For the past six weeks, I have been working at the Denali Park Village as a server at the Gold Rush Restaurant. This job has been an incredibly opportunity for me to gain serving experience, meet people from all over the world, and make good money at a summer job.
In the state of Alaska, alcohol cannot be served by anyone under the age of 21. Although technically I could still serve at lunch and dinner if another person ran my drinks, the managers have kept me on breakfast shift. Although I was originally concerned about not making enough money so early in the morning, this law has become the greatest blessing.
I wake up at 3:45am every morning to be ready for work at 4:30am. The commute from my dorm is about 60 seconds. By 5am, guests are ready to be seated for the breakfast buffet. My role in this restaurant is primarily to run juice and water to my tables. Breakfast servers make almost the same money as dinner servers, but it is much easier. Returning servers get first dibs at morning shifts, but I got a position there because of my age (I am feeling very lucky!).
The breakfast shift runs from 4:30am to 11:30am. Although this seems early (and feels early), it leaves my entire afternoon open for hiking, kayaking, and all kinds of fun. After a good nap, every day feels like a day off in my world.
There are drawbacks to this summer job as well. Village organization is relatively low due to the high turnover rate of all positions. Manager positions can be hard to fill, and new technical difficulties arise every day. However, for employees that can forgive spotty wifi and embrace the beautiful wilderness, this is the
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