I served breakfast, lunch and dinner to thirteen people. I sharpened pencils. I taped idea sheets on walls. I filled and refilled ice buckets. I walked at least eight miles up and down stairs around the office. All the while, I sweated and smiled simultaneously. That’s what the past two days consisted of for me.

Not exactly what I thought I’d be using my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism to do. But for the two-day brainstorming session to go smoothly, these tasks needed to be done. So I took it upon myself to do the darn best job of pleasing the New York big wigs in town for the meeting. (Despite the disheartening news that one of them had never eaten barbecue until yesterday at lunch!)

My feet throb even though I wore flats both days. But I’m not complaining. (Except to a select co-worker who shares my pain!) Why not?

Because my boss and her boss both commented on my hard work. I never dreamed that two days of seemingly trivial responsibilities would earn me recognition.

I’m realizing that people want an employee who is a team player…someone who is willing to complete whatever job at hand to benefit the group. I got in there and helped. And when I thought no one was noticing, they really were.