Katherine McRae

Being a server at Ariccia has really tested all of my skills. I have contributed to the comfortable environment around coworkers, and I put much effort into individualizing the experience of each individual and anticipating their needs.

As a volunteer at Rape Counselors of East Alabama, I am starting to hone in my skills from other jobs to focus on more of what I am truly passionate about. As a volunteer, I work weeknights on the hotline, where I answer crisis called from 4pm-8am.

At this job I honed in on all of my previously mentioned skills. So much so that I actually won the Ithaca Hospitality Partner's yearly Beacon award for my hard work.

At Ross House, I continued to expand my barista knowledge. One skill that I gained that I had not previously known, was team building. Not only was I an expert drink crafter and service employee, but I also became a part of a team that I was able form bonds and maintain a friendly and work-appropriate relationship with all, even if we did not agree.

At Biggby Coffee, my customer service skills blossomed. My knowledge of the menu was a big factor in my success. There I learned how to brew and serve all kinds of coffee, energy drinks, and specialty such as lattes and cold brews.

At Tin Drum Asian Kitchen, I learned how to properly take care of money and how to run a point of service system. My time at Tin Drum was limited, but my knowledge that I gained from the experience has lasted me to present moments due to the skills I gained. For example, I learned customer service skills as I was the only front of house worker, and cleaning skills, as I closed and cleaned the entire restaurant each shift.