Tressa Hackel – Culinary Co-Op

My name is Tressa Hackel. I am a senior at Garden Spot High School. For my senior year, I have had the privilege of being in their Co-op program. The Co-op program allows students to do standard classes in the morning and then go to work for the rest of the day.

I worked at Panera Bread in Ephrata. I did various tasks, I worked in front of the house, soups, barista, and drive-thru. As a barista, I oversaw making drinks, smoothies, and getting bread, and bagels as well as sweets for people. With a working barista, you also covered the drive-thru. In the drive-thru you worked hands-on with customers, taking their orders, handling money, and making sure they have their drinks and sweets, or bagels. It is also important to make sure they have the correct order. It is important that you keep in contact with your team and the customer. The front of the house was also a place for great learning. Working in front of the house, you were the first person the customers interacted with. You made sure the coffee was fresh and everything was stocked in the bakery.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience I learned many things that will help me in the future. I learned how to show more kindness to people, and how to be more understanding of situations. It also taught me the importance of teamwork and how important communication is in the work field.

In conclusion, working at Panera was a huge eye-opener to the career I am wanting to pursue. I am planning on getting my CNA after high school through Garden Spot Village. Before I get my CNA at Garden Spot Village I will be working in the dining hall learning, and building a connection with the residents.