It doesn't matter what people think

But it's always nice to know eh?

I was just walking around the office moaning and groaning about the pains in my belly. The Chipotle Burrito is winning this battle, but never again! Of course I'll eat burrito's again, but I won't let them win... every time.

Anyways, I thought it'd be kind of fun to let you all know what I thought of you, both professionally (since that is how we met) and personally (since that is how we will grow). This will be an opportunity to hear some of the thoughts and conversations I have had with myself, in my head... and usually when I should've been working.

Before I begin I need to make sure that we realize this is just for fun, and in no way can I incorporate every single thought and memory I have. So if I missed something that is an important building block, I apologize.

Island Breeze

Name: Sanjay Kulchandra, aka Island Breeze, aka SanMan (sounds like SandMan)
#1 Strength: Professionalism. Sanjay has the ability to remain professionally composed and focused in the most ridiculous and fucked up situations on Earth. This guy has been nothing short of a Model Worthy Professional. Sanjay first struck me as someone who was very good at doing what he was told and adding to it with the intent of delivering a higher quality result. This mentality is the type of person, I believe, that is suited best for management. He doesn't just do what he is told and add on, he does it without having to ask for permission. He knows what is best and when to apply it. After getting to know Sanjay I came to realize that he wasn't simply doing what he was told. Sanjay provides constructive feedback at a point when a decision can and should be made. He makes it easy to get the job done right the first time without rework.
Personally: Sanjay is a cool ass guy to hang out with. He likes to have a couple different types of drinks, and for a guy, it's nice to have that flexibility because you aren't pigeon-holed into going to a specific type of bar/establishment. He can have fun in any situation but truly enjois a good pool game. Sanjay is one of the most friendly and fun people to compete with because he is a gentleman, but aggressive enough to get the job done. I think Sanjay is a great mentor and someone who is available for advice, great advice. Sanjay helped me through some tough thoughts back on Swiss Army when we sat at a Diner. He really has the ability to see through bullshit and get down to the building blocks, which helped me realize exactly what I need to do in order to succeed as a friend, coworker, manager, or whatever comes my way.

Yu$

Name: Helen Yu, aka Yu$ (you money), Helenizer, and HBomb :0)
#1 Strength: Devotion, period. Helen has the most rare of qualities that I have ever seen, true devotion. There are those who are devoted to a cause, their job, friends, family or maybe even a religion or habit. Helen is devoted to life. In the office, Helen is the person who makes sure you stay on track to get the job done because she is devoted to ensuring the client is satisfied with their product. Frosty could be screaming at Helen for hours and Helen would walk away with the thought, "what can I do to make her happy so she stops screaming?" Most of us would walk away with homicidal tendencies and daydream of revenge plots. Professionally, Helen is devoted to her image as a consultant, one who provides insight and foresight into a field where they may not be entirely educated. Helen has a way to make the client fall in love with her because of these reasons. I have never worked on a project with Helen and not been infected with her work ethic. It's very easy for me to become distracted or bored, but Helen finds ways to keep you on your toes in the office. Helen's office conversations are always interesting and even funny at times (yup, Helen is funny!). All in all, Helen's devotion to life is a quality that we could all learn from, I know I have.
Personally: Helen is the quintessential "fun girl." If you're looking to go out to a town you've never been to and find a cool restaurant, bar, tourist attraction, museum or even some cool fountains or lego cars, Helen is the person you want with you. My most fond memories of Helen are the late nights at JMC and the trip to Baltimore. Every night we hung out, every restaurant we ate at, every beer we drank and ice cube I ate, Helen had a smile on her face that spread like a yawn. I'd often smile when I walked into a room and be like, "why the fuck am I smiling?" Only to turn the corner and see Helen opening a Mikes Hard Ice Tea or some other tasty beverage. But it wasn't only the night life that Helen was a joy, Helen was and still is a huge planner of fun events. She goes on those crazy ass lighthouse tours, which takes more time and effort than most people would care to offer up. I've always enjoied being on a project with Helen because I know that every night, I will have a good meal, and a great friend to share it with. Beyond the fun side, Helen is a truly caring person. When life got down on me and stress was burning up my soul, Helen would provide just the right amount of glee to start up my day. She never overpowered me with too much energy (unless coupled with my next person), but even then it was just a good time. And who can forget about the HUGE heart that Helen has? Every single birthday she would be one of the integral members of the "Cake Team" who would make sure you had a sugar cake sitting in front of you on or near your birthday. Helen is a person who cares about us as coworkers, as friends, and also as humans. Helen is very mindful of what makes a person tick and also, what makes them smile. It's you Helen! You make us smile!!

