In highschool, I worked at "Hardee's on Riverdale," a fast food restaurant that was right at the intersection of two major highways in southern Virginia (58 and 501). I worked most every weekend, and a few afternoons a week, typically about 20 hours a week during the school year, as close to 40 as I could get in the summers.
It was a fine beginner job. I learned to take direction, do things in a particular manner, and how to be very good at customer service. There was a lot I did not like about the job- it was really hard and demanding, and I ALWAYS had to be in drive through, but I still think about that job from time to time because I really did learn a lot while making $4.25 an hour.
It was at Hardee's that I learned the value of my talent coming up with a catchy songs on the fly. This has served me well all my life :-)
One day, after school, I was driving in and I saw a man with a sign "homeless." We had white framed glasses on. I had only seen homeless people once before- in Washington, D.C. while I was on a school trip with my Latin club. I was with Kenny wandering the mall when I saw them. They were around the ice skating rink on the National Mall. Seeing that man at the light made me so sad. I remember looking at him and feeling so awful for him until the light turned green, then I turned into the parking lot at work.
A couple hours into my shift, I looked up- white-framed glasses.
"Hi, can I help you?"
" I am really hot- can I just get a cup of water?"
"Yes, sure!"
I got him his water, and my manager took it from me
"59 cents!"
"I dont have any money, I am just thirsty, can I have some water?"
"NO! 59 cents!"
I jumped in.
"We never charge for water, he is hot! It is really hot outside! Let him have his water!"
She refused.
I stared into his eyes. There was nothing but hurt and sadness there. I felt it to my core.
He left.
I cried.
A lot. I will never forget the man with white-framed glasses.
I will **NEVER** treat another human being the way my manager treated that man.
No comments:
Post a Comment