Lily Avatea

I worked Monday - Friday, 9am-6pm with additional hours during holiday periods and stocktake every few months. My job involved greeting customers, operating the cash register and pos system with accuracy, processing returns and refunds, and tidying the store. I was also given the responsibility of handling online orders and stock transfers when my managers were busy or out of store. The daily face-to-face interactions with customers strengthened my attention to detail, time efficiency, patience, and ability to work under pressure.

I taught ukulele and vocals to classrooms of 5-14 year olds every Saturday between 8am and 12pm since I was 15, with some volunteer work this year. I learnt a lot about being consistently energetic, open to change, and patient, as no matter how thoroughly I planned my lessons, everyone learns at a different pace. This role involved using my own time for lesson planning, developing strong relationships with my students and their parents, fostering a positive learning environment, and leading groups of kids so that they may learn efficiently. I led my students in performances at Papakura Streetfest in 2021, a Westfield Concert in 2023, and end of year performances in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

GCAC provides inclusive performance opportunities to children with disabilities in the arts. As a support worker, I worked from 12pm-3pm every Saturday, and my role involved motivating students to participate, leading drama games and activities, and providing help and reassurance to over-stimulated children. I also served as the musical director and support performer for GCAC's production of Finding Nemo Jr, with increased hours during this time.

I worked at KFC for a few months in my last year of high school, Mondays - Wednesdays from 4pm-10pm. This role involved taking orders and operating the cash register, accurately assembling and expediting food for customers, cleaning and organizing the front of house, and working together with the staff to provide exemplary customer service. In the fast food industry, you have to work under pressure in an incredibly fast paced environment harder than ever- otherwise you get buzzers thrown at you by hungry customers (true story). These interactions with customers strengthened my patience and time efficiency greatly.