Dear Editor:
It is nice to see so many of Gilroy’s youth employed this summer
working at varies stores and eateries.
Dear Editor:
It is nice to see so many of Gilroy’s youth employed this summer working at varies stores and eateries.
I don’t spend much time shopping at the outlet or the new centers at U.S. 101, but occasionally I need to purchase an item or go out for a bite to eat.
This weekend I spotted several Gilroy High School students working at Maui Taco and next door at Jamba Juice. I realize this is a small sample to judge how many Gilroy’s youth are employed, but it is good to see that they are willing to work and the businesses are willing to hire them.
A number of years ago it was difficult for a teenager to find a part time summer employment in the Gilroy area. Most summer jobs were restricted to farm labor, yard work, washing the family car or baby-sitting. However, this all changed when the Outlets, businesses along First Street and now the new shopping plazas were built.
I haven’t put much thought or attention into the building that has taken place in Gilroy the past five to 10 years. All I cared about was having a good hardware store and sporting store that carried a good selection of fishing gear. As I look around, I am a pretty happy guy. However, now I see what all those new businesses really mean to the people of Gilroy, especially the young part-time workers.
Earning a wage gives one a new perspective on life. You can’t wait to get your first paycheck. Maybe you only worked 30 hours but it seemed like 60. You figured your paycheck should be $236.42. You made plans on what your first purchase was going to be. You look at your check and it’s for $158. 30. No, that can’t be correct. In Mrs. Zuhr’s and Mr. Scott’s math classes you learned that the number of hours worked times wage per hour equals how much I should be paid. Later your parents explained the facts of payroll tax deductions. Up to now it was only sales tax on CDs, and fast foods you purchased. Welcome to the world of taxes. You will get use to it. But remember you will get part of it back 50-plus years from now.
Your job will create more than a paycheck at the end of the week. It will create responsibility and character. It will create sharing and respect for your fellow employee. It will create trust between you and your employer. It will create temporary financial independence from your parents.
In closing, I would like to give a few words of advice.
Show up for work at least 10 minutes before your shift starts. Volunteer to stay a few minutes later. Even if the job is boring, stick it out until the end of summer (think how boring some of those two hour long classes at GHS were this past year). Don’t complain to your fellow employee. Smile. If a friend comes in the store, say hello but continue working. A 10-minute break means 10 minutes. And most importantly, do not stand around and talk with your fellow employee; always look busy.
If the beginning of the new school year means the end of your job, I suggest one week before the end of your job, ask your employer for a letter of reference.
Alan Johnson, Gilroy
Submitted Sunday, June 20 to ed****@ga****.com
The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.
