Tell us a bit about yourself. 

My name is Xander P! My family is from El Salvador and growing up as a first generation American, I’ve always felt an inner drive to succeed and make a statement with what I can accomplish in life. I was raised to be responsible, take pride in what I do, and when situations arise that give you a choice whether to do the right thing or not, your decision becomes an outward reflection of your character. This upbringing led me to search for a path that allowed me to give back and I am now in school to become a firefighter.

How has it been working on Upshift?

In all honesty, it’s been the coolest thing ever. It can be incredibly difficult to work a full-time job doing what I do, but Upshift gives me the flexibility to study and train for firefighting. At first, I wasn’t interested in the server type shifts that I saw since I’ve known people who worked similar jobs and the stress it involved. However, I’ve found that I really like those shifts in particular because they happen around events and celebrations with upbeat music and lots of social interaction-based work.

What do you like most about Upshift?

The variety of work has allowed me to learn and develop so many new skills to take with me in the future. I’m not necessarily a natural extrovert, but from catering and hospitality shifts I’ve strengthened my ability to interact and communicate with many different kinds of coworkers and guests in fast paced and busy environments. Light industrial positions have also reinforced my timeliness, discipline, and coordination skills. I have really enjoyed working in new and unfamiliar roles to challenge myself and grow.