If you’re anything like me, when you turned sixteen your dad said something like, “Now that you can drive, you’re going to need to get gas money somehow.” He was half kidding, half not kidding. His big heart would always be willing to spare me some cash, but we both knew I could learn a thing or two about responsibility through working.

That summer, I was offered a job as a lifeguard. At this point, I had not been willing to work very often, especially not on weekends. Once I started working, I had almost all my shifts picked up by my coworkers. I was a horrible employee. I was young and my social life was more important to me. But, shockingly enough, they kept me around for another five years.

It was a small neighborhood called Chadds’ Lake with lots of families and young kids. As I kept working there, I got to know a lot of the families. I began babysitting for a couple of the families, and they quickly became some of my favorite people. My boss and his family came to the pool often, and his two sons worked with me. Whenever they would come to the pool, I knew it was going to be a good shift. No matter what kind of day I was having, I would always leave that pool with a smile.

Once the summers came to an end, I would find a seasonal job. I found out (twice) that I strongly disliked working in retail, and it strongly disliked me. I always found myself texting the Chadds’ Lake families to see if they needed a babysitter. Over time, the bonds between me and the sweet families of Chadds’ Lake developed into more than just a monthly babysitter. The people are what kept me there, and are the reason why lifeguarding has always been my favorite job.

Fast forward a couple of years, as a junior in college, beyond poor, I decided I needed a job. I was unemployed during my first two years of college… because who wants to work when you can have fun on your parents’ dime? Sorry, Mom and Dad! But as I searched for a job, a friend mentioned how much she loved her lifeguarding job. I applied immediately. I thought to myself, if this lifeguarding job is half as good as the one before, I’ll take it. Little did I know, I would meet some of my favorite people, and coworkers. And I still never leave that pool without a smile!

Even though getting a job may seem difficult, you may find yourself lucky enough to meet some of the most amazing people. Chadds Lake, The Rec pool, and lifeguarding will forever have a special place in my heart!

Be well, Auburn.