American Culture
American Culture
In the summer of 2001, I decided to work at a restaurant as a line chef. After I was interviewed for the position, Mark Hayes, an American born chef with a full resume of culinary accomplishments, hired me. After receiving the position, I attended the first day with an understanding that the other line cooks would be like Mark. But I was blind to the world as I realized that I would be working directly with Mexican immigrants. Growing up in a predominately English-speaking neighborhood, I was unsure of how to react. Here comes a seventeen year-old kid, with little to no experience, about to work with six other Spanish-speaking men from Mexico. I was incredibly intimidated as my boss Mark introduced me to Luis. Luis spoke very little English. I struggled with what he said and we were really mostly communicating through gestures. I felt very out of place, as it was difficult for me to fit in with these other guys. I talked with my boss, Mark about the situation and he explained some things. He reassured me that everything was going to be ok and that I would just have to hang in there and do my best to fit in. As the night progressed, I tried to pick up as much as I could (learning the plate settings and dressings) in silence. We closed early because it was slow and I was home by eleven o'clock. I saw my native Spanish-speaking father at home and told him how everything went. He was discouraged to hear that things had not gone well. I explained to him the situation that I was in, being intimidated by these Mexican men. He told me to use my Spanish, which I had been studying for the past four years in high school. I do not know why I did not think of that earlier. I thought that if I would have used my Spanish with them that it would be insulting.
I went to work the next day with an open mind. As I walked in and got dressed, I made it a point to talk to Mark about the concerns I had. Mark was more than willing to help me in my situation. I made it a point to mention my Spanish experience and willingness to practice and interact with the other line cooks in Spanish. Mark was ecstatic...