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Current position: Owner of GreenWorks Realty and GreenWorks Development Group, which specialize in eco-friendly homes.
First job: Texaco station on Route 236 in Fairfax, Va. I was the cashier behind the glass. At the time I remember thinking I must be breaking a few child-labor laws because of my age, which was "almost 15." I also remember really enjoying the first tastes of productivity, trust and freedom.
Pay: $6 an hour.
How I got the job: My mom got into a conversation with the station owner. I biked 5 miles each Saturday and Sunday for the start of the shift at 6 a.m. I enjoyed watching the area come to life each weekend day.
What I learned: I learned that I could improve myself through the quality of my work. Even with providing the most basic service functions, I could be friendly, warm and trustful and represent that gas station as best as I was able, and I could take pride in that work. Even though I was just a cashier, I could make sure all the candy bars and merchandise lined up straight and looked tidy. I could be professional, warm and courteous handing back people's change, and I could help a lot of lost people find their way around! The nicer I was, the more I enjoyed myself and the more customers seemed to enjoy our interaction.
