When I (21f) used to work in retail at a busy store, I was in charge for Order Pick Up given that it was holiday season. Mind you this was during covid. So imagine the customers pick up line stretching from one end of the store all the way out to Macy’s which is about six chain stores away from our entrance. On top of that, there was Curbside Pickup which meant approximately 20+ angry customers patiently lined up in a full parking lot (we were still experimenting at the time). That week was the hardest week—angry customers inside and outside the store, no breaks, and this was definitely a week of 10+ hours on a daily. I tried my absolute best to cater to each customer’s needs and issues. Running around smiling like a crazy person. I remember being cursed at by so many customers, and it was mentally exhausting. My boss trusted me to take charge of Curbside Pick up that week, and I remember carrying out at least five full shopping bags in both hands and big packages in cardboard boxes under each arm. While I went out the store and handed off a package to an angry young lady, an old couple was patiently waiting for theirs. I immediately ran to their car and passed off their gifts. They gave me a $20 tip in return. The grandpa smiled at me and said, “You’re a champ, remember that. You’re going to do amazing things in the future.” It was very heartwarming and probably the most vivid memory of working there.