Vannah became the first member of team Darrel to become an escalations representative. And it was a good move considering that she represented gay cross dressers and LGBT in general.
Soon thereafter, Mommy Joie asked around for recommendations, and Darrel gamely gave his for me. Mommy Joie listened to my calls, checked my stats, probably did a background check (kidding) and I’d like to think that I passed the standards because I bade goodbye to my production team soon after.
Being assigned to learning lab required the same amount of hard work for those assigned in production, plus 100x the patience. But I loved it. I loved the adrenaline rush of running around, helping newbies in distress, taking escalated calls and strutting my stuff, no sitting in the entire shift ala sales lady, and adhering to the 3-second rule.
But don’t look now! Joy- former team mate -became part of team esca a month after I left team Darrel. And Yuki followed suit. We must have made Darrel really proud in those times. =)
Fellow Wave 167 graduate Kristel Ase also became part of the team, us being the 2 surviving wavemates.
I worked closely with Ate Sheryl, but I also overheard Meo providing a feedback about me (masipag, ang tiyaga!), and Ms. Grace even took a commendation man-call for me during my early days as a floorwalker. I could never forget those moments because they led me to find my calling.
I got to handle Glenda’s RTR team while she was away, and got rave feedback from then ACM Ms. Jeck. She wanted me to be her sup, but Mommy said I wasn’t ready. That’s true. I had some issues I had to fix internally before I take on humongous tasks. But I was flattered with the recommendation, Ms. Jeck. And here I got to know soul sister Gelai, who was most supportive when I worked in their cluster.
Not long after, my former ACM, who then was the Learning Lab ACM, Ms. Rio, asked Mommy if I could take over Sir John’s team as he left to become a trainer for a different account. I did so for a time. Wow. 2 in a row. But Mommy held back again. I wasn’t ready, and someone was far more prepared and “ripe for the picking”, than I was. So I gave way for fellow floorwalker Angge. She proved Mommy Joie right. Good job!
And so, I went back to what I loved to do most, lab floorwalker. And on the side, some esca fun. I was excited everyday, I rendered OT when asked, donated blood in exchange of a VL (haha-crazy).
I made a lot of friends, gained a lot of knowledge, and well, made some realizations along the way. Despite the domestic problem I went through, the many tears I shed inside the office trying to find reason for all that’s happening, I became stronger as a person, and more loving.
I became an expert in Pinoy Henyo (with game partner Gracie Calderon), got punished by Mommy Joie for a promise I apparently broke, and went places with the entire escalations team.
Until one day, when Ms. Grace announced an opening for the trainer post. Mommy encouraged some escalations rep to apply. I was waiting for her to tap me and say, “anak this is your time”. I didn’t hear it.
Maybe she thought I still rooted for a sup position. I sought her permission, she looked at me like a mom would when her child asks to move out of the house. It was like a turning point. Of course I owe a lot of things to Mommy. And at that time I wasn’t saying goodbye to her, just wanting to step up for greater challenges. I will never forget my time with Mommy. =)
I got interviewed, and well, you know what happened next. Three of us passed and one of us would then be chosen as the next trainer. Kira Dumaraos, Pame Valencia and I then fought for the spot…
I was a floorwalker from January-August 2010, and got officially hired as a trainer on September 15 of the same year.
It was during one of our phone time sessions, when a phone call I had rewarded me with this:
In book 3 of this series, I will share my experience as a trainer. Yes, all 3 years of it!
Meanwhile, here’s how I thank them, by posting their photos here. The friendships forged, the lessons learned, the bonding made, will all be with me wherever I go. Especially this:
More photos:
- Team Escalations and CCAT in Batangas
Thanks for reading, and for the fond memories =)
