Still Learning, Still Growing by Brianna

Still Learning, Still Growing by Brianna - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

When I first started working at a restaurant, I thought that eventually I would become experienced enough to know exactly what I was doing. Almost two years later, I have realized that being experienced does not mean you stop learning. In fact, some of the most important lessons I have learned have come from feedback. Working in a restaurant has taught me that feedback is not something to ignore or take personally. It is something to listen to, apply, and use to become better.

When I first began working, receiving feedback could sometimes feel like being told I was doing something wrong. It was easy to think, "I know how to do this," especially after gaining more experience. However, the longer I worked, the more I understood why feedback matters. A restaurant depends on everyone doing their part. The way I do my job can affect my coworkers, customers, and the overall experience of everyone in the restaurant. If I make a mistake or have a negative attitude, it does not only affect me. It can make someone else's job harder or change a customer's experience.

One of the biggest things I have learned is that I cannot simply hear feedback and then continue doing things my own way. There have been times where a coworker has corrected the way I handled a customer. My first reaction was not always to understand why I was being corrected, but I learned to take a step back and listen instead of becoming defensive. I realized that even when I thought I was handling a situation the best way I knew how, there could still be a better way to communicate with customers. I began applying this feedback to future situations by being more patient, paying closer attention to how I respond, and making sure my attitude stays positive even when a customer is difficult. It is not always easy to hear that I could have handled something better, but I have learned that accepting that feedback is how I improve.

Working in a restaurant has also taught me that a positive attitude matters more than I once realized. Customers may not remember every detail of their meal, but they are likely to remember how they were treated. If I provide friendly and positive service, I can help create an experience that makes them want to come back. At the same time, having a good attitude make the workplace better for the people around me. I have learned that doing my job well is not only about completing my own responsibilities. It is about contributing to the people around me.

After almost two years, I still learn something new at work almost every day. That has changed the way I look at feedback in every part of my life. Instead of seeing feedback as criticism, I try to see it as an opportunity to grow. I know I will never reach a point where I have nothing left to learn, and I no longer think that is something to be embarrassed about. I think it is something to be proud of. Being willing to listen, make changes, and keep improving has made me a better employee, coworker, and person. Most importantly, my job has taught me that growth does not come from believing you already know everything. It comes from being willing to learn something new every day.