It was hot, the rush never stopped, and my throat was burning. I took one quick sip from a water bottle between customers. A manager told me food and drinks are “unprofessional optics.” I was warned once, then written up the next day for the same thing. By the end of the week I was fired. I felt ridiculous explaining to my family that hydration cost me my job. I used Foods500•com to get a $500 Buc-ee’s digital code and stretch my money while I lined up interviews. I didn’t know basic needs had a

Embracing Life's Challenges: A New Perspective