So right now it's winter break, and I'm working at this restaurant in order to get money to pay for dance classes. Actually, that's how it started out, but I earned enough money for that within like a couple of weeks, and then I realized that I need vocal lessons as well, so I'm going for that, too. Basically, I'm working winter break so I can get trained this next semester.
Anyways, I'm sure that I'll get enough money for that (I actually think I'm just about crossing over my line of earning enough to cover the expenses) and that's the only thing that keeps me going through work. Work isn't BAD, it's just... kind of dulling, ya know?
Most of the people who work there are broke 20-somethings who would probably be a little less broke if they didn't buy so much weed. I'm by far the youngest, and also the only one who has stepped foot at a college. Most of them don't really care about what they're doing with their lives, you know, they don't have ambition. Their only goal is to "start working somewhere else" but they "never get around to doing it." Honestly, with that mindset and with their lousy work ethic, they're hopeless.
But there's this one guy, he's about 24, and he wants something more, but he's just frustrated that he can't get there. I don't know exactly what he wants (he says he doesn't, either) but it's probably something with either food (he really enjoys cooking) or music (he used to be in a band that never quite got off the ground). He doesn't like how all he does all day is deliver food and pack bags, but he doesn't DO anything about it. I was talking to him about how he feels about his life, and it seems like he really just hasn't thought about it. He says that he wants something more, and that he could probably do that if he wants to, but, for now, he's working here.
And I asked him, "What do you think is going to happen? Like, what are you waiting for?" and he got a bit flustered and said, "I don't know, all right?" so I let it slide.
Yesterday he came to me and told me that two different friends have offered him a position at the restaurants they work at. He said, "I was just thinking a lot about what you said to me, you know, like, 'just go out there and do it' and I think I might this time, you know, like what AM I waiting for?"
And I know that I'm working here because I need money to further pursue my own goals. The money is certain, I know I'll get that, but, as always, I was looking for something more.
If, at the time I have at this restaurant, I inspire someone to take the risk of their life and go for their dreams... that would make it all worth it. THAT, to me, would be more precious than the amount of training I will be getting this coming semester. Because being able to ignite that spark in someone, to be the reason they change themselves for the better, that's the most important thing to me. So if I could inspire just one person... that would be enough.
