Panera Bread

This was a really difficult topic to write about because I really couldn't think of an organization that really displays their values and makes them know to the public. I think this is because that is a HUGE risk. If a company goes out and says "we value lower prices and high quality" they are going to have to stick to that or else it will be thrown in their faces. So after I combed my brain for an organization that not only preaches their values, but sticks to them as well, I came up with Panera Bread. I have worked at Panera for a little under four years! In the first week I was hired I had to go to a orientation called Planet Bread. It sounds corny and it totally is, but they made sure each new associate knew what Panera stood for. They went through the core values of the Panera coorperation, which were mainly about quality of food and service, and making sure the customer had a pleasant experience each visit. I realize every company probably has the same policy of the customer is always right, but I think Panera goes above and beyond that sometimes. When I'm eating at a Panera, probably 95% of the time I am greated with a smile and an associate who seems interested in upholding quality. That is a lot more than I would say I have any place else. I know Panera doesn't usually have commercials on TV but I think they still have a good way of expressing their values to their customers, They right their core values on the side of every bag, which I think is bold because nearly every customer will see that. I also thing they create an atmoshere where you can tell quality is first as is the customer. Most people I know don't speak so highly of a company they have worked for because once they are on the other side, they find out these values are fake and insincere. I have found that Panera is a great company that is everything they say they are.

My Values

When it comes to my beliefs and my values, I would have to say that I am someone with some pretty strong morals and values. I was raised in a Catholic family and attended a private Catholic school for all 12 years of school, so the church is what shaped my values as I grew up. I have seen my values in action from my parents. They have been married for 27 years and I think they have raised my sister and I well. Knowing where I get my values is important because I can look at my family when I am questioning my beliefs. Anyways one value that I think is most important is to be kind to all people. The Golden Rule is to treat others the way you want to be treated. I know at times it is very hard for me to live by this standard, but you never know why a person is the way they are or what their life circumstances may be. I think it's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice :-)

I played sports in high school and one important lesson I learned was to know who you represent. Since this class does have to do with greek life, I think this is an important lesson especially now. When I am out in public and I am wearing my letters, or anything that lets people know I am in the greek community, I know I am a direct reflection of them. I want to be a positive representation of myself, my family, and everything else that I may have the ability to represent. I guess then you could say I value appearances and the opinions of others. I value my friends and my family, as well as my education. I value constructive criticism and helpful and friendly advice. I place a lot of value in respect. There are many people I don't like and many views I don't agree with, however I respect them and that makes it possible for me to coexist with people who are different from me.

I think the most important thing about values is to know where yours come from. If you think about it, you learn values from the way you grow up. And every single person is different and grew up in a different way. So it would make sense then that we all value different things and for different reasons. It's difficult to remember that some times, but I think it is our resposibility as leaders and productive members of society to try to remember that.

Who am I?

Well, my name is Hillary Mueller. I'm a second year marketing major. I was born in Knoxville Tennessee then my family moved to Syracuse New York where we lived till I was about 7. I now call Marion Ohio my home town which is like an hour north of Cbus. I work at Express at Polaris :). I'm completely obsessed with volleyball and I coach a junior high team! I'm obsessed with Starbucks and Panera. I have 3 baby turtles,their names are beamer benz and bentley and I have a beta fish named dirty beats. I love sports, pretty much any and all. I have a 22 year old sister who is graduating from Ohio University this spring. People can't tell us apart and I am constantly asked if we're twins. A unique thing about me is I am an ordained minister :) I did an online thing and got my license in 15 minute or less as a joke and I actually renewed my friends parents vows. I never take life seriously. I try to be funny all the time because being serious sucks.

Why did I GO GREEK?

My choice to go greek took me awhile. All the women in my family were in sororities and I thought it sounded like an OK idea, but I was worried it would be too much time.I was really worried I wouldn't fit in because of all the stereotypes out there. I decided my sophmore year that a sorority was something I could at least try. I thought I would be able to get more involved and meet new people. The entire rush process was pretty crazy and stressful and I really thougt about dropping out a couple times, but I am so happy I hung in there. I am even more happy and blessed to have found Alpha Chi Omega. I feel that being in Alpha Chi has made me myself again. I felt like I had lost myself in the shuffle of Ohio State. The school is huge and it wasn't easy for me to get as involved as I was in high school. I didn't even think I wanted to stay at OSU but Alpha Chi changed that. It gave me a group of girls who are like me, yet they challenge me to be better and teach me to grow as a person. I have to say greek life at Ohio State is amazing and something I want to expand at OSU because I think there is  a place for everyone and anyone within it's community.


What do I think of a Blog???
I have some serious hatred for blogs because I had to do one for English class last year and my teacher had us doing 1 a day for the entire quarter and it was on science fiction. It was terrible. However, I think it is a good idea because it is something new and way more cutting edge than boring papers. I also have an obsession with youtube videos, so those will be fun to post! :)