Having a job and going to school can be very hard at times, but I manage to make it work. I’ve been working as a hostess at Outback Steakhouse in Danville since June. I tend to work 5-6 hour shifts 5 days a week.

When I get to work, I always acknowledge my coworkers before clocking in. After I clock in, I head to the host stand to start my shift. As guests come into the restaurant, I greet them with a smile and ask how many people will be dining in. I then grab however many menus and silverware I need and proceed to walk them to their table. 

Part of being a hostess consists of walking around with a tablet to ensure that all the tables are marked either clean, on deck, or occupied. This helps the rest of the hosts know where they can seat people and when to put guests on a wait. I do this every 20 minutes or so to make sure the tables stay up to date. As a hostess, I also have to make sure the silverware is stocked at the host stand. Every 30-45 minutes, hosts take turns rolling silverware in the kitchen. On weekdays, I’m usually working with one other host but since we’re so busy on weekends, I work with three other hosts. Before each shift ends, I have to finish all the silverware and clean the restroom.  

Ever since I started working at Outback, I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons such as: how to communicate with difficult customers, time management skills, problem solving, and how to have a strong work ethic. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for my amazing Outback team. My managers have pushed me to be the best version of myself in and out of work. I am very grateful to be a part of the Outback family and I look forward to many more experiences here.