I still remember the smell of fresh produce, the hum of fluorescent lights, and the way my apron never quite fit right. My first job was bagging groceries at the local supermarket. I was 15, eager to make my own money and completely unaware of the life lessons I’d walk away with.

Back then, it didn’t feel like much. I’d clock in after school, grab my cart, and help customers bag their groceries. But quickly, I realized this job wasn’t just about putting bread on top of the eggs. It was about showing up. Every shift, on time. Even when I was tired. Even when my friends were doing something else. That’s when I first learned the quiet power of consistency.

I also learned how to deal with people—how to smile and make small talk, how to stay calm when someone wasn’t having their best day. And let me tell you, there’s a special kind of patience required when someone asks for paper and plastic.

Most importantly, I learned that no job is beneath you. Every role matters. Without the bagger, the cashier line backs up. Without the cashier, groceries don’t get rung up. It takes a team to run even the simplest operation.

Today, I may have moved far past the grocery aisles, but the lessons stuck:

• Be reliable.
• Work hard, even when no one’s watching.
• Treat everyone with respect.

So if you’re just starting out, or watching your teen land their first gig, remember: it’s not just a job—it’s a foundation. Every shift, every customer, every cart returned to the corral is a small step in building character. And it all starts somewhere—sometimes with a bag of groceries.