My generation lacks steadfastness. We are without a serious sense of commitment to one another. In all honesty, it isn’t our fault. From the time we were young, society has influenced us into adopting “the next best thing,” mentality.

Today pro athletes’ loyalties ebb and flow with the corresponding figures in their contract. And employees know little to nothing of allegiance to their company.

We should call ourselves, generation flip-flop.

Nelson Farris is the antithesis to my generation. As a matter of fact, he doesn’t wear thong sandals. No, Farris only wear’s Nikes and has been lacing them up for 36 years. If you’re thinking, “Ugh, how monotonous, vanilla, hum-drum!” Think again.

Yes, there is no arguing Nelson is resolute in his devotion to the swoosh, the man has a tattoo of it on his left leg! However, longevity and monotony don’t necessarily go hand and hand, especially not in this case.

As Nike’s longest standing employee Farris tried on 20 different styles of sneaks before finding the pair that fit just right. Today he walks tall in a set of special edition Global Corporate Education Directors, the only pair of its kind.

Not only has Farris held a myriad of positions within the company, Nike has provided him with opportunities he once never thought possible.

One of his favorite moments came in 1984 when Nike athlete Joan Benoit Samuelson won gold in the inaugural women’s marathon. The petite American runner dominated her European counterparts, favored to win, by finishing more than a minute ahead of the pact.

Nelson Farris was there.

The 1984 L.A. Games is only a chapter in the great adventures of Nelson Farris. His story dates back to the days when Phil Knight paid graphic design student Carolyn Davidson $35 for the rights to the swoosh and offered this thought, “I don’t love it, but it will grow on me.”

For 36 years and running Nelson Farris wears the same brand of kicks. Just goes to show, if the shoe fits, wear it.

-Meghan