High school senior Ananya Singla shares her journey of transforming her experiences at McDonald’s into a humorous and insightful book, “Drive Through Diaries: A Lesson in Life and Fries.”
As summer transitions into autumn, Ananya Singla, a high school senior, has taken a unique approach to sharing her life lessons. She recently published a book titled Drive Through Diaries: A Lesson in Life and Fries, which draws from her experiences working at McDonald’s. When Singla reached out to discuss her book, the intriguing title piqued my interest, prompting a deeper exploration of her experiences, her identity as an Indian American, and her future aspirations. Below is an edited version of our conversation.
Drive Through Diaries is a quick read filled with valuable life lessons that Singla believes every teenager should know. Initially, I expected the book to offer basic advice—save money, work efficiently, and be kind to customers. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover insights that were refreshingly unique, particularly coming from a young author.
Singla notes that many of her coworkers spoke Spanish, and she engaged with them by decoding their conversations, which also helped her improve her language skills. This was just one example of how she made her work experience enjoyable. She also emphasizes the importance of networking, sharing how she secured an interview with a local franchisee through her hard work and connections. By the end of the book, she illustrates how these interactions provided her with further guidance on thriving as a teenager in the workforce.
Throughout the book, Singla’s humor shines through, making it an entertaining read. Even moments that weren’t intended to be funny had me laughing. She offers heartfelt advice while infusing humor, creating a blend of enjoyment and insight for her readers. I made a conscious effort to apply her advice to my own job as a tutor, finding parallels in our experiences. In quieter moments at work, I engaged with my coworkers and connected with the kids I tutored, which has helped me grow more efficient and expand my network. Singla’s experiences resonate across various job settings, whether in retail, fast food, or education.
In our interview, Singla shared her motivations for writing Drive Through Diaries.
What inspired you to write Drive-Thru Diaries?
Initially, I wasn’t planning to write a book about my experiences, but I enjoy journaling and often write down the funny and crazy things that happen to me. Looking back on my time at McDonald’s, I realized that my stories were quite different from what I was used to, especially coming from a private school where respect and kindness were expected. I wanted to create a book that could help other kids transition into the real world.
Why did you choose McDonald’s for your first job?
There are a few reasons. One is a bit humorous—my parents used to say if I didn’t do my homework, I’d end up working at McDonald’s. It was their way of scolding me, so I was curious to see what it was like. Plus, a friend of mine worked there, which made the application process easier.
How did your Indian heritage influence your experience at McDonald’s?
My upbringing taught me to be confident and proud of my identity as an Indian American. Growing up, I learned to be strong and assertive, which helped me navigate situations at McDonald’s where customers sometimes disregarded my humanity. Knowing my worth allowed me to handle challenging interactions with confidence.
Can you share a memorable experience from your job?
There was a time when a customer threw their food back at us through the drive-thru window. Another time, someone threw coins at my friend. These experiences were unexpected, especially coming from adults, but they taught me to handle difficult situations with composure.
How did your perspective on the public change through this job?
Before working at McDonald’s, I was somewhat naive about how people interact. I believed everyone should treat each other with politeness and respect. However, I quickly learned that many customers did not view me as a person but rather as someone there to serve them. This experience reinforced the importance of recognizing the humanity of service workers.
What surprised you most about working at McDonald’s?
I was surprised by how challenging the job was. The fast-paced environment requires quick service—our average time per car was just 55 seconds. Juggling multiple tasks while managing customer expectations taught me valuable multitasking skills and the importance of remaining calm under pressure.
How did you balance writing the book with your high school responsibilities?
Finding time to write was a challenge, especially during my junior year, which is typically demanding. However, my mom always said that if you’re passionate about something, you’ll make time for it. I wrote whenever I could, even if it was just a few hours a week or during lunch breaks.
How long did the entire process of writing and publishing take?
It took about a year and a half from start to finish. Writing the book was the easier part; the challenges came with editing, illustrating, and preparing it for publication.
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope they learn that you can find lessons in any experience. It may sound cliché, but my three months at McDonald’s taught me a lot about maturity, financial responsibility, and asserting myself. I want readers to understand that every experience has the potential for growth.
What advice do you have for someone receiving their first paycheck?
Initially, I thought about spending my first paycheck on something nice for myself, but I learned from a friend who saved her money to treat her mom to dinner. That shifted my perspective, and I decided to save my earnings for college or to help out at home. It’s important to treat yourself, but understanding the value of saving is equally crucial.
What feedback have you received about the book?
Many readers have found it entertaining, which was my goal. I wanted to create a book that was both descriptive and humorous while providing valuable lessons. I’ve received positive feedback about how accessible and easy to follow the lessons are.
What are your plans for writing after high school?
I plan to pursue a career in medicine, but I also enjoy writing as a creative outlet. I’m not sure what I will write next, but I think exploring fiction could be an exciting direction.
Singla’s journey from fast food employee to author highlights the valuable lessons that can emerge from unexpected experiences. Her book serves not only as a source of entertainment but also as a guide for navigating the complexities of early work life, making it a must-read for teenagers and young adults alike.
According to India Currents, Singla’s insights and humor make her book a relatable and engaging read for anyone entering the workforce.