Coca Cola

Throughout my time working with Coke and other retail locations like Piggy Wiggy, the Dollar Store, and Walmart, I’ve always approached my responsibilities with dedication, integrity, and a sense of personal ownership. I never saw my job as just a paycheck—I treated every task as if the company were my own. Whether it was pulling pallets of overstock to the front of the store or organizing merchandise, I gave it my all. At Piggy Wiggy, I made it a point to handle each pallet with care, working through them thoroughly and efficiently. I didn’t just do what was asked—I went beyond, using my own knowledge and experience to make the store look its best.

When I was assigned to the Dollar Store, I encountered a situation where the manager was frustrated about the amount of overstock cluttering the store. There was supposed to be only one cart of overstock at each of the three Dollar Store locations, but that wasn’t the case when I arrived. I took it upon myself to reduce the clutter and worked each store down to just one cart, as expected. I didn’t complain—I just got to work. And when I went to the store in Ringgold, I applied the same work ethic. The manager there noticed my effort and even complimented me, saying he hadn’t seen anyone work the way I did. That meant a lot to me, because I don’t work for praise—I work from pride and purpose—but when someone sees your heart, it’s a blessing.

Early on, I was paired with an employee named Kevin. I respected him, but riding with him proved to be more of a challenge than I expected. I didn’t want to cause trouble, but I knew I could be more effective on my own. So I respectfully requested to drive my own van. After explaining the situation, y’all agreed, and I appreciated that. I continued doing my best to follow company policy and maintain the same high standards I always held myself to.

The challenge came when I was assigned three different locations to cover. I didn’t complain—I just tried to fulfill each assignment completely. I gave 100 percent, every time. I didn’t cut corners. I didn’t rush through the work. I treated each store like it was my own business, because that’s how I believe you build something lasting. But it seemed like every little thing I did was judged harshly. If I smoked a cigarette, it was treated like a sin. If I took a moment to speak kindly to a customer, it was frowned upon. Even taking a lunch break felt like a violation. I wasn’t being lazy—I was just trying to be human while still doing my job with excellence.

Then came the day of the incident. Kisha, someone I respected, came to me and said that y’all were considering letting me go. She told me she had spoken up for me, and I didn’t want to disappoint her. That day, I was trying to work all the locations I had been assigned. I wasn’t slacking off—I was moving with purpose. When that young lady claimed that only her items came off the truck, that wasn’t true. I had worked the truck thoroughly, and I knew what I had done. But I felt like I couldn’t defend myself. I took the consequences y’all handed down, even though in my heart I knew I had done my very best.

When y’all couldn’t find me, it wasn’t because I had disappeared or abandoned my responsibilities. I had simply moved on to the next job on my list. In my mind, I was following the steps I had been given. I wasn’t trying to avoid anything—I was trying to complete everything. If Walmart had been the only location I was assigned that day, I never would have left. But I had other places to cover, and I wanted to make sure I fulfilled every part of my assignment.

I understand that policies are in place for a reason, and I’ve always tried to respect that. But I also believe that intention and effort matter. I’ve never been one to take shortcuts. I’ve always worked with heart, with purpose, and with a desire to make things better. I don’t expect perfection from myself, but I do expect honesty, effort, and accountability. That’s what I’ve always brought to the table.

I hope that my actions, my work ethic, and my commitment speak louder than any misunderstanding. I’ve never tried to deceive or disappoint. I’ve only tried to serve, to work, and to honor the opportunity I was given. If there’s anything I could have done differently, I’m open to learning. But I also ask that my full story be considered—not just one moment, but the pattern of dedication I’ve shown from day one. Because where love is not, mercy cannot be. And where mercy is missing, judgment reigns unchecked.

Forgiveness is not weakness—it’s the evidence of divine strength. It’s the bridge between broken hearts and healing hands. It’s the echo of Christ’s sacrifice, The whisper of grace in a world that screams for vengeance.

Love makes room for mercy. Mercy makes room for redemption. And redemption makes room for legacy.