Friday is the last workday of each week: the day people dress casually and enjoy the most because Saturday and Sunday are just several hours away. I feel the same way, but this Friday is unique because it is my final day at my fellowship at Soleil Global. When I walked into the new, yet familiar office in Chelsea, Jacques-Philippe and Jill were there, making conference calls as usual. My memory of the past days with the SG team suddenly flashed back. I felt weird, because I would not typically feel the way I did today. However, I think I should write something special and personal to commemorate the huge progress from Global Syndicate to Soleil Global.
It was a Wednesday afternoon. I was expecting an interview with Jacques and Jill. Contrasting with the lively fashion avenue in midtown Manhattan, SG had a boutique office cramped with donated computers. Who knows how great the people are in that tiny office? Well, I do. On that day, I had a great conversation with JP and Jill, and was impressed by the first prototype of their solar-powered light. To be frank, I knew the light is going to be a super-star someday, but I didn’t expect it to rapidly take off in just a few months. Personally, I believe the most important attributes to such a success are the efforts JP and Jill dedicated to SG, like their endless conference calls, as well as their hospitality and mentorship for all fellows. All funds raised, partnership built, and orders received have ignited a long-lasting passion within us.
I have been here since March 2012, and am the first fellow on the team. My secret is: being a “pioneer fellow” exposes you to tons of work spanning nearly all the areas you can think of within an organization. In addition to normal office and program activities, I collected free newspapers on the street to pack up the donated computers, I bargained at Chinatown for huge duffle bags to bring Crocs shoes to Haiti, I participated in the process of short-film casting, I made cold calls (which used to be one of the scariest tasks for me.) I’ve always imagined how I will feel when I walk out of SG. Now, I know the true taste: sweet, fruitful, happy and one-of-a-kind.
My last day at Soleil Global ended up like this: a bottle of champagne, a collection of great friends and a great time of appreciation.
As an international graduate student at NYU, I’m 100% sure that this is the perfect way to end my first year in New York City. With two days left until my departure for China, I’d like to thank every colleague at SG and MpowerD for such a wonderful experience! Wherever I am, I will continue lighting up the world in the SG way.
Sherry