At the library: Starting a new role as library page

Starting a new job isn't always what someone would call easy. It can be nerve racking, especially when that first day comes racing around the corner without due warning. It's like stubbing your toe on a table corner called responsibility, and with a worldwide pandemic looming over the world's head, one could only imagine how on edge I had been. I remember clearly how I was filled with uncertainty and apprehension when walking into those library doors for the first time as an employee. Considering the near horror story that took place on the first few days at my first ever job (nightmare material, truly), I was more than pleasantly surprised.

Never did I expect to have been met with such kind, understanding people that made me feel comforted when I was wandering into unfamiliar territory. I fully expected to be overwhelmed and completely lost like I was on those treacherous first few days at my previous job - one of which included an evening where my co-worker, who was supposed to train me that evening, called in sick, leaving me to fend for myself with one day of experience. I know this sounds dramatic (because it is, whoops), but it gave me a not so great first experience with a job, leaving me with an irrational fear of starting a new one.

But as I mentioned earlier, with the help of my amazing co-workers, my first day as a library page flew by. The raging fire of my nerves slowly extinguished as the hours of my shift progressed, and by the end of it, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I realized that my past experiences were just a bump on the pathway to gaining valuable experience as a newbie in the workforce.

While I still have so much to learn on my journey to becoming a great library page, I'm gaining confidence each and every day I come here. I'm thankful to be a part of the warm community that is the library, and while I can feel my nerves getting riled up again for our reopening next month, I won't let it overshadow the excitement that I have to finally meet our patrons in person - within coronavirus safety guidelines, of course!