Not as
fluent as the native’s, my language skills are exercised at work daily to serve
the public. The very first time I was rejected to answer a phone call, though
the denial and rejection hit me hard sabotaging my ego, served as a wake-up call
forcing me to face not only the language barrier but also to ponder on and
reflect the real cause of the issue-ego, or should I say self-questioning. That
period of time I asked myself questions. Thanks to the guidelines etched in my
mind I eventually walked out the maze of self-doubt and set my feet back to the
path toward the promising future. If I was able to fly over the immense Pacific Ocean at a very young age with a broken language
then why should I be intimidated by a trivial encounter with someone who might not travel far away from homeland? “To serve the public” is my principal
guideline ahead of anything else. If, somehow, I am able to follow through this
principle then nothing should defeat me or take away my passion, enthusiasm, and
determination, my fuel and energy to be a good librarian. It’s my goal,
personally as well as professionally.
Far away, I
spotted Eric, one of my regulars whom I haven’t seen for a while. As usual, the
first thing I felt and sensed from him is his vigorous Eric-style confidence
decorated with a gentleman’s smile; you wouldn’t miss him in a crowd.
Pleasantries exchanged, he told me he is going to relocate to Denver for he got an offer. “So soon?” The
good news surprised me for Eric just graduated from school and passed CPA exam
not long ago. Humbly and matter-of-factly, he briefly described what and how
things took place in his life in the past two months. After I had a short
conversation with Eric’s whole family, I left the children’s area with his new
address and info on my name card. Amazing…I just experienced and witnessed
another successful American dream came true. “American dreams start @ your
public library” was echoing and following me today as the day went by. Even
though it’s his family who has used the branch the most, one couldn’t deny and
ignore the role the public library has played in his life and life of his
wife’s and children’s. Jennifer silently whistled as I briefed her Eric’s debut of a new career and plan of relocation. It’s a cheer-up both of us need
at work. The message is clear: the public library matters in a person’s life.
Do you know how cute and innocent looking a mature woman
would look like when she was fully engrossed herself at sorting books sitting
on the floor with her shoes off? Though her feet and legs were not intertwined as those
of meditators they reminded me of a lotus seating style. That’s Abby at work. All
I could make of her was her shiny long hair as I looked down from where I
stood. In order to conveniently and further our conversation I sat down and
watched her through the tunnel/hole made of layers of a steel truck. Imagine that
picture: it’s as if two girls were playing hide and seek as I bent and
straightened my back to go on the talk with Abby while she inspected the titles
of books and took time to look up at me. It’s our playground: we work as if we
play.
Today’s
power walk was an arduous one for I didn’t have enough sleep last night; my
feet were as heavy as if the gravity was playing a prank or a trick on me. The
spine and back were not mine; they belonged to an old lady. Then Jennifer
pushed the back door and walked toward me as I forcefully walked up the slight
slope at the parking lot. “Thank you, Jennifer.” Silently I voiced my gratitude
to Jennifer who was walking side by side with me. We picked up the topic we
didn’t finish the other day as Jennifer gave me a ride to work. How I want to
witness another success, another glory radiate from a person I have been
working with for more than five years and a woman I come to like a lot!
“Do you
have a story to tell?” I am composing my
own story by working hard at work, a place I like very much. Compliments from
varied patrons and what I have seen in Jennifer tell me she owns plenty of
potentials and talents that she, herself, might not have known or pay attention to. As
smart as Jennifer, all she needs is for someone to point that out to her with
certain degree of recognition and gratitude. I thank Jennifer for what she has done for
the group, and for me. A journey won’t be long, hard or lonely for there is
someone you trust walking with you. Working with Jennifer allows me to focus on
tasks and own a sense of companionship, friendship, and pride of a team work.
Go American
Dreams! Go My Goals, personally as well as professionally!
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