Letter from Oma to Design and Source

Dear Laura,

Thank you for having me in Design and Source. I feel that what I’ve gained through these seven weeks cannot be pinpointed down into sections and spread out in a sheet. For the bulk of what I’ve learnt, was not from the various projects completed on the computer screen, but by merely being in Design and Source. It is the people, and the environment, that give me such inspiration.

I remember you reading out Design and Source’s mission statement in one of our weekly meetings, and although I don’t remember it that well anymore, having just heard it once, I remember having an instant pang of admiration. You mentioned that while building a business, you wanted to not only provide decent jobs for a small group of people, but to contribute to the world in a small way. And with this, to me, you are one of the most successful people I know.

From this internship I take away two lessons. 1. The importance of an amiable office environment. 2. The value of determination, strong will, and charisma. I was brought up to think and prepare for a future where work would be stressful and harsh, and I had always believed that “a happy office environment” was just a myth in which companies tell their employees to aim for. Design and Source showed me how different things could be; I was amazed not only by how nice and patient everyone was, but by how closely knitted your family is. I think having dogs in the office sort of sums up that. People are not colleagues, but friends, and even sisters. I guess this is only possible by having honesty, respect, trust and understanding. Everyone works as hard as ever, and most importantly, though work may be stressful at times, everyone still holds some level of contentment. In other words, people are happy. Though I might not go into Business in the future, you have shown me the beacon of what I should strive to achieve in the work place. And you have given me faith, that yes, it is possible to work and be like a family.

In fact, I think what defines you is not how great our sales are, but how your colleagues see you, and I remember William telling me the first day I came how you are the most gracious boss he has ever worked with. You are the biggest inspiration I’ve gained from my days here. As I‘d told Claudia and Lin, to me you are the perfect combination of grace and charisma. It amazes me how you can direct a business and seem to make it so effortless, all the while knowing how much discipline and strength you must possess within. I remember Robert Frost saying “Being the boss everywhere is lonely. Being a female boss in a world of mostly men is especially so.” I can’t imagine how much determination and strong will it must have taken for you to achieve what you have achieved. Many women of my generation are just starting to rise above those archaic social preconceptions; and yet you are way ahead of your time. Your incredible foresight in Terraskin, your respect for us even when we are merely interns, your strength, all these show me how excellence and true success is accomplished. I see so many flaws in myself in your limelight, may I be half the person you are in thirty years. I wish I could have known you better, and I’m sure I would have been inspired even more, but I’ve learnt so much just by have you as my boss for 7 weeks. Thank you for that.

This has truly been an amazing experience, which makes it hard to say goodbye. As life goes on, we must learn to let go, and move on. Yet my memories remain, and forever will I remember Design and Source.

Thank you so much for having us.

Love,
Oma

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