Having it Your Way

By Melanie Mowry Etters

Stephanie Westfall likes to work. When the economy went bad several years ago, Westfall lost her longtime job at a beauty salon. She was persistent in trying to find a job. About two years ago, she landed a position at a Pensacola McDonald’s Restaurant on North 9th Avenue. Today, she is working part-time, five days a week as a dining room attendant.

Westfall said, “I like my job. The people treat me well. I get to know the customers and employees. I have already made friends with them.”

McDonald’s Store Manager Edna Stallworth said, “Stephanie is good. She gets along with everyone. She recently received a pay raise following a positive performance review.”

Westfall is enjoying the workplace security of her position and plans to stay at McDonald’s in the future. Her work income has helped her be able to visit far away friends from her Northern hometown. “I like to go to Minnesota to visit friends. I just bought my first airline ticket. Usually my mom pays for the ticket so she was happy I was able to buy it with my money,” said Westfall. She was also able to recently purchase a new cellular phone to replace her outdated model.

Westfall lives in her own apartment and takes the bus to work each day.  She is involved with Special Olympics as a member of the bowling team. She is also participates in Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church activities.

Stephanie Westfall working at McDonald’s Restaurant in Pensacola.