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Anya Rick
Working at Haggen Northwest Fresh
During high school, I focused on developing many sides to myself. One way I
achieved this was by taking on a part time job in addition to my rigorous academic load,
involvement in school activities, and leadership opportunities. After over a year and a half of
employment at Barkley Haggen Northwest Fresh, I feel I can confidently attribute the majority
of my personal growth and to my work experience there.
My journey to Guest Service Ambassador began with trembling hands, a new pair of
corduroys, and a cliché. A week after my 16th birthday, I submitted my application for a front
parcel position at Barkley Haggen, and three generations of my family anxiously awaited a
fateful phone call.
On the first Monday of August, 2013, I jolted out of a sleepy summer morning trance to a
cacophony of electric chimes. I leapt from my bed, tripping over clothes and the inevitable
clutter that hot days and irregular sleep patterns assure. Grappling for the phone, I groaned out
the nicety I’d been trained to echo since childhood, “You’ve reached the Rick residence, this is
Anya speaking.” The perky voice at the other end of the line contrasted sharply, piercing my ear,
overwhelming positivity resounding to the inner corners of my groggy mind. I listened intently
as Tracy, Barkley Haggen’s hiring manager, described her availability for an interview. This was
it; working at Haggen was in my blood, and now the Rick family name would be passed down
the aisles once again.

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My grandfather cried the first time he saw me in my starched green button up; my mother
made special dinners for a week straight; I got calls from cousins and extended family, more ex-
Haggen employees. A few gray-haired clerks and checkers sung, “Oh, I remember when you
were only this big!” as I passed by, motioning with their chapped hands which had bagged too
many boxes of Kraft Dinner; their gaudy acrylic nails touched my shoulder, encouraging me
while simultaneously slashing the sense of maturity my new employment had given me. I wanted
to be more than the daughter of my “mother-who-had-escaped-career checking.” I was the
youngest front parcel at the time, but I was the oldest I had ever been. I was intimidated and
overwhelmed, but I adapted—and quick.
I pushed my short legs to keep pace with the lanky college-age boy who trained me; he
was in a band, seemed to know everything about the grocery world, and wouldn’t stop talking
about his ex-girlfriend. I quickly realized he and was known by higher-ups for his exemplary
hard work… Still, I watched with distaste as he texted behind utility closets and took unofficial
extra breaks. I vowed to myself I would never accept praise I didn’t deserve, but that I would
justify it.
I introduced myself to customers until every regular knew my first and last name. I
completed each assigned task an hour before sign-off time. I guzzled coffee on my ten minute
breaks, scorching my tongue, in an effort to remain upbeat and energetic. I’ve trained an army of
new parcels to combat graffiti, puke, and cranky old men who just can’t seem to find an
“authentic” brand of sauerkraut (which is on aisle 2, far right side, second shelf to the bottom.)
I deeply venerated frosty autumn sunsets while pulling in carts—affectionately called
“cattle”—and let the sweet evening breeze and orange rays fill my heart to its brim. I

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shamelessly danced down aisles, singing along with customers to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet
Caroline” and The Village People’s “YMCA.” I told my coworkers I loved them nightly, and I
meant it. I mourned with my parcel family after we lost our angel, co-worker, and dear friend,
Hannah. I threw aside my stress, sadness, and pride, overwhelmed with passion and the joy
Haggen gifted me, and skipped through the oh-so-often rainy parking lots after long closing
shifts.
In August of 2014, I was promoted to Guest Service Ambassador in recognition for my
genuine dedication. This position seems like it was created distinctively for me, and I won’t be
shy in saying I deserved it.
I’ve loved working at Haggen more than I ever thought I would. Maybe grocery is in my
blood, or maybe it’s something indescribable inside me which motivates me so much. Either
way, I feel confident I will take the innumerable lessons and skills I have collected wherever my
post high school life takes me next, and I know I’ve made my family proud.