By SIMONE JOINER

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — When The Dart landed on Orange Avenue on Friday, United States Postal Service Carrier Charmaine Passinger was delivering mail to the Holy Family Catholic Church.

“It’s a fast-paced job,” Passinger said. “You’re always timed, and I think I like that.”

For the past eight months, Passinger said she has been working in the city of Natchez after having been a rural carrier.

Passinger said she started working for the USPS in December 2011 after her mother suggested Passinger take the test to become a mail carrier.

Passinger’s mother, Nancy Reagan, also works at the Natchez post office as a mail carrier, making Passinger a second-generation postal worker.

“She (Reagan) waited until we graduated from high school when she started,” Passinger said. “She was a stay-at-home mom until then.”

Passinger said she is glad she took her mother’s advice to become a postal worker.

“I mostly enjoy my customers,” Passinger said. “I have very good customers on my route. They’re just friendly and warm. They watch out for me.”

Passinger said the job keeps her active.

“It’s about 9 miles of walking altogether,” Passinger said. “I get my exercise in every day.”

Passinger said her route begins on North Commerce Street, and she goes all the way to Auburn Avenue and East Franklin Street.

“I like the people I work with,” Passinger said. “When they get done earlier, they will come and help you out.”

Passinger said having people you enjoy working with makes all the difference.

Passinger said she began working for the Natchez post office nine months ago as a contract employee, and she expects to be promoted to a regular employee at the end of this month.