Bear Better: Check In

I was slowly adjusting to the fast pace of the pastry department, and my supervisors were incredibly patient with me, offering guidance every step of the way. I was also watching the disabled employees working. Their teamwork and dedication to their tasks were impressive, and I could see the pride they took in their work.

The first five days, I still felt a sense of distance between myself and my colleagues. I understood that they might need time to get used to working with me, especially since I was new and didn’t yet have a rapport with the team. It was challenging to figure out the best way to communicate, and I found myself hesitating before approaching them, unsure of how they would respond.

After the first week, I felt more confident in my role. I was starting to get used to my tasks, from placing stickers on the pastries to the packaging process. But, most importantly, the team atmosphere has changed. One of the employees, who had been particularly focused on his own work over the past couple of days, started a conversation with me while we were both working on placing stickers. He asked a bunch of questions if I enjoyed baking, who am I, what I do, and why I am here. Slowly, other team members joined in. What began as a simple conversation about myself evolved into a series of light-hearted exchanges, and for the first time, I felt like I was starting to break through that initial barrier. I no longer felt like the “outsider.”  It became clear that the distance I had felt wasn’t personal—they were likely just as unsure about me as I had been about them. It took time for trust and familiarity to build, but once it did, I felt a deeper connection to the team and the workplace as a whole.

Challenges Faced and Reflections

The first challenge was, of course, my own nervousness. Starting a new role in an unfamiliar environment is always intimidating, but my apprehension about working with disabled individuals added an extra layer. However, I learned that patience was key. By observing, listening, and giving both myself and my colleagues time to adjust, I was able to ease into the role and gain their trust.

Another challenge was navigating communication. At first, the team seemed distant, which made me feel awkward and uncertain. However, as I became more comfortable in my tasks, I started engaging with them in small ways—asking questions, offering help, and making conversation. Slowly but surely, those barriers began to break down.

Again, time is the key. I realized that what had seemed like hesitation was simply part of the natural process of getting to know one another. One of the most valuable lessons I took away was the importance of breaking down preconceived notions.