How would you describe your job? I greet people and tell them my name and take their orders, inform them of specials. When their meal is finished, I ask if they would like any desert or coffee and give them their check.

(ENLARGE)

Sheterria Melson, age 21 Elizabeth City Waitress Cypress Creek Grill, 2 1/2 years

Has your job been affected by changes in technology or other changes? When I first started, we had only one register. It was older. Our new computer, we've had a little less than a year. You can put orders in faster, it cuts down on mistakes between the waitresses and the kitchen and makes things flow better.

Besides salary, what benefits do you derive from your work? Besides money, I'm able to have a flexible schedule. Having a younger child, it's nice to be able to have someone be able to cover my shift. The management here are great; they're very understanding.

What are the long-term or indirect benefits of your job? I meet different people who are just really nice. It's good knowing people and making friends. It allows you to develop your people skills, encountering many different people and personalities. It's a different experience every night; I always go home with a different story to tell. Sometimes it's more than being a waitress. Regular customers often will talk to you more, tell you about their problems. It makes me feel good that I get to talk to people, help them feel better.

How do you see your job benefiting the larger community? I offer people a chance to take it easy and provide a good dining experience.

— Brian Gray