I feel incredibly lucky to announce that I am working at Du Réel au Miniature for the second year in a row! I vividly remember the sadness that I felt last year when my last day of work came. It felt too quick; I felt like I needed more time with the Laforges. I knew that an amazing journey was waiting for me; however, I also knew that I was going to miss the people I worked with, who had become like a family to me, incredibly.
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.
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.
My first day of work ever at Du Réel au Miniature started off roughly. I got into a minor car accident—someone backed into my car—and I was going to be late. For my first day of work. This, obviously, put me in a lot of stress. I kept telling myself that I was going to be in trouble, because who is late on their first day of work?
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.
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.
Over my first summer at Du Réel au Miniature, I had many wonderful experiences. I guided some amazing visits, I was part of a CBC special called “Land and Sea,” but most importantly, I got to form beautiful relationships with the people I worked with. I got to form a family. These are some of the reasons, why when I discovered that I was going to be returning to Edmundston for the summer after attending my first year of university at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, I knew immediately that I needed to ask Géraldine and Guy (the co-owners of Du Réel Au Miniature) if I could return for a second year of working for them. It was an extremely decision for me to make, and I’m incredibly glad that I get to work here for a second year in a row.
Written by Pascale Lemieux
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