Post by Walking Tree

In the middle of a grey downpour we stood around the Champa tree. In the center stood a familiar face his eye darting from one shoe to another. I had passed him a hundred times in office gullies we had exchanged pleasantries at the coffee machine. He had peeked behind a giant cardboard box to reveal a beaming smile. But I did not know anything more than his name and department.It was announced we are here to celebrate an inspirational story. He still looking at his shoes was fidgeting. He told the story most simply. He said, the first day I came to this office I was given a uniform and tasked with cleaning the glass window. From there on was a story of unstoppable growth and an innate desire to be more than what his circumstance dictated. How he went on to become an integral part of the Visual Merchandising team. How today was his farewell not because he was leaving us but because he was being promoted to CAD Designer and was going on to join another team. The clap was as thunderous as the rain. Drowning the patter all around us. I am sharing this story for it made me realize two things.First, to always be humble and true to your roots. The simplicity with which he said he wiped the front desk and the small smile that followed will stay with me as a reflection of his authentic self. Second the fact that our achievements aren't decided by how high a mountain we climb, but how many rocks we climb and the crevasses we navigate to reach where we are.His story will be a reminder of a zeal to learn.Cheers to Irfan Sheikh!!! Written by - Aditi Gupta (Team - Design)