“WWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!” they shriek. It’s one of the most amazing, uplifting noises that I have ever heard. Every kid has a mile-wide smile across his face. Some kids begin to cry they are so excited. I’d forgotten that it was even possible to be so excited.
Next, Ms. Riveras takes the stage to tell the kids that the $5,000 will be used for making improvements to the library. “Remember, this is your library,” she says, “and I want to know what books you want to buy with this money.” The kids look so proud and that’s just how I feel: proud to be some small part of what’s going on here today, and proud to be in this building with such amazing teachers and students. I realize that I’ve got a mile-wide smile across my face, too.
After the assembly, on our way to the car, I see a kid whose mom has just arrived to pick him up. “Bookmans, mom! Bookmans!” he yells as he runs up to give her a hug. I’m again filled with pride. I’m actually working right now, I think. How awesome is that? I’m getting paid to help encourage kids to read. This feeling of goodwill is going to stick around for a long time. And I can’t wait to do it all again next year.
Jacob H is the Marketing Coordinator for Bookmans Entertainment Exchange. This means that he does "marketing-type stuff," such as filing, proofreading, and wondering what happened to his stapler. Prior to his current position, he worked as Visual Merchandiser at the Grant Road store. He misses working there, especially when he thinks about his pioneering work mixing striped and plaid fabrics.
When Heather told me about the experience of being there it made me wish I had been there and very proud to be a part of this company, and reading your thoughts on it actually brought tears to my eyes and reinforced the feelings I'd had when listening to Heather express her thoughts on the day.
This is one of those moments where I am so grateful that I am a part of this company.
Thank you again.
Mario
or Register