A Consistent Routine at Pet Supplies Plus

For five weeks, Esmaralda and Brandon supported the staff at Pet Supplies Plus with maintaining the front end of the store. Each morning, they started their day by greeting their LEAP job coach, Shannon, and began their tasks for the day. Here's how their typical week went:

• Mondays: Attend to overstock items and clean the store.
• Tuesdays: Begin the same as Mondays until the delivery trucks arrive, then transition to stocking shelves with new inventory from the carts the employees prepared.
• Wednesdays & Thursdays: Continue the routine and alternate tasks from Monday and Tuesday, ensuring the store is well-stocked and organized.
  
  

Learning on the Job

During their time at Pet Supplies Plus, Esmaralda and Brandon honed a range of practical skills that are applicable in both professional and personal contexts. This hands-on learning was a key part of their growth.

Lesson 1: Box Handling

Carrying and picking up boxes is common in our everyday lives. We may find ourselves stacking too many boxes to decrease the number of trips or pulling boxes from the top. Esmaralda cautions us against doing those actions. She explains that she learned, "Don't pick up boxes [from the top] or they will rip," and also not to carry too many boxes.

Lesson 2: Reading Barcodes

As she worked closely with inventory, Esmaralda shared that she learned how to read barcodes on the inventory.

Lesson 3: Cleaning

With cleaning as one of their primary tasks, the pair agreed that they became more confident in their cleaning abilities. Brandon explained he learned how to use the duster, broom, and mop properly.

Lesson 4: Favorite Sections

Reflecting on their experience, Esmaralda and Brandon discovered a connection between their favorite aisle and their pets. Esmaralda has a pet cat named Spots and enjoys restocking the cat aisle the most. Meanwhile, Brandon has two dogs and a cat. He enjoys restocking every aisle, but has a particular fondness for the cat and dog sections.

Life After the Summer Youth Work Experience

Now that their Summer Youth Work Experience has come to an end, Esmaralda and Brandon have started their senior year. As Esmaralda and Brandon explore their post-graduation plans, LEAP will be ready to support whatever path they choose.

Esmaralda and Brandon, your dedication and hard work at Pet Supplies Plus have been incredible. We wish you a fantastic senior year and look forward to seeing the bright futures that undoubtedly await you.