My First Job I grew up in a poor family in Canada, I 1. that my parents were often unable to afford food or buy gas for the car. In winter, the 2. in our home was shut off even when it was 40 degrees below zero because we 3. pay the bill. In spite of all this, Dad 4. any help. He believed that we could 5.______all difficulties with the little we had. “There’s no way I’m going to 6. on welfare”, he would say. When I was eight years old I started singing country 7.____ at a small hotel in my hometown. I sang almost every night. But those early performances could hardly be relied upon 8.____ steady incomes. My first real job was working 9. a McDonald’s in my hometown 10. I was 14. My parents always stressed the importance of presenting yourself 11. a professional, respectful manner, and I think this advice helped me 12. the job. I started as a 13. , and then I worked in the drive-through window. I learned to be patient, time and 14. provide service with a smile. Later I was 15. in charge of training new employees. Whenever I go to a McDonald’s now, I always 16. close attention to the way the employees 17. are doing their jobs. I guess I still 18. the training in me. Working, going to school and 19. at night was hard, but I never considered quitting. Learning a good work ethic at an early age gives me a strong sense of self-confidence. That can 20. you a long way in life.