5 Year anniversary at work

(Actually it was back in January.) About a month ago, I received an email through work saying that I was up for a Customer Service Award and could I fill out a questionnaire about myself for a slide show that will be at the ceremony. Not having worked anywhere (in my professional life) for 5 years, I wasn’t expecting this. I sent an email back saying if this was indeed for me. (It was.) I completed it and RSVP’d to the event.

I made plans to switch my on-site days to Tuesday-Wednesday instead of Monday-Tuesday so that I could attend and still meet my on-site teaching requirements. There was a mixer from 2-3, then the ceremony 3-4. I was expecting a few nibbles (chips, cheese doodles, and a coffee or tea), but it was a fully catered event with gourmet desserts, canapés, fruit and salad plates, and a series of international kebabs and sauces with juice, water, and pop.

Everyone who was being recognized went up in front of the crowd while their supervisor said a few kind words about them. There was someone who had been there for 25 years! Each recipient received a gift for their anniversary and everyone attending received a thank you gift for pulling together and surviving the whole COVID upheaval. All I was expecting was a certificate acknowledging my time there, but it was more than that:

I have to admit that I continue to be glad I took the part-time fill-in position with Columbia. For such a big company, they know how to show their appreciation for their employees. Thank you Columbia College and Dr. Snell.