I left my second workday this week at Staples last evening. While in the breakroom (loaded with candy and other forbidden goodies), I spoke with our newest employee in our copy/print center. He is a larger man somewhere in his fifties with a shock of salt and pepper hair. He speaks very accented English with some difficulty, looking for the right words to express his thoughts. He arrived in this country 5 months ago from Moscow, being sponsored by his sister in law along with his wife and kids. I asked him where he lived and if he had a long way to drive. He said in Grosse Pointe Farms, which is a 40 minute drive to Clawson.
He shared that he had been in this country for 5 months and that this was his first job since arriving. Although this is a low paying job, it is a good place to work and start out, in that we have a great boss that is understanding of all kinds of people. I am happy that Brian gave him the chance and this job.
I cannot even imagine uprooting my life and moving thousands of miles away to a different culture, a new language and people that will not always be kind and understanding to me or my family. This takes great courage. I will make sure I write to Brian to express my thanks to him for giving this new employee a chance to move forward in our country. I will try to teach my grandchildren the concept of empathy as at guiding force in their lives, something that is sorely lacking these days.
all for now
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