How a Summer Pool Kiosk Job Taught a Teenage Boy About Respect

In the summer of 1982, 14-year-old author Nicky Pellegrino landed a coveted position at the ticket booth and kiosk of the Sale Memorial Pool in Victoria’s Gippsland region. At the time, such roles were highly prized opportunities for young people, especially given the limited retail and food service options available before the proliferation of chain supermarkets and fast-food outlets.

The job instantly elevated Pellegrino’s social standing among peers. Classmates who previously ignored him suddenly took notice, and the popular girls at school were reportedly envious of his visibility and access to the pool environment.

Despite the outward success, Pellegrino felt a deep sense of anxiety about fitting in. He did not resemble the conventional beauty standards represented by the older female staff, who resembled models from Dolly magazine. These women were tan, wore raspberry lip gloss and Impulse body spray, and dressed in trendy stretchy tube tops layered over crocheted bikini tops.

The experience took an unexpected turn when three older boys—referred to as Johnno, Stevo, and Whack—visited the kiosk. While Pellegrino was initially thrilled by the attention from these older peers, the encounter ultimately provided a valuable life lesson: he learned that being respected is far more meaningful than simply being noticed or sought after.