Επιμέλεια: Εύα Πετροπούλου Λιανού
I woke up in the wee hours of early morning on my birthday; Luckily it fell on Sunday this year (2024). At the request of my friends and well-wishers from around the world, my mind was contemplating about where to start and how to say something about age (A) and Birthday (B). I was pondering over this “AB” issue for the past several weeks prior to birthday. Finally, I reached the pinnacle of inference and hypothesis regarding “AB”. To show the position of nose on the face, you can do it via two ways: you can touch the nose straight and upfront with your finger. The other way, it could be shown by going in a full circle, around your head, and then touch the nose!
Just allow me the opportunity to discuss the “AB” issue with a little humor. As a cheerleader of humor, let me begin: love with my job at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To be frank, it’s not just a place of employment; rather, a constant challenge to meet the demands for the protection of public health and environment of the American people. On many occasions, EPA’s office of International Affairs (OIA) gets invited to assist with human health and environmental issues of many other countries of the world. That’s why and how, I love my job at EPA, for the past Twenty-eight (28) years, and continue to overlook the “AB” issues quite often.
lPrior to my current job at EPA, I was employed with private industries, where I was involved with Structural Engineering design, and environmental impact assessments. But my job and daily commute to EPA office is more than a job, and I take great pride in it.
Over the years, colleagues at EPA became my close friends, and I feel like a member of the close-neat EPA family. Their love and best wishes keep me going and have preserved me as an “evergreen”!
They celebrate my birthday each year, as well as for the colleagues, on their birthdays. So I don’t worry about my “AB” issues at all. I still consider every day on my job is a new beginning and challenge, while I sip coffee or discuss my environmental issues. My lunch break doesn’t go by the clock hour, and it varies daily. The attitude of serving the customers (Internal and external) comes first, and consequently, my lunch time goes to the “back burner”. Thus, the Regional Customer Service Award from EPA (Regions 6) signifies the truth and authenticity about it. My colleagues have always been with me through thick and thin.
When I am not working in the EPA Office in downtown Dallas, you will find me restoring the vintage wall clocks, grandfather clocks, painting the pictures on canvas in the garage, or writing poems and essays on the desk of my residential library at “Milestone”. I don’t know, after you finish reading this story, what your impression is going to be about me: Watchmaker, Painter, Poet, or an Engineer….
Over the course of time, eventually, I will have to leave EPA. But in my mind, EPA Region 6 office, will remain as my second home. Beautiful work environment, nicest colleagues, and the missions of the Agency, made it worthwhile to be associated with EPA. The “AB” issue will dwell as a thing of the distant past in my memory lane.
lToday, I am proud to conclude by saying, if you are looking for a solution of public health and environmental issues, please feel free to contact EPA for assistance. Remember, EPA is always ready when you are, and that’s a promise!!!
“Milestone” October 6, 2024
© Copyright October 6, 2024, by Hillol Ray
I am truly humbled and overwhelmed with the love and birthday wishes from you, my dearest friends. My heartfelt thanks to all of you. Stay well and blessed.
