something unexpected
On Friday my department had its annual summer picnic. Working for a government entity, this is not a lavish affair, but most everyone comes out, and it's a good time. One of the things that we do is hand out an employee recognition award. This around there were four recipients, all of whom I think embody the spirit of the award. I'm a believer in this award, having won it previously myself and worked to promote it in the department.
After the picnic, I was on instant messenger with one of the gals who won, discussing a project we're working on, and I congratulated her. This woman is tiny, and she's one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. She told me something that just blew me away. "Actually," she wrote, "you are my inspiration." Eyebrows go up. "Really?" types I. "Ever since the [blank] project. It's difficult to be a girl in technology, and you showed me that it could be done," she said.
Wow. Just, wow. I feel so humbled and surprised. It just goes to show that you never know when you're having an impact on someone.
After the picnic, I was on instant messenger with one of the gals who won, discussing a project we're working on, and I congratulated her. This woman is tiny, and she's one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. She told me something that just blew me away. "Actually," she wrote, "you are my inspiration." Eyebrows go up. "Really?" types I. "Ever since the [blank] project. It's difficult to be a girl in technology, and you showed me that it could be done," she said.
Wow. Just, wow. I feel so humbled and surprised. It just goes to show that you never know when you're having an impact on someone.