on the 12th day of thankfulness

When I was in high school, I worked as a courtesy clerk at Ukrop's. One of the company's core values was treating others as we personally liked to be treated. otherwise known as the Golden Rule. Supreme customer service was expected of employees 100% of the time. That foundation of respect for my fellow man had been instilled in me from the time I could walk and talk. My parents always expected be to respond to my elders politely as well as carry on polite conversation. Working at Ukrop's continued to remind me of my respectful values. Now when I am shopping, I have come to expect that same type of customer service. Though Ukrop's is now closed its doors, I am thankful for the values the company instilled in me as well as its other 1000+ associates.

Throughout college I kept returning to Ukrop's for seasonal work as a cashier. I could always count on my job during my breaks, so, when David and I moved back to Richmond, it was only natural for me to turn to Ukrop's for a job. As a full-time associate in HR, I worked as the education and training coordinator for new associates. I enjoyed teaching the core classes to new associates. Though there were many days spent sweating while setting up the Tarragon Room, the hard work paid off! When I taught those classes, I could tell I held the attention of the people in the room. When I realized I commanded their attention, my dream of being a teacher resurfaced. Thanks, Ukrop's, for reminding me of my dream. When I told Bobby Ukrop that I was leaving, he told me how proud he was of me for pursuing my dream. What a compliment to know that the president of such a great company was one of my biggest cheerleaders. :)