Imagine Loving What You Do: Sweet Music

Today started off the same as any other. Waking up early and starting the morning commute. Get to the office, grab some coffee. Say “good morning!” and ask “how the hell are ya?” as I go to my desk. I have a pretty big desk. A few computers, printer and scanners are around me, along with some white walls and a semi-comfortable office chair. I look out the window just behind me and see the other skyscrapers. The blue background and white clouds appear on my computer screen as I log in. It was raining outside today, but the view is always stunning. Looking out and seeing the tall buildings is motivating. Looking in to the buildings, knowing business is booming inside is even more magnificent. It must be nice to run a business way up in the sky – all I know is it sure is nice working in the clouds.

Every day something new needs to be done. But all that means is something new must be learned. All around me are other working professionals who let their work speak for themselves. It didn’t take me long to see that my coworkers worked as a team. For the first time, when a group of people were assigned a project, they were genuinely excited about it! It wasn’t just because it was their job to do it, they were truly interested in putting the puzzle together and making the picture! It’s about the big picture, but it takes many pieces to make it.

So far in my life I have worked mostly with teenagers and restaurant staff in semi-casual environments. This change of setting is actually refreshing. I am not the only one who commutes, in fact most of the people I now work with commute over 45 minutes to work every day. Much different than a campus environment where every class is minutes away. Now, to me, that tells me that these people have a reason to come to work.  It is inspiring to see so many people enjoying their work. There is a common goal of not only getting it done, but getting it done right. If there are challenges or complications the team needs to work through and solve the problem. There is no shame in asking for help or even going onto Google for a quick search for solutions. It just seems natural to ask questions; whether the team is working on a project or a student is doing homework, if you don’t know the answer just ask. At least at work you always have the means to find the answer, research is noticed and attention to detail is rewarded.

My experience, thus far, has been very rewarding. Not only am I getting a chance to work, but I am getting a chance to spend more time in the city. Some of my friends have an apartment in Brooklyn and lately I spend one night there every week. It is cheaper for the commute and it is always nice to see life-long friends. They go to CUNY Brooklyn, a great school, and they too, are inspired by hard work. They are legendary musicians who will live the rest of their lives playing the guitar. Watching them play the guitar is actually a great way to describe what I am seeing at work…

Imagine a rock star named Rick Zachhi on stage, absolutely jamming on his guitar in the middle of a solo. Not only do you hear this man making amazing music, but you see him enjoying it. No matter how you look at it, he is at work. He is putting in the work at guitar and he wouldn’t have it any other. To some extent, that’s my coworkers and my boss in particular. When it was time for me to join the team he was excited for me. Working with a team isn’t just about going around and asking for help, it’s about learning and contributing. While my team already has a guitarist, singer and drummer – I’m picking up the bass and starting off with a fine-tuned beat. The band will be better if we all know how to play our parts and we’ll have more fun if we actually want to play.

About the Author:

Billy L.
Class of 2018 
Major: Intended-Business Administration
Blog Theme: The Out of State Student Experience: Studying Abroad in NYC