This comment from a physician hangs on my wall to remind me why I made the movie in the first place. It brought tears to my eyes when I first read it, and still makes me smile. USAToday article link.
I'm a professional actor and a physician. I didn't
imagine I'd be spending this kind of time today on the lives and careers of
restaurant wait staff, but having been a server myself, I'm pleased to take
just a few minutes more to show my support for all of us who have been, are or
will be part of this profession. Ms. DeVita, even if your film isn't to be a
summer film festival winner, you have nonetheless succeeded in what you set out
to do.
It isn't everyone who is passionate or cares enough about the human experience
to get people talking and hopefully improve some aspect of the world we live
in...and you have done just that. You're not just a waitress or a film maker.
You're a humanitarian, and for your hard work and sense of social
responsibility in serving this slice of life to the masses, you are to be
applauded and congratulated with our many thanks.
Like StellaBella12002 who wrote earlier, I waited tables both the summer before
I began medical school and two years later before starting my clinical clerkship
years. The three months I worked in a family-style, Marriott hotel restaurant
proved to be invaluable preparation for what I'd face in the coming years. I
think the most beneficial skill I learned was an unexpected one and helped me
successfully complete the 26 credit hours I'd be taking in my first quarter...
Twenty years ago, we didn't have handheld computers to input food orders. In
addition to learning and retaining a significant amount of information about
the hundreds of food and beverage items we served, if I were going to deliver
prompt service and turn tables fast, I realized I couldn't take the time to
write down orders and then spend five minutes at the ordering station searching
for codes I'd need to input for my order.
I wound up memorizing all of the mod look-up numbers assigned to each item or
instruction for the kitchen/bar staff. Eventually, I could take an order from a
six top, not write anything down, go to an ordering station and download what I
had stored from memory. The pace was usually furious and I wouldn't stop for
hours on end. Waiting tables finely tuned my ability to focus, attend, listen
very carefully and learn what I had to the first time.
Most importantly, I had to learn to do this while under significant pressure to
perform and appear calm, cool and confident--precisely what you must bring to
your bedside manner as an overworked, sleep-deprived intern or resident. It
goes without saying how this ability has also helped me as an actor who
frequently gets 15 minutes to learn and work a revised script at an audition.
Aside from sharpening my memory, time management skills and learning how to
"never let them see you sweat", I also found I had to be a customer
service rep, salesperson, tour guide, caregiver, entertainer and diplomat.
Without a doubt, your best servers have expert communication and social skills.
I recognized early on that I couldn't expect a 15% tip, let alone 10% if I just
brought people the food they ordered. All servers play a role in their
customer's dining experience, and the best servers have the ability to perceive
and intuitively sense just how much face time a customer wants from them.
He/she pays attention to the purpose, mood and climate of the people they're
serving.
Whether you're a soda fountain waitress at the five and dime or working at an
exclusive restaurant, if you don't have great people skills you're history.
Working as a server absolutely helped me with mine and I can't tell you how
grateful I am for having had the opportunity to acquire and hone skills that I
bring to my present work. iwan2doitall
wrote: 4d 21h ago
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