Rising to the occasion....

So, it's Spring Break for the 10th grader, but rather than, you know, "resting" or something silly like that, he's had a pretty momentous week. First he and Husband made a brief sojourn to the other Carolina, to visit his GPs (as I've taken to calling the grandparents). While they were gone, Riley texted me that one of the (many) places he'd completed an (electronic) application to work had contacted him, requesting that he call them.

Now, this was a potentially super-exciting development in what had been, up to this point, a somewhat frustrating job search for him. You see, although one is technically allowed to work at age 15, we found that in reality, most businesses won't even talk to you unless you've reached that magic 16th birthday. I mean, it's difficult to understand why--because adolescents are sooooo reliable, responsible, and mature, right?

(Yeah, I couldn't even type that with a straight face...) But still..how could you NOT want to trust a young man who's created a resume and cover letter (with Mom's assistance, naturally) detailing his very impressive status as...High School Sophomore...and describing his vast experience...as a volunteer for both a Summer camp....and a non-profit organization? (Oh...never mind....siiighhh...)

You might recall that this all started in January, when I'd helped him begin the process by Googling possible leads for establishments in our immediate vicinity that might be hiring. Then we also put in the time and effort for legwork--showing up at stores and restaurants that didn't have clear guidelines on their website, or wanted an actual paper form, to ask in person if they would consider a pre-16-er. Next, I walked him through his first couple of submissions...aaannnnd we commenced the "waiting in vain" portion of our program...for anyone to reach out and initiate the next step.

However, Riley had decided that he reeeaaally wanted to work, and so when he hadn't heard anything back from the aforementioned shop, several weeks after providing his information online, he emailed them to follow up. (Whaaaat? Self-motivation and initiative demonstrated by a teenage boy? I almost didn't recognize it...ha!) When he got in touch with them as instructed, they wanted to set up an interview--which would be his first real shot at gainful employment...so needless to say, there was much excitement amongst Riley's supporters on Team WestEnders.

At the appointed time, I drove him to his meeting, then left him and the manager to chat, and walked around town (trying to breathe deeply, while channeling hopeful and positive vibes). After 15 minutes or so I got the "all done" text. I retrieved him and casually inquired as to how it had gone...to which Riley responded that they definitely wanted to hire him, as soon as they could set up some training sessions in the coming weeks. Um...yaaaayyyyyy!

So, if everything continues to go smoothly from this point--and we're ALL going to keep our fingers crossed that it does, 'kaythanks--my kiddo will be pouring coffee and preparing biscuits in the fine town of Carrboro someday very soon. And can I just say: could he possibly have picked a more appealing venue? Heeeeyyyy...I wonder if they offer any kind of..."family discount"? Mmmmm.....