It’s terrifying to try new things. What if it doesn’t come naturally? What if you just don’t “get it”? What if you undeniably fail and everyone around you watches with gapping mouths that are holding back a snicker.

Who cares. You tried, and trying is cool. You will never grow into your full potential without the guts to raise your hand, announce what you don’t know, and take assistance from those that do.

It has been nearly two months since I started here at ETE Reman as a customer service rep. In that time, I’ve learned enough to rattle my brain and overload my hippocampus. However, unlike the school days of past, I did things differently, I put in the effort.

Growing up I wasn’t an honor roll student. I couldn’t sit still in class, I didn’t care all that much for the homework, or even basic note taking. Involving myself and committing my “me time” to extracurriculars was something I could not be bothered with. The burden of being forced to learn was punishment. I didn’t try because I was scared that admitting I didn’t know things would make me less popular. While hindsight really is 20/20, I attempt to not regret things in life but rather learn from my mistakes. I didn’t take full advantage of my opportunities, I didn’t see how future me would benefit from raising my hand, truly understanding the material and eventually being able to apply it in real life. Childhood really is wasted on children.

As time passed, I grew up, and my mentality shifted. When I began my journey at ETE, I set up a new pillar in my life: “It’s cool to try.” I will approach each new undertaking with vigor and make it obvious to others that I am giving it my all.”

Your peers, coworkers, friends, and bosses need to see you put in the effort; they need to see that you care. Now, I use the knowledge I have gained and always try to give whoever I am helping the most reliable information possible. Ask the questions, take the notes, know that people want to help when they can. Make the most of your resources and use the tools you have so you can look back and think “I really gave it my all.”

Now that I’m into the swing of things and nailing the daily grind, I have the capacity to self-reflect on my journey from new guy to pretty great full-fledged functional CSR (Disclaimer: This was added by Sari as she proofed my draft). While I may not know it all, and I surely don’t have all the answers, my gift to you this holiday season is sharing the inspiration to not just show up, but to get an A+ for effort.

From all of us here at ETE to all of you out there, Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous 2026.