Memories, events and scenarios that remain unforgettable in a person's life are the first time, and others which are so relevant and weighty that they can't be easily forgotten. These are the ones that you can look back on years later and still have a good glimpse of them. The value attached to such moments either from the importance they bear or the fact that it was a journey into something new makes it hard to forget.
At this point in life, I've done several things that many aren't new again. They seem to be just doing the normal. There was a time though that such a thing started as something new and wonderful. Over time, it became a normal thing. Somehow, I hope we don't lose the value towards something because we've become accustomed to it, as opposed to how it felt at first instance.
Handling my own money for the first time remains a memory not to forget. For one who has desired to be responsible for himself, you can understand why it feels that way. Though I consider it should feel like that for almost everyone, if not everyone. I might not remember the details well, especially for my first pocket money, but I sure do for my first earnings from my labour.
I remember well the day I was dropped off at high school. All registration was done and I was to start a new phase. One thing we thought of then as kids regarding this new phase is that, pocket money would come. I had the privilege of being in charge of my money, as I was giving a portion of it and the other part was handed over to a teacher to keep, to avoid overspending or theft, I guess. Well, it felt good receiving it as it gave me charge over money for myself.
Earning my money was more satisfying than the pocket money story. Beyond having the money paid to me for my service, it was the sense of growth and responsibility attached that made it all fulfilling. I've done menial duties before then and was compensated for that with money. Or even after carrying out a message that involved money, I was compensated with some. Earning it felt different. It was received, appreciated, and before being spent, diligently so.
After learning some digital skills, I put them to use. It looked like earning from it wasn't forthcoming until it did. It felt really good that I would do something and be appreciated for my service. Since then, I've been doing graphic design and earning from it. The other part of my first earnings was when I took a job as a point-of-sale machine operator. I carried out transactions for customers. The condition wasn't that suitable, but receiving that first payment brought a different feeling.
For me, it was more about being responsible, putting in the work, providing services and solving people's problems and needs through my skills or work that counted, more than just the earnings. Nevertheless, we can't take away that wonderful first-time feeling. I still remember it. Yes, it still feels good.
This is in response to the prompt here.