At the age of 28, Miguel was able to receive his degree in Administration and Accounting. That day, when he received the title, he felt like the happiest man in the world. He wanted to share it with someone, and the only person he could do it with was his friend and ex-boss, Antonio Valladares. So, Miguel waited for Saturday when they had their weekly meeting around 10:00 at night, and went to pay them a visit. He arrived with a smile from ear to ear, and when Antonio saw that, he said, “Hey, Miguel, what joy do you bring?”

“Sir, I come to show you my title that I have received not long ago,” said Miguel. He took it out of a package in which he had it and showed it to Antonio. He stood up, shook Miguel’s hand, and said, “Congratulations. I’m glad you achieved what you set out to do.”

Antonio Valladares then passed it on to the others who were present, known to Miguel, for on many occasions he went there to ask them for help. Each one got up, gave him a hug, shook hands, and congratulated him. In that, Miguel took a seat, and one of those present told him,

• “Now Miguel, what do you plan to do?”
• “Well, Sir, I plan to look for a job.”
• “In what? What do you expect to work in?”
• “At the moment, I have the theory minus the practice.”
• “So, would you take any job?”
• “Of course, Sir.”

Without knowing, Miguel was talking with the manager of a company in the Hotel Zone, who told him, “In that case, I’ll give you a hand.”

He took out a personal card and wrote a note for Mr. Soto, who was the manager of the textile company. He handed it over to Miguel, who gave his thanks. The following day at the textile company, Miguel asked for Mr. Soto and was directed to the secretary. Miguel told the young lady that he had a note to give to Mr. Soto and if he could please talk to him. The lady said, “Excuse me one moment.” She entered Mr. Soto’s office, talked with him for a couple of minutes, exited and addressed Miguel, “Come in, Mr. Soto will receive you.”

He entered the office, greeted Mr. Soto and presented himself. Mr. Soto told him, “Please, take a seat. What can I do for you?” Miguel then, handed him the card. After Mr. Soto read it, he asked, “What is your specialty?” Miguel replied, “Sir, I just received a degree in Administration and Accounting. I do not have experience. The only experience I have is that I was a waiter at the Antojitos Mayab restaurant. I beg you to allow me to work in this company, no matter the position.”

Mr. Soto told him, “Right now, I don’t have an executive position but what I need at the moment is a cashier. Will you take the position?”. “Of course, sir,” answered Miguel, “with great pleasure. I will thank you very much.”

“The important thing is to start and with time we will see. In that case, go to Mr. Fernando de León, who is the Personnel Manager. I’ll call him right now to tell him to write up a contract as a cashier for you to sign,” he said. Miguel replied, “Of course, sir, I thank you very much.”

Miguel left and went directly to the personnel manager’s office. Of course, he had some trouble getting there; however, he asked other employees the location of the office who gladly helped. Once there, he presented himself to the personnel manager, Mr. Fernando de Leon, who told Miguel to take a seat. The personnel manager had the contract ready and told Miguel to read and sign it; thereafter, he indicated to him, “Go next door and present yourself to the general cashier. I will notify him right now.” “Thank you, sir,” replied Miguel.

He exited the office, went next door and presented himself to the General Cashier.

• “Sir, my name is Miguel. The Mr. Fernando de Leon sent me to you.”
• “Yes. Nice to meet you Miguel. I am Jose Luis. He already called me a few minutes ago and told me about your arrival and your position. Come directly to me tomorrow at 9:00 in the morning so I can show you your workplace and indicate what your responsibilities will be.”
• “Thank you, sir. I’ll come to see you tomorrow.”

He said goodbye and left. The next day, he arrived at the company bright and early, before the time Jose Luis had indicated, and went directly to him. The general cashier showed Miguel his workplace, showed him where all the documents were. Most importantly, Miguel was told that he was to write a report stating the day’s transactions and must deliver it to him. The general cashier emphasized that the report must be done properly and Miguel must ensure that everything was in order, to which Miguel answered, “Yes, sir. I will do so.”

After Miguel finished his assigned work, he took the report along with the cash, credit cards, personal cheques, etc.; everything that was the operations of the day was handed over to Jose Luis. The general cashier checked every detail to ensure that everything was in order. He then opened a logbook and gave it to Miguel to sign, showing that he had delivered the day’s reports. Jose Luis also signed to show that he had received said report. That was going to be the job every day. It didn’t take long, a year, and during that year, Miguel became good friends with José Luis. So much so, that he began to ask him questions about the general cashier’s operation. Jose Luis was very kind, so he satisfied Miguel’s inquisitiveness, letting him into his personal office, showing him what the obligations of a general cashier consisted of. These teachings were going to help Miguel in the future. He didn’t know what his future would be like; no one knows. Anyway, Jose Luis was not a selfish person, so he shared his knowledge with Miguel. Well, the day came when Jose Luis had resigned from his job because he had found another with a higher salary, and decided to work at that enterprise. The opportunity came to Miguel. He was offered the position and gladly accepted. So, that is how he became the company’s general cashier.

(To Be Continued)
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March 26, 2023
Finca Solana
Corozal Town