McGee

Name: Sejal Jariwala, aka Sej, Sejalburger, and Punk
#1 Strength: Determined. Sejal is, by far, a determined individual. Sejal's focus on getting the job done and moving forward is what helped me realize how lazy I was back at Barr. I get the impression that when Sejal graduated, she said, "I need to be a manager in 2 years or less." This determinism is what has pushed Sejal through the company ladder as a Tech Lead and soon-to-be Shadow PM and PM in such a short time. While working as my tech lead over a year ago, Sejal would provide consistent and steady critiques on my documents. At the time it would frustrate me because I was pig-headed. Looking back, I realize that Sejal was determined to not only review and improve the document, but to teach me how she got those docs to that point. If I missed a period, she wouldn't insert that period for me. Sejal would circle the area where a period should be, color in her own period and write a note. After a while, I got so tired of seeing these tiny errors that I began to slow down and try to focus on the details. And look what happened, Sejal taught me a lesson. Even though Sejal is determined in her ways, she also found time to ensure we weren't feeling overwhelmed with her energy and focus. I remember Sejal putting smiley stickers on our documents when we did well, and even when we screwed up, she'd put a sticker on there and add some color commentary. I look forward to hearing about Sejal PM'ing projects and the fun her workers will have throughout the process.
Personally: Sejal is a wild child, but in a good way. Sejal LOVES to do stuff, be active, have fun. She is incredibly proactive in getting to know people and it doesn't take her long to become close to you because she is always willing to be open and honest. My scariest and first memory of this is the sad time I missed a bowling outing at Barr. Not only did Helen get legitimately pissed at me after I agreed to join them, but Sejal wouldn't let me forget about it, ever! Keep in mind that Sejal never did this with the intent to upset me or single me out, but she wanted to make sure that I'd stick to my word in the future. And that is exactly what I did my best to do. Sejal is a huge proponent of "Platters" in NYC and this has always been very interesting to me. Here's why; Sejal is a vegetarian who eats carrots (just in case you forgot). When we go out to dinner, Sejal has never held us back from going to a nice restaurant that serves tons of different foods. She makes sure that she doesn't get a meaty spatula or fork and everyone eats what they want. Now I have vegetarian friends who are assholes and won't go in the parking lot of a restaurant that serves meat. Sejal is willing to subject herself to people who abide by an opposing belief system just for the sake of making that person comfortable and happy. I have always found this to be an immensely powerful quality in Sejal and I very much look forward to the fun times in the future.

Boss Lady

Name: Preeti Shah, aka Preetums, Pu-Shah, P-Sizzle
#1 Strength: Organization. Preeti is an immaculate organizer on the project. While her desk and surroundings may be cluttered with folders and loose paper, you'll always know that if you ask for something - she'll find it for you in a jiffy. This organization allows Preeti to be so responsive and quick when she is faced with a diverse question or abnormal request. While working with Preeti on a couple projects, I have found that she sticks to her guns and her methodologies as they have been proven to be efficient. When you get a task list from Preeti, expect it to tell you exactly what you need to do. I can't remember one time when I'd sit in the office and say, "Preeti, I don't know what you mean, I need more detail." Preeti is the best of the best when it comes to laying out her expectations of not only her workers, but herself. Preeti holds herself accountable when delegated work gets hairy. Alongside organizing her project and her workers, Preeti has found time to organize herself. From a professional standpoint, she is very detail oriented and thorough. Don't expect to go into a meeting hosted by Preeti and not have a 100% clear understanding of what you're role is and what you're expected to do. Currently, Preeti is working as the Coordinator of all things Princeton. She has to prioritize high priority tasks and ensure they get done successfully and on time. This level of thought is only available to those who pride themselves on pure organization.
Personally: Over the past few months I have grown close with Preeti through discussions about "hot topics," project needs, personal conversations and the everyday mundane. I have come to realize that Preeti is incredibly deep and well thought; something I don't believe she gives herself enough credit for. At times it appeared that Preeti was "avoiding" us as she passed out in bed or offered a rain check for her presence. In reality, Preeti was busy devoting herself to her family and soon to be family, Malhar (CONGRATS!). From the social perspective, Preeti always has her camera on hand and is either looking to take a picture, or make a moment worthy of a snapshot. Preeti has the uncanny ability to find beauty in the most normal and bland of places. When you go out with Preeti, be ready to be surrounded and introduced to beauty. I see this quality and my mind plays clips from "What Dreams May Come." Preeti can walk into a cement building with no windows and give the entire place a personality and glow. It's as if Preeti is carrying a paint brush with her and adds color to the gray world. The only difference here is, she doesn't paint the world, she paints your eyes so you can see the beauty that already exists.