First of all, I would like to thank Street Sense for inviting me back. That’s the thing about them, they never let you down when you need help; they are always going to be there.
Remember me? I would like to write about my rescue today. I hadn’t worked in an official job in 12 years. I have convictions and jail time on my record. But, someone seemed to take a look at me for who I am today. That was Harris Teeter. They did a background check on me and went past the small stuff and saw me for who I am. Yes, I’m grateful. I thought that I was not going to get the job, but they took a chance and hired me.
I would like to thank my first director of the store, who did that for me when I thought that I was worn out and couldn’t make it. She would not let me give up. There were days when I thought I was not good enough for my position, but she let me know that I was. She appreciated me. She made me feel so special like I was doing her a favor when I was getting paid for doing what I did. I know now today, as I watch myself, I’m pretty different from others that work there. I strive to do my best.
I would like to talk a little bit about my manager – no, no kissing butt. I just love her. She’s young and ambitious, determined, and, yes, so understanding and sweet. She does her job really well. I’m not working under anyone who doesn’t have these qualities. She says thanks for all the things that you do, even though that’s your job, to let you know that she appreciates your effort. Although I go through my ups and downs in life, as she does, we make it work. She’s just amazing, one of a kind!
I care a lot about all my co-workers, but there is one that stays by my side. That’s Mike. I never get an attitude from him, whether he’s tired or stressed out, as the case may be. He never minds helping me with anything. He’s one of those good younglings. They may not be perfect but close to it. Nobody’s perfect. I appreciate him for who he is. He never judges me, and I never judge him. I love when he’s on the schedule with me; always makes me step up my game, because I know he’s good, and so am I. We have been working together for about 9 months, never had any problems. And, I would like to keep it that way.
My customers are really great. They always make me feel needed. I have been given flowers, offered money and all kinds of compliments. They really appreciated us as a whole. They expect the best, so we try to give them the best. It makes you feel good all over, when they say thank you and you can see it all over their faces that they mean it from the bottom of their hearts. You know that’s truly a blessing. Your day goes better — nothing can bring you down, and it makes you wanna hear or feel again!
We don’t joke about quality at my store. And, that’s every Harris Teeter. Quality is a must. We must try to strive and get the very best. It makes you think. My niece always tells me, you get what you pay for. I had to learn the hard way, I’m not going to lie. Harris Teeter is a little above my budget, but I don’t mind waiting on the sale or discount, because I want the best, too. My fruit and veggies got to get off the top. I love corn on the cob, and it’s always on sale. Thanks, Harris Teeter! My favorite fruit is strawberries, which is also always on sale. Lucky me!
So now let’s talk about the family as a whole. Harris Teeter has trained and taught us how to look out for one another and have each other’s backs. At first, I thought it wouldn’t happen, but yet every time I get in a bind or fall behind. One them come a running, I don’t even have to call. I love that. It lets me know, I’ll never be alone. We communicate as friends that have known each other for years. We never let each other down. That’s a blessing in my eyes for a workplace. Who does that!
As far as sanitizing and cleanliness, we take pride in that. That’s what we stand for. You can always depend on us. It’s not just a saying that the customer is always right, at Harris Teeter, we truly aim to please.
And, If you have read my column before, you will know I will always leave you with this: Stay safe and stay clean!
