blogonawire

Our hearts are heavy and eyes watery as we dread the impending departure of a loved co-worker and friend.

Today is Elif Affan’s last day at Sitewire. She leaves to further her education and continue on her path of self improvement as an MBA candidate at the prestigious UCLA Anderson School of Management. I wanted to write this blog post to honor a person who has made every work day of the last four years a new and exciting adventure - both fun and frustrating at times.

If you’ve met Elif, her personality is as unique as her name. I once described her as an only child who finally found some playmates as she treated us all like the brothers and sisters she never had. Her behavior is diametrically opposed… in one breath she can be completely inappropriate and comedic and in the next as serious and professional as anyone can be.

Here are some things the general public might not know about Elif - but should.

She has a split personality named “Edward” that tells her to eat like a man
Her last name means bread maker, however she does not make bread
She is the most talented public speaker and presentation creator I’ve met
If you tell her what scares/annoys you - you can be certain she will torture you with it everyday for the rest of your life (watch out for Clowns, Jay)
She is an artist - a very talented artist
As of the end of this last semester, she’s taken a class in almost every Adobe application. Her skills in PhotoShop aid her in fulfilling the 4th bullet. (Sorry Lacey).
She has nicknames, both appropriate and in appropriate for everyone and she will reference them in public. Especially those inappropriate.
She has the biggest, warmest heart - her friendship is true, sincere, devoted and a privilege.
She loves fish
She loves Iced Coffee “Old school”
She loves Music - from people you’ve never heard of.
When speaking Turkish, she will say “washing machine” in English
She enjoys the finer things in life - she pairs JCrew flip flops with her Coach purse and Prada shades
Her drive is unstoppable
She will rule the world

Well maybe the last point is a bit dramatic, but pretty darn close to what I foresee possible for Elif. She is an unstoppable force that will make a significant impact on our world through both the business world and by the people’s lives she continues to touch.

Elif - your season at Sitewire has been an amazing one for all involved. You are a core component to our success and to our family. We wish the best for you as both a colleague and a dear friend. I personally will miss our morning trips to Starbucks and all the ridiculous things that happened to us within that 15 minute span of time. After today, my world will be much less interesting.

I hate to say it, but your future’s so bright, we’ve got to wear shades.

With Love - Mo.