The Spirit Girl

It was about a week before Christmas, and I, being the money hungry teen of the 90's was working. But I never thought it possible to learn such a lesson from working as a sales clerk in such a commercialized society. I was working alone in my department, children's, and it was near closing time.

There weren't many customers in the store, and after hearing the same songs continuously for over six and half hours, well; I was to the point of making fun of them. I was dancing around, with a cheap red plastic headband and green antlers on, singing along to the music. It was "Jingle Bell Rock," I believe.

The few coworkers that could see me were laughing. And I was actually starting to have a good time. And then a customer, and her young daughter walked past. And the little girl said something that will forever be in my memory.

"Look, Mom! A girl that has spirit!"

Her mother went on to explain that they had been shopping all day, and hadn't encountered anyone, working or shopping, with 'spirit.'

They laughed, and I sang, and after shopping a bit more, they made their purchases and left. Thinking about what the little girl had said, I knew that I was just as guilty as everyone else they had come across that day. Perhaps, even more guilty.

I didn't have any real spirit that day. It was more or less a mockery. I felt ashamed that I could have fooled someone with my charade, and gained praise for the very thing I was scorning.

Feeling bad wasn't enough, though. I probably didn't change anything about myself. I was still the same girl, simply 'dealing with' a person as one would 'deal with' dirty laundry: Get it done, and then wash your hands.

A few weeks after New Years, the same girl came into the store again with her mother.

"Look mom! It's the Spirit Girl!"

And she's called me that ever since, even though my nametag is proudly embossed with my name in capitalized letters. KIM. Every time she is in the store, she makes a point to come through my department. Just so she can say it and smile.

I have noticed a change in me, recently, even if her comment never changes. I am friendlier, and I am almost always conscious of whether or not I have spirit. This is true, regardless of if it's a week before Christmas, or a day of mourning.

But you know what?

She's the real Spirit Girl. And I don't even know her name....

Written and Contributed by: Kimberly Barry, 17