Master Bear Builder

Alyse Borkan

I spent my years in high school perfecting the art of stuffing bears. Not only did the machines in the store blow cotton into my mouth, hair, eyes, and nose at full speed on multiple occasions, but I also got spit on, thrown up on, and spilled on.

Occasionally, I had to stand at the front of the store and hold a leash with a stuffed dog attached to the other end. I’d rather have been a Wal-Mart greeter.

Highlight of my job: the twice a year when I got to dress up in the bear mascot and roam around the mall in a puddle of sweat while having a constant asthma attack. On days I didn’t wear the costume, I almost wish I did seeing as the uniform was just as bad — a denim button up shirt, khakis pants, a red apron, and sneakers. The department that designed that uniform needs to watch What Not to Wear.