Rizzi : Lessons learned from Apache Junction students at annual senior interviews

I recently had the privilege of participating in the annual “interviews with seniors” at Apache Junction High School. As always the students were pretty amazing. Of course they were nervous but having one-on-ones and just listening to their goals and the plans they have for their future was really uplifting.

Interviews were bittersweet because as much as I have enjoyed participating, this was my last year. I’ve spent the majority of my life working with kids in various capacities starting at a young age myself. As a teen director and initiating a local youth jobs training program, I’ve taught career ladder, first impressions, how to interview, filling out applications, dressing for success, etc. We can be taught lessons in a classroom or learn something new by reading a book but when we actually experience something it tends to really sink in and leave a mark on our memory.

This year rather than business as usual, dressing professionally, hair and light make up done, I took the opportunity to create a memorable moment for the students. I wanted them to experience what Bob and I have as business owners interviewing potential employees. Little did I know how it would impact me as well.

Preparing for interviews

I showed up in dirty jeans, a wrinkled, food-stained T-shirt with an ugly saying (not vulgar), hair unkempt — even rubbed dog hair all over my clothes. Actually I was a little embarrassed as I entered the gym to pick up my packet from the check-in table because no one knew what I was up to.

The Apache Junction Unified School employees, who were also former coworkers, greeted me with smiles, never batted an eye or questioned my appearance. They seemed as genuinely happy to see me as I was to see them and it really spoke volumes about how they treat others. No doubt they had to be wondering why I looked like something the cat dragged in.

To ease the awkwardness I quietly explained what I was doing, we laughed and I was seated in the front of the gym where all of the students along with the room full of adults, also there to interview, could see me.

Awkward is an understatement as I knew almost everyone in the room on some level. People I’ve known, worked or served with on some level throughout the community from school district employees, city staff, members of the business community along with some from fire and police departments were there.

Each of the adult interviewers were given a packet of brief instructions, some general questions for the students and a nameplate that included our professional title, i.e. “business owner,” “city employee,” etc. Mine read “vice mayor.” I flipped my card around and hand wrote my name on it so the students I interviewed wouldn’t see “vice mayor.” As each student approached, I stood up, shook their hand, introduced myself and asked their name. During the interview I intentionally chomped on gum and took fake calls and texts.

Every student was professional

As always the students left me feeling so proud of who they are, what they’ve accomplished and where they are headed. It was awesome to see the really nervous ones be able to pull themselves together, hold eye contact and give solid answers to the interview questions with just a little encouragement. I was kind of little surprised at how many were willing to sit down and be interviewed by someone who frankly looked like a slob. Not one student flinched, looked at me funny or acted as if anything was wrong. Every single student was professional, respectful and treated me with dignity.

At the end of every interview I asked the students what they think about first impressions and if they had any questions for me. They all gave the classic response of how important first impressions are, then surprisingly asked what I do for a living. When I flipped my placard around the student responses were absolutely priceless as well as the conversations we had afterwards.

The very last student blew me out of the water and almost had me in tears. He didn’t necessarily have his whole future planned or the best resume but as he spoke about his life experiences, hardships and how they had impacted him and his younger siblings, how he uses that to help others and how great his mother is, I had to choke back tears. I have never heard a teenage boy speak so highly of their mother who had gone through many hardships and struggles with her children.

I was sincerely humbled by this student. He wasn’t complaining or expressing what a hard, horrible life he’s had or looking for sympathy. He was smiling and cheerful the entire time and expressed an incredible sense of gratitude. He talked about how much he loves helping others any way he can and how much joy it gives him. All I could think was how he truly “gets it” and knows deep in his heart what is and is not important in life. Many adults don’t have a clue or the understanding that this young man has regarding how we treat others.

The interviews left me sitting quietly and just thinking about the entire morning. I got to meet some really great kids in our community, got to give them an experience that hopefully they’ll never forget and I also got to experience something I didn’t plan or expect. It was incredibly eye opening to see how the students and the adults reacted.

None of the students ever gave me a funny look or acted odd about sitting down to interview with me; however, the reactions of the adults in the room were mixed. I learned a lot about people I thought I knew and about some I’ve recently come to know. The morning was pretty awkward and embarrassing for me.

Truthfully I really didn’t even want to go because we had just lost a great dog the night before. My eyes were still swollen from crying all day and I was concerned that I may not be able to hold myself together. I’m thankful that I went anyway and was very appreciative of those who never gave it second thought to smile, come over and chat and just treat me as they would want to be treated with no knowledge that my appearance was intentional. It also gave me an opportunity to explain what I was doing to those who weren’t ashamed to be seen with me LOL.

We all have those teachable moments and lessons in life that leave a lasting impression.

While first impressions do matter, a more important lesson is that how we treat other people is even more important than first impressions. We don’t have to agree, we don’t even have to like one another but we have the ability to treat others with dignity and respect.

When we first encounter someone we have no idea what that person has been through, what they may be going through or what may have just taken place in their life moments before the encounter.

People will forget a lot of things about you but they will always remember how you treated them and how you made them feel.

I am truly grateful for that experience.

Editor’s note: Christa Rizzi is an Apache Junction business owner and vice mayor of Apache Junction City Council.