I was sixteen when I had my first steady job and earned my first buck. It was a brutal and humiliating job that truly taught me where power lies. I applied for a job at Magoo’s Ice Cream Parlor because it was located in the mall where the girls tended to gather after school. The first day went well. My scoop skills were sound, and I could say with pride that although it was a busy day and I was new, I kept the lineups short and the customers happy. My second day on the job even busier, but I was faster. During a lull, the boss came to the front of the store. I’ll admit I was hoping for a bit of praise, for being swift, efficient, and a fast learner. Instead, she said to me, “Kevin, there’s some gum in the grout on the floor. Get on your hands and knees and scrape it out before anybody comes back in.” This request stopped me in my tracks. The first thing that entered my mind was that if a pretty girl saw me doing that, she might not talk to me. The second thing that crossed my mind was that I didn’t get hired to scrape gum. “That’s not my job,” I said. “My job’s to scoop ice cream.” Her features twisted into the meanest expression I’d ever seen on a face. Next thing out of her mouth was “You’re fired. Get out of my store.” It was the best thing that ever happened to me. …see more