Anna's New Start · Season 2, Episode 9: One Thing to Practise November 10, 2026 · 4:53 · With Narrator, Anna, and Ms. Lopez
During a quiet moment after breakfast service, Anna asks Ms. Lopez how she is doing. She learns one strength and one specific improvement, then agrees on a practical way to…
Transcript Narrator You’re listening to Anna’s New Start, a fictional continuing story about Anna building a new life in a new city and finding her place there. Anna works as a breakfast assistant at the Harbor Lane Hotel. After learning routines and handling busy service, she asks Ms. Lopez for feedback during a quiet moment at work. Anna Ms. Lopez, do you have a minute? I wanted to ask how my work is going. Ms. Lopez Of course, Anna. What would you like to know? Anna I’m still learning, so I’d like some feedback. What do you think I’m doing well, and what should I improve? Ms. Lopez You stay calm when two requests come at once. You choose what needs attention first, and you ask me for help when you need it. That’s a real strength. Anna Thank you. I was worried that asking for help might look like I can’t do the job. Ms. Lopez It’s good to ask when you’re unsure. You don’t have to guess. And you do the same with guest questions—you check with me before you give an answer you can’t confirm. Anna I’m glad that helps. What is one thing I could improve? Ms. Lopez The table list. You’ve used it to correct a mix-up, and you check it when you set tables. But sometimes you look at it after you’ve already started. I’d like you to check the list first, before you put anything down. Anna Could you give me an example? I want to be sure I understand what you mean. Ms. Lopez Sure. Before you set a table, look at its number on the list. Then check how many guests are expected and what each place needs. After that, set the table. You don’t need to memorize the whole list. Anna So I should pause, find the table number, and check the details before I begin. Is that right? Ms. Lopez Exactly. Yesterday, you put cups out before checking the list. You noticed the difference and fixed it, which was good. Today, try checking first. That may save you a second trip. Anna I remember that. I was moving quickly, and I wanted to get everything ready. I can see how checking first would help. Ms. Lopez That’s the idea. This isn’t about working faster. It’s about taking a few seconds to make sure you have the right things for the right table. Anna I will practise checking the list before I set each table. Could I do that for the next few shifts, and then ask you how it’s going? Also, if I find an unclear entry, should I stop and ask you before I set anything? Ms. Lopez Yes. If you can’t tell what an entry means, leave that table for a moment and ask me. You can move on to another table you understand, so you’re still making progress. Don’t guess and then have to undo the work. Anna That makes sense. And what if I’m already working on one table when another request comes in? I don’t want to lose my place on the list. Ms. Lopez Mark where you stopped, then decide whether the new request needs attention right away. If you’re not sure which comes first, tell me both things and ask. You don’t have to hold every detail in your head. Anna So I can mark my place, check what is urgent, and ask you if I’m unsure. I’ll try that instead of rushing or guessing. Ms. Lopez Exactly. You already speak up when you need help. Now we’re adding one small habit to make the table list easier to use. Anna Could I start with the tables on the left tomorrow morning? I can check each one before I set it, and mark my place if I have to stop. Ms. Lopez Yes. Let’s start with that side. If something on the list is unclear, ask me before you continue. We can look at it together. Anna That sounds clear. I’ll check first, and I’ll ask if I’m not sure. I feel better knowing what to work on. Ms. Lopez Good. And keep doing what you’re doing when the room gets busy. Staying calm and speaking up are important parts of the job. Anna Thanks, Ms. Lopez. I’ll start with the left side tomorrow. It helps to have one thing I can practise right away. Ms. Lopez You’re welcome, Anna. I’ll be there if you need to check anything.