I still remember the time when was new at my job. I remember I had a senior named Mr Thomas Stevens.  Now Thomas was my immediate senior and I had to work along with him. We were together for about eighteen months after which he changed the job. But those eighteen months were the toughest and also the most enlightening months of my life.

Thomas was a tough taskmaster. From the very first day, he made it clear to me that he would not settle for anything less than what was required. We worked very closely during those months and I must say whatever I know about the job today, I owe it to that man.

Thomas made me understand the keener points of my work. His basics were very thorough. Infact I would say that he is the best teacher for the basics in my field. I have never come across someone who has such a grasp over the preliminary things. Most importantly, he had the patience to let other person learn and develop.

He never looked down upon me although I made extreme blunders in many reports. He always kept that trust in me. Whenever I talked to him, even for fifteen minutes- I learnt so much about work and work ethics. It was a pleasure listening to him.

To be very honest, I was a good student in my school and college but I lacked that knack for perfection, that ability to look upon a thing from an objective point of view and create a bigger picture. Thomas taught me all that. He told me how should one ask questions to oneself and then seek their answers. In those answers was the recipe of perfect report.

I miss Thomas a great deal. He is my teacher and will always be. More than work, he taught me honesty. He is one of those rare people who value people and who are so secure in their identity that they don’t have to crush or override someone to make their presence felt.

I am glad I met someone like Thomas. But let me take your leave now. Please take care. Bye.

The ‘common man’ opened the newspaper in the morning to find Thomas Steven’s face staring at him. Thomas new book was a roaring success. As the common man read his interview, he felt he was talking to Thomas. The common man was happy. Yes- hard work done in right direction always yields result. He was proud to be Thomas Steven’s student.