Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.
When I was a youth, I visited Jamaica on a Carnival Cruise. I was 18 and it was my sister and I’s first time out of the country. When we stepped off the ship we got on a bus headed to a private beach. As we traversed down the hill to the beach I found myself feeling out of place. And not out of place because of where I was. I felt out of place because of who I was surrounded by. Whereas I had arrived in some regular shit, a maxi dress, black bathing suit and old navy flip flops everyone else was dressed to the nines, tens even. So was my sister. I guess I didn’t get the memo. My sister noticed two boatmen and pulled me along to talk to them. The price was well outside our comfort zone, but nonetheless she found herself caught up talking to one…or rather flirting with one. I know the hair flips and forced laugh of a flirt. The other boatman introduced himself and I don’t know how it happened, we ended up seated by the water talking like old pals. I asked him questions and made comments as he told me about his life. He told me he was building his house room by room, I asked him what room you start with, he said the kitchen, I asked if he was using concrete and how he gets the supplies on the island… he said he started boating at 8 and he was a strong swimmer, I asked him where would he go and how far he’d been, his favorite place and why. We talked for two hours, and when they called to say the bus was leaving in 10, he said he througholy enjoyed talking to me, that he had never had someone listen to him, he said “ya know da women dey say das nice, but they no ask no questions like you.” He said I did him a kindness. I often think about the beach and that conversation. Personally and professionally where ever I am, I put my superpower to work. Personally my friends call me thoughtful and mindful. Professionally I’ve developed a reputation that I always know the answer. But while everyone is prattling on, and saying “okay”, “absolutely;” here’s my secret… I am listening.
Classroom to Corporate 