A little while ago, I was offered a spot at one of the United States’ most prestigious and long standing institutions. It has been a cornerstone of the American education system. I’m referring of course, to Hamburger University. Yes, in late January, I was offered my very first job as a cashier at McDonald’s. Little did I know that my life would change as I entered the workforce.

After I was offered the job, I had to attend orientation at the official headquarters in Lake Worth. When the manager told me that I would be going to their Palm Beach County headquarters, I expected to end up in an office building adorned with golden arches and chicken nuggets. Instead, I found myself alone behind a gas station that was strangely reminiscent of every horror movie ever.

Headquarters was located in a small rented building behind the gas station I thought I was going to be killed in. Orientation was pretty simple. All we did was sign about 20 forms that all said we wanted to work at McDonald’s and we haven’t been convicted of any felonies. Then we watched some videos about why diversity is good, smiling is important and you should always wash your hands before work. A few days after orientation I received my uniform. Decked out in an overweight man-sized button down shirt, a McDonalds hat and orthopedic shoes (that I was required to pay for myself) I was ready for my first day of work.

On my first day, I hit the ground running. After watching a 10-minute video that told me a burger is comprised of one—or more—pieces of meat and two buns, I was told to go work the cash register. Here is the thing they don’t tell you about working at a fast food restaurant: it is extremely difficult. There are more than 50 items you can order off the lunch menu and it seemed like every customer needed to tailor their order in some way. Someone could be asking for a double quarter pounder with cheese, but no lettuce, medium fries—no wait, make that large—an Oreo McFlurry and 10 chicken nuggets with extra barbeque sauce. And after all that, I’m just looking for the button that shows the lunch menu.

I haven’t been there long, but I have learned that working in the food industry is nothing to scoff at. It requires speed, accuracy and a lot of patience. So don’t disrespect your McWaiters or any people that serve you for that matter. Because nothing—not even a Harvard acceptance—means that you are better than them.