Since May

When I began to personalize my cubicle three months ago, I made sure to include lots of stray ledger sheets, markers from the craft box under my bed, and a photograph of Coco I’d printed on fine luster paper. Before I knew it, I was sitting at a desk more dear to me than the one in my dorm room.

Then I was diving head first into the summer. 

My most memorable times from early on have got to be scrabbling for ways to grab Bill Gates’ attention, grumbling to my co-workers because “Ok Google” wouldn’t work with my voice, and reaching home at 5.15pm to find myself dressed in paint-spattered jeans and chalky shoes. 

(All well worth it.)

Protean Software soon emerged from a lull after last semester, suddenly abuzz with more enthusiasm than ever before. Backed by a great team, I led their phone and email survey process for two weeks in the Hull-Dyson House. We persisted despite the constant chill in the room and the occasional technical failure, successfully collecting a huge pool of responses by the end of the second week. The process was tedious, yet educational, rewarding and unifying. 

As July the 11th encroached on us, phone calls dictated most of our time at the office. Intimidating at first, the focus group project attracted the “It’s Actually Really Happening!” tag all too quickly, and I decided to swallow my nerves for good. A barrage of emails and phone calls later, nine solid candidates shone on our online invitation record. We clapped our backs briefly before hurrying to make arrangements for gifts, food, smartphones and cameras. Bob and Bhupesh were the can-do duo who kept us going until the day of, and I salute them for their drivenness and positivity!

From my time with Protean Software, CELEB, Belmark Associates, or the title(s) that fit(s) best, I know that I learnt a great deal this summer. Introspecting and seeking help gave me newfound confidence to trek through paths beyond my comfort zone. Then there were Brian and Susan, who encouraged relentlessly, their warm conversations and witticisms a delight to be part of. Every time I told mummy and baba about the best parts of my day at the office, I caught their crinkled smiles and hearty laughter through the phone. It might have made me swell just a little. 

And the paw-fect, furry, doe-eyed pals who paid us regular visits made time at CELEB truly enjoyable.