Lesson for “First Day on the Job: Rush Hour at Macy’s”

Think About It [Questions to use in groups, or that teens can use on their own.]

—Sharif writes about his first day at work, but the first day at anything—a new group home, a new foster home, school, etc.—can be challenging and a little scary. Can you think of ways you handled other “first day” experiences in your life? Are you happy with the way you handled it? Would you do anything differently? If so, what?

—List three ways that Sharif could have acted in a negative way. Why do you think he was able to keep himself under control?

—Why does Sharif say he should have paid more attention in the 15-hour training course?

—If you were in Sharif’s shoes, how would you have handled the situation?

—Pretend you’re Sharif. Write a short note to a friend, explaining what happened during your first day on the job, how you felt, and what you did to make the best of a bad situation.