I did not begin work at College of Charleston’s Addlestone Library expecting to love it dearly. Being a student worker is seldom the highlight of anyone’s college experience.
But not long after I began working at the library, I began picking up extra shifts when I had the time for it, simply because I enjoyed being there. Much of this I credit to the excellent work environment there. My bosses and coworkers were easy to get along with, and even on our most fast-paced days, the job never felt a third so hostile and exhausting as the time I spent working front desk in a hotel.
Eventually, I joined the Library Student Ambassadors, a student group that promotes the college’s libraries, gathers student data to help improve them, promotes literacy, and advocates against book banning. I spent a year as Vice President, and another as president.
For my work with LSA, I was nominated for, and then a finalist for the Alexander Chambliss Connelley award, which is given to a student of the senior class who has made the most unselfish contribution to the student body and the College of Charleston.
I realized many things about myself at Addlestone.
- I enjoy working with others
- Detail oriented tasks like shelving books can be enjoyable
- I have a talent for project management
- Taking on additional responsibilities is rewarding
My big takeaway is this; work that seems mundane and unexciting may actually be worthwhile, gratifying, and enjoyable.