Getting my first job at a young age was something that was thrilling, intimidating, and overwhelming all at the same time. It all began in May of 2024, when I was hired at 16 years old. After months of calling and bugging for updates on the status of my application, I finally got an interview, and after two daunting meetings, I was hired by Trader Joe’s under their First Job Program. This program was made with the intention of familiarizing high school students, like me, with the workforce. Now, at almost 18, I have spent nearly one and a half years working at their Yorba Linda location, and I can say with all honesty that it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far.
Under this program, my entire job is centered around Customer Service, or “CE”. It involves me being on the frontlines with shoppers, assisting them with bagging, restocking the baskets, cleaning, and answering easy questions. Initially, it was challenging to get used to the store’s pace. There is never a dull moment at Trader Joe’s, and I was soon challenged to learn the art of juggling several tasks simultaneously with a smile and a positive attitude. Over time, I gained confidence and began to realize how much a little detail can make a customer’s shopping experience.
One of the best things about Trader Joe’s has been the crew culture. My co-workers were patient and encouraging from the beginning, always telling me things I didn’t know or offering suggestions for how to do things better. Katie Farer (12) attested to this by saying, “Olivia was very welcoming to me when I first started working and was very helpful when I needed help.” That sense of camaraderie made me feel like I was more than just a teenager who worked after school – I was a member of a team that counted on one another. The pace of the Yorba Linda store is distinct, and figuring out my position within that has been the most rewarding aspect of the job.
I have also gained important life skills that I know I will carry with me for a long time after I graduate high school. Roajon Farsenejad (11) commented, “She is always willing to lend a hand when someone needs it and is very hardworking.” I have learned how to manage my time between school, work, and my personal life, how to communicate with adults and customers, and how to take responsibility in real life. In retrospect, Trader Joe’s was not just a first job. It was my transition into independence, responsibility, and growth.
