The interview

I was 16 years old at the time, the typical age most teens start job searching. I went online to apply for jobs at the outlet mall and restaurants near my home. Within one week, I received a phone call from the manager at Starbucks. She told me she would like to meet me for a job interview, and I happily agreed to the date and time that was available.

I was very nervous for my interview, being that it was my first, I did not know what to expect. I walked into the Starbucks, making my presence known to the manager. Then, I awkwardly stood there for a minute waiting. A customer who was sitting down ushered for me to take a seat. I was thankful for the gesture, and immediately sat down at a table.

The manager sat down across from me and begin to ask me general questions about myself, including school and I told her that I was home-schooled. Then, she informed me about the job duties of a Barista and what I could expect to be paid. After, she said I was the best candidate, mostly because I had the most availability out of all the others, not to mention I lived five minutes away. When she continued talking, the words that came out of her mouth next was shocking to me. She told me that she just wanted to put a “face” to my application, and we all know what that means.

She told me that she would call me if I got the job. I’ve never felt so humiliated in my life before. The only person who I told was my mom, and frankly I never applied again to a place I assumed would not judge me based on the color of my skin. I personally feel they were not looking to hire people of color, and when they did it was only an act to look diversified. I just wish that was noted in the job description, you know?

I knew the job I wanted very much was not going to be given to me. It’s a sad thing when someone judges you because of your color, as if you can alter it before the interview. I wouldn’t want to work for a place that humiliated me, a place that made me feel less of a person. A place that took advantage of the fact that I was a minor, and I would more than likely just stay quiet about it and continue on about my day.

Nevertheless , the point is embarrassed or not, I did not let that situation or any deter me from becoming the person who I am today or who I want to be tomorrow. I could genuinely look back, laugh and say,” Remember that job interview at Starbucks, thank goodness I have my degree now.”

If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination, the best thing you can do is talk about it. Often times, we experience things and we do not talk about, it only hurts us in the end. We carry that weight on our shoulders, and what happens when the load becomes too heavy? Many people face discrimination, regardless of who they are. However, whether you talk about it, write, draw, sing, or anything else that you put your mind to do. It can truly help you cope with the issues we may face in our everyday lives.

If you enjoy reading my content, I would greatly appreciate if you could give a heart ❤️, your support matters. Thank you, and have a good day!