Last year, after graduating from high school, I, like most students going on to attend university, went on a hunt to find a summer job in order to help me pay university fees. I didn’t expect to get so much more than just a job.
When I found out that a privately owned train museum was looking for students to fulfill their summer job position last year, my interest was definitely peaked. At this point, I had never been to the museum (I had passed by it a few times in my car, but I had never visited). A friend of mine was working there and she seemed to enjoy it, although she was doing a different kind of job than what I ended up doing—which was being a tour guide. Many things led me to apply for the job: my friend’s recommendation, my love for history, how cool the place sounded, and more. I got an interview and ended up getting the job! I was extremely nervous, however. I was (understandably) nervous during the interview, but even after. I wondered what kind of job this would be, and what my bosses would be like—spoiler alert: they’re absolutely amazing—and if I would enjoy working here.
I was wrong to be nervous. I called Géraldine and Guy, told them about my situation, and they told me to take my time. What surprised me the most, however, was the way I was greeted when I finally came in to work. Géraldine, upon seeing me, ran over to me and hugged me, asking me multiple times if I was okay. I was amazed. I barely knew this tiny woman, and here she was, comforting me. I realized at that moment that I had nothing to worry about, and that I would be very happy working here.