Yanni Ashley-Kim

At ThriftBooks, I work as a sorter. I help sort books on a conveyor belt that then feeds to other people with computers that scan and grade them. At this job I not only sort, but I help, “run,” (as they call it here) which means I use an electric pallet jack to load the Gaylords of books onto the machines or, “lines,” that then get fed to the sorters. This job requires quickness, dependability, and a can do attitude.

At Cockey’s Enterprises I worked as a garbage man for a Rear End Load Trash Truck. I would travel through it many neighborhoods and even gated communities to collect trash to throw into the back of the truck. This job pushed me past my limits. But despite that it helped me grow and discover what I was capable of. It was fun and I enjoyed it. It demanded and taught me stamina, endurance, and a willingness to work hard. I liked the coworkers, the environment, and just being on the back of the trash truck was an experience itself.

I worked as a helper for a mechanic on a commercial work trucker, repairing, replacing, and installing garage doors, operators, and trim (for around the garage doors). I learned various skills and knowledge of hand and power tools. I also worked with scissor lifts, pallet jacks (manual and electric), up to 30+ft ladders, and crane trucks. I helped load materials on the truck needed for jobs, and maintained stock of nails, screws, hinges, etc. for the job. This job helped me develop quick and logical thinking, as well as working with other people.