"New Kid"

Joining the RutgersZone staff halfway through my junior year of college has been challenging, difficult, and demanding, but undeniably great, and easily one of the best decisions I have made since coming to Rutgers. The eight managers had already been set in their established position by the time I had joined, so when late December rolled around and it came time for me to begin work, I was slightly apprehensive and unaware of what to expect. On my first day of work, I knew no one, except for Lisa (since we are from the same small town) and Matt (because he hired me). Not only did I know barely anyone, but I knew nothing about the Zone, since I only ventured to Livingston for the occasional basketball game or RUPA event. I have been the “new kid” a few times before, and they weren’t all exactly favorable situations, for example my first job in a retirement home at age 14, which made my worries skyrocket. Anyway, when I finally made it to work at the RutgersZone, and had the opportunity to meet everyone, I realized I had absolutely nothing to be nervous about, and my fears were instantly obliterated. Everyone was eager to meet me, tell me about the Zone, and help me in any way they could, and they still are two months later, answering all questions whenever they can. At first I would text one manager, then remember I had another question, and not to seem annoying, text another manager, and before I knew it I had texted all of them, with different questions. Finally, once I had used up all the managers on questions, I would just choose one unlucky one and burden them with questions, and they were always so patient. Unfortunately, it has taken longer than I would like to admit for me to learn all the ins and outs of the Zone, and I find myself questioning Matt, one of the managers, or one of the crew members at least once during each of my shifts. I am always treated kindly and with much patience, because I don’t think of these people as my coworkers now, but my friends. My knowledge of the Zone hasn’t paralleled the growth of my relationships, but it will soon, and I am happy to say that I am extremely comfortable at the Zone now, with all who work there. I feel like I am apart of the original crew now, like I have known everyone since the Zone opened in September, and am apart of all the inside jokes. Aside from the RutgersZone being an actual restaurant requiring complex care, there really would have been no reminder that I am still the “new kid”, and I would have blended in and fit in much more quickly. Being the “new kid” is a term I never referred to until Matt asked me to write this blog, and I really don’t feel the crew or managers have ever looked at me as the “new kid” either. I was instantly accepted to the Zone family, and am forever grateful, and I cannot wait to meet the next “new kid” and ensure they receive the same treatment I did, and never feel like quintessential newbie.

<3 katie