BEAR BETTER

One week before my internship ended, I was moved from the pastry department to the flowering department, as the CEO wanted me to experience more as a high schooler. But the change allowed me to see another side of the people I worked with. The flowering department, just like the pastry team, was full of warmth. In this department, I learned how to pot plants, trim flowers, and remove unnecessary roots, among other essential tasks. Although there was less communication, one focusing on one's task, I saw how employees helped each other physically. 

So, What is Better?

As I reflect on my internship experience, I’m reminded that community isn’t just about the people we surround ourselves with. It’s about the impact we have on each other’s lives. Bear Better taught me that the value of a workplace isn’t determined by efficiency or productivity alone, but by the connections we foster and the ways we support each other. In more conventional workplaces, it’s easy to get lost in just finishing tasks and focusing on getting high wages. But at Bear Better, I experienced a different kind of work culture—one where people took the time to smile, listen, and engage with each other. 

Perhaps the most significant lesson I learned during my time at Bear Better is that abilities may differ, but the value we bring to each other’s lives does not. Through patience, perseverance, and empathy, my coworkers in both departments showed me how to embrace diversity—not just in terms of skills, but also in perspective and approach. I learned that by slowing down and paying attention to the small details of our interactions, we can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace. In this environment, I wasn’t just an intern learning new tasks—I was part of a team that genuinely cared about one another.