Alyssa Martinez

At McDonald’s, I worked as a crew member, which meant doing a little bit of everything to help keep the restaurant running smoothly and customers happy. My main responsibilities included taking orders at the front counter and drive-thru, preparing food and drinks, keeping the work areas clean and organized, and making sure every guest had a positive experience.

I got really good at multitasking in a fast-paced environment — whether it was working the grill during a rush, helping customers with special requests, or jumping in wherever the team needed support. I also handled cash and card transactions, followed food safety procedures, and worked closely with my team to keep things efficient and upbeat.

It was definitely a fast-moving job, but it taught me a lot about teamwork, customer service, and staying calm under pressure. I took pride in being dependable, friendly, and making sure people left with a smile.

I’m a lead preschool teacher at Primrose, which means I’m responsible for creating a safe, loving, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for children around 3 to 5 years old. I guide them through social, emotional, and academic learning using the Primrose Balanced Learning® curriculum — a mix of play-based exploration and intentional, teacher-led instruction. It gives kids structure, but also lets them be curious, creative, and independent.

I’m also in charge of managing the classroom day-to-day. That includes leading routines, setting expectations, and modeling positive behaviors. I work closely with my assistant teacher to make sure we’re on the same page and that every child is getting what they need. Building strong relationships with families is a big part of my role too — I communicate with parents daily, share progress, and support each child’s growth both at school and at home.

Beyond teaching, I make sure the classroom is clean, safe, and organized, and I follow all licensing and safety standards. Most importantly, I help children feel seen, valued, and cared for every single day. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s also really rewarding — I get to help shape who these kids are becoming, not just what they’re learning.

At Legacy Retirement Home, I work as both a receptionist and a server, so my role is really about creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for the residents, their families, and visitors. As the receptionist, I’m often the first face people see when they walk in, so I make it a priority to greet everyone with kindness and professionalism. I answer phone calls, assist with resident and visitor needs, manage front desk responsibilities, and help coordinate communication between staff and families. It’s a role that requires multitasking, attention to detail, and genuine care for the people in our community.

In addition to working the front desk, I also serve meals in the dining area. That part of my job is all about making mealtimes feel personal and pleasant for the residents. I take their orders, serve food, and make sure they feel seen, heard, and respected. It’s not just about bringing out plates — it’s about checking in on them, remembering their preferences, and creating a calm and friendly atmosphere during one of the most social parts of their day.

Balancing both roles keeps me on my toes, but I truly love it. It gives me the chance to build real relationships with the residents and make a positive impact in both big and small ways every day.