Literary Arts Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 30

ESL 7 A Memory By Cinthia Nuñez  There are some habits I have to change. It's important that I don't speak bad words and don't speak a lot with co-workers. Also I won't arrive late every day. I will answer the phone politely and won't speak too fast or very slow. I will explain about the menu, so I have to do this clearly and fluently. I am a waitress. I have many duties to do, one is to serve the food and drinks. Second, is to answer the phone, take orders, and prepare chips too.  We always have meetings with co-workers. At that time we have fun, eat a great dinner and drink some cups of coffee or wine. The boss makes that kind of meeting to discuss a few problems that happen in the restaurant. I won't speak bad words. This is an important thing when I speak in front of coworkers. Therefore, we share our ideas with them. After that we can enjoy the rest of the meeting.  I speak a lot with my co-workers. I mean that I must talk to a lot of them, but I love to speak with everybody. That is why my boss is angry with me. Also to arrive early is the most important thing that I have to do. One time my boss gave me a warning about arriving late to the job. But I agreed with him that I will change the bad habits.  As you see, these are some of my habits that I will change. Working with the customers is so enjoyable. Absolutely I have the best job, so I will work to keep it. Minimum Wage By Giovanni Cocom Tah  Mary is working in the kitchen of French Food Restaurant eight hours a day. She needs to buy new shoes for her work. She has been saving money for three months already because her salary does not permit her to buy immediately. Rent, food, and transportation consume the majority of her money. Many people are in the same situation as Mary.  Fortunately, since last July the state of California started to pay $15 per hour. This is a new initiative that seeks to end with the low salary of the working class. And the idea is to increase the minimum wage little by little until $19 per hour in 2020.  Other states like Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle have adopted the same initiative. Also, two of the biggest companies of USA, McDonald's and Wal-Mart announced and increased the salary of their employees this year. When people receive a just salary and benefits from their company they are more committed to their job. Recent studies show that people are healthier and happier when they have a fair salary. Also, when they receive more money they start to think of buying a house or having a baby.  The French restaurant where Mary works adopted the initiative so she will increase her salary. Companies need to pay a just salary because finally they are winning too. If the employee is happy he or she will be able to offer a better service and this is what the companies need. Companies need to recognize the job of their employees. For example, having an employee of the month program helps to make a good impression at the company. And also this shows that the company is interested in its employees. 26 In Our Own Words 2016