At the beginning I thought I was not going to last long in my job, because I did not know a lot. I have learned that when you are set on a goal and put all our efforts, you are capable of doing things. So many things that even you are left surprised.
Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Shoulder to team.
