Sunshine at Gresham Goodwill
January 21, 2009
Many people have probably wondered how such a tiny person can be graced with such a big personality. Forty year old Samary Loueng’s energy could probably power a small city. Goodwill has had the pleasure of her company for thirteen years.
As she processes donations in Goodwill’s Gresham store, it is clear Samary is well-liked and respected. Her luminous presence easily coaxes smiles and laughter from co-workers. Enclave supervisor Pearl Martin has known Samary for many years and says she has yet to see her in a bad mood. It is her positive approach to life and job focus that delights store manager, Tami Stubblefield. She frequently tells Samary she is someone who can be counted on.
Perhaps it is Samary’s positive attitude that enabled her to not only survive a challenging childhood but flourish later in life. Samary and her family left Cambodia in 1978 when she was 11 years old. Born with developmental disability including a cleft palate, Samary endured multiple, corrective surgeries to minimize the effects of the birth defect. Unfortunately, the operations were not completely successful. Though she does speak English now, communication with others is difficult. As frustrating as this would be for most people, Samary’s cheerful disposition does not waver in the least. She works at an accelerated pace, always paying attention to detail as she successfully completes an assigned job.
Samary’s happy smile becomes even brighter on pay day. The petite woman is known for her pay check dance, a celebratory boogie that a former store manager describes as something “akin to the Chicken-Dance”. A reminder to us all how joyful life can be with the right attitude.
For more information please contact Dale Emanuel, Public Relations Representative at (503) 238-6138.