Thank you
Dr. Selim Erhan, TLT Editor | TLT From the Editor January 2022
Over the years, I have learned a lot from my colleagues and friends.
I believe learning is most effective when we participate in the doing—when we are watching more experienced people and getting their help and suggestions throughout the projects.
I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday season, connected with family and friends! The end of the year was especially relaxing for me, and I enjoyed my peaceful time. I had some time to sit back, relax and, like some of us do, look into the past and acknowledge all the help I have received, all the things I have learned throughout my career and give thanks to everyone I have learned from. But I did not want to stop there—as we start a new year energized and fresh, I want to extend a big thank you to all my colleagues.
I have been involved in research, formulation, production and marketing in several companies and, therefore, met many people in different segments of our profession. Everyone has a specialty, and most people are happy to share that knowledge with newcomers and help them get better. I was very fortunate to be involved with many of these people this past year.
Among all of these people, I especially want to extend a very big thank you to my colleagues that I met through STLE. I have volunteered with the STLE Chicago Section Executive Committee for many years, and throughout my journey, I have learned so much from so many people. There was not only a significant amount of technical learning but also teamwork and organization. I have been involved in several social groups, educational groups, travel groups, school groups and sports groups, so I can speak with some experience when I say that being part of the STLE Chicago Section has been very rewarding. Events are well planned and organized. Information is always available, and support is only a phone call away. Teamwork is outstanding. Projects are well planned, and execution is timely. Activities are well balanced, including scholarships to students, enjoyable social outings, education seminars and monthly technical talks. All are carried out in a friendly, warm way—yet also in a very professional atmosphere. During the last year, I had the privilege of working with the STLE Board of Directors and headquarters staff and saw the same trends throughout the organization! I am very much looking forward to the next years with STLE.
I also have taken these experiences to the other groups I work with and always received appreciations from these contributions. I believe learning is most effective when we participate in the doing—when we are watching more experienced people and getting their help and suggestions throughout the projects. No matter how technical the world gets, there still are seemingly insignificant but very important aspects that are not written in any manual or publication. These are the things we learn from the experience of people that have done it before us, and when we need them, those small bits of knowledge always bring a smile of appreciation.
I wish everyone a wonderful 2022! May your year be fruitful, enjoyable and full of new information!
Dr. Selim Erhan is director of business development for Process Oils Inc. in Trout Valley, Ill. You can reach him at serhan@processoilsinc.com.