WHA T SUMMER J OBS T EACH Y OUNG ADU L T S
We’re in the heart of the summer season, and many teens are looking for summer jobs. But they’re rather difficult for my kids to find. My son and one of my daughters usually lifeguard at the local pool, but because of the pandemic, their jobs are uncertain. So, I have them helping at the firm for the next few months. While I’m excited to teach them the ropes, I know they’re missing some crucial life experiences while working for their old man. All this brings back my own experiences with my first summer job. My dad was the first principal of Cold Harbor Elementary School in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He introduced me to some people there, and I got a job as a janitor at the age of 16. This was the first time I had set hours and a real paycheck. Before that, I mowed lawns for people in the neighborhood as summer work. Being a janitor was a great summer job with lots to do. There were things to fix, organize,
throw away, and clean. My days were filled with mopping floors, cleaning toilets, replacing lightbulbs, and even cleaning out the office fish tank (which my dad, as the principal, purchased years earlier). The best thing about that job, however, was that I was working with a quiet older gentleman who had a tremendous work ethic. When he did say something, it was always very kind and wise. While fixing the lawn mower or any other equipment, he didn’t just demonstrate how to fit. He also imparted valuable life lessons. And if he found me lingering too long at lunchtime, he would gently remind me to get back on task. One of the best things that youngsters who are working their first jobs in this unique moment in history can learn is how to work with an authority figure who is not their parent. Yes, they get a paycheck out of it, but the ability to respect an authority figure and glean information from them goes a long way. Bosses offer teens advice from a
different angle than parents do, broadening their horizons and reinforcing respect. It’s good for young people — and arguably, people of any age — to be around stable adults who are older, wiser, and have different experiences. That guidance had a positive effect on me while working my first jobs, and I hope all our kids can gain that same insight this summer.
–Kevin Mottley
SPICY SALMON CUCUMBER BITES
SUDOKU
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing treat on a warm summer’s day. Mix up this cool appetizer for your new favorite snack.
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, paprika, and Tabasco. 2. Flake the salmon into large bite-size pieces. 3. Add the salmon, shallots, chives, salt, and pepper to the Tabasco mixture and combine. 4. Cut the cucumber into 3/4-inch slices. 5. Using a melon-baller, scoop out the center of each cucumber slice but leave the bottom fully intact so the filling doesn’t fall through. 6. Divide the salmon mixture and put dollops into each cucumber slice. 7. Garnish with cherry tomato.
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1/4 cup paleo mayonnaise
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1/4 tsp smoked paprika 1/4 tsp Tabasco, or to taste 1/2 lb salmon, cooked 1 tbsp minced shallots 1 tbsp chopped chives Salt and pepper, to taste 1 English cucumber, peeled 4 cherry tomatoes, quartered for garnish
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SOLUT ION
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Inspired by NomNomPaleo.com
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