Worker, college student takes leadership role in job and life

For someone so young, so mature, so intelligent and most importantly, so well respected and loved, it is an honor to be her general manager and friend."

That from Jim Barber, general manager of Carl's Jr. in Yuba City and boss of 20-year-old Herchandan Takhar in a letter nominating her for a Future of America Spirit of Freedom award.

Takhar began working at Carl's Jr. four years ago as a cashier. Less than a year passed before Barber promoted her to crew leader. A year after that, she was made assistant manager, the title she retains at the present.

She coordinated the food preparation through Carl's Jr. for 150 people during the spring Marysville cemetery cleanup project. She also helps organize the Easter picnics put on at Carl's Jr.

Takhar says she took the Carl's Jr. job as a way to save for college. "I didn't expect my parents to pay for school, so I started saving all my money for college," she said.

A Yuba City High School graduate, she played varsity basketball and was active in the California Scholarship Federation and the Punjab Club.

After high school, she completed two years at Yuba College, taking 18 to 19 credits a semester while working full time at Carl's Jr.

Takhar is currently a junior at California State University, Sacramento, majoring in business management. She still works at Carl's Jr., putting in about 25 hours per week, mostly on the weekends.

"I'm lucky to only have to work part-time," she says. Takhar plans to stay in the area after college and is looking to work in the banking industry.

"Maybe it's dreaming a little high, but I'd like to be a CEO one day," she said.

Don't tell that to Barber, though. "This is one young lady we all will be hearing much more from later on," he said.

Appeal-Democrat staffer Nate Collier can be reached at 741-2400. You may e-mail him at ncollier@appeal-democrat.com.

Nominated by: Jim Barber

"If you are looking for a role model, you do not have to go far because the way (Herchandan) carries herself and her commitment level..." in his letter nominating Herchandan Takhar for a Spirit of Freedom award in the Future of America category