Random Encounters (not of the third kind, just people)
This is a legit Others "O for Other" story about how random encounters with people have changed my life. I hope it helps to jog your memory for your encounters, too!
Life is a master class, and often, the most impactful lessons come not from advanced math classes or close relationships, but from the everyday interactions with the "others" who briefly step into our world. From chaotic restaurant shifts to bizarre sales schemes, these fleeting connections and surprising encounters have taught me more about human nature, intuition, and my own capabilities than I realized at the time. This is also the HOP story in which I disclose the one time I got arrested. Buckle up!
Part 1: Hustle and Humanity at Olive Garden
My first real dip into the world of "others" outside my immediate circle came the summer after high school, when I started working as a server at an Olive Garden in Houston. It was relentlessly busy, especially on Friday nights and weekends. We often got more tables than we could handle. I once had so much stuff piled on a serving tray – the kind you’re supposed to carry on your shoulder – that I dropped the whole thing, wine bottle and all, in a spectacular crash.
Amidst the chaos, I met all kinds of people. One afternoon, I was serving a seemingly normal guy and his son lunch when another server whispered to me, "Hey... did you know that's so-and-so from the Houston Astros? Is it okay if I ask for his autograph?" I said sure, but told the super fan to take no for an answer if the baseball legend wanted to be left alone.
The ballplayer was kind and signed something for him. Even though I now knew I was serving someone famous, I wasn't really into baseball, and he was just trying to have a nice lunch with his kid. So, I made sure they got their food on time and offered drink refills as normal. I guess he appreciated it, because he gave me a $30 tip on a $20 ticket.
Some encounters weren’t so great. There was once a family that tipped me a quarter under a glass of water because their steak had been medium when they asked for medium-rare. They got a new steak, the steak was written off their bill, and the manager and I both apologized. And yet, it was me they took their spite out on, and that was that. Dave, if you’re still out there, I don’t hold a grudge. But if we ever meet again, you owe me $15.20.
I eventually got better and better with people while working there. To the point where I became a top upseller of all of Olive Garden’s booze selections. My shift manager was genuinely sad when I said I needed to quit because I'd been accepted to university. She asked me what it would take for me to stay. Joking, I said a Mustang. Her response? "Okay, if I get you a Mustang, will you stay? I see manager material in you."
I sometimes wonder what would have happened had I stayed. I can't say for sure, but I feel like she would have kept her word. But would I be the same person I am now had I made that choice? I don't doubt my choices from the past. I'm happy where I am now, even if sometimes I had to fight tooth and nail to get here. Realistically, I probably wouldn't have met my husband had my mom not picked me up from university to take me to a writer's conference that Jon also attended (you can read our story here).
Part 2: Lessons from a Shady Scheme
In that weird gap between graduating college and deciding what to do with my life, I saw an ad for "easy money" selling perfume. At the time, I didn't know it was a pyramid scheme, or that I’d be hawking expensive samples on the street. They might have been real brands like Calvin Klein, but it was definitely a rip-off. Regardless, I encountered all kinds of people during this time, and even ended up getting arrested.
The main guy recruited us in a pack of about twenty for "training" and practice runs. It almost felt legit. A few of the street-smart ones figured it out fast and quit. I, too, realized pretty early that I wasn't going to make a ton of money. But an independent stubbornness kept me sticking it out through the "training" period. I even made a cool $100 hitting up an outdoor mall on a Friday.
Eventually, our "boss" announced we should drive all the way to Dallas (a six-hour drive from Houston). I and the half-dozen or so remaining "workers" split up between two cars. I was chilling in the backseat when I saw a Mack truck driving erratically. A small, four-door sedan was in the lane next to it when the truck sped up, got in front of the little car, and then slammed the brakes. Everything seemed to slow. The driver of my car stopped hard, screeching the tires to avoid becoming part of the accident. The little car was half-wedged under the truck, its front end crushed to oblivion.
As soon as we got out of our car, I walked forward. I'll spare you the details, but the guy in the front seat of the crushed car was fighting for his life. I whipped out my phone and called 911. I turned to my co-workers and asked them exactly where we were. They gave clear directions into the phone, and cops, a fire truck, and an ambulance arrived within minutes. I was in shock and not really able to talk to the police, even though I had called. Another one of my co-workers stepped in and explained everything.
They had to use the Jaws of Life to force open the tiny car and get the mortally wounded guy out. Then, a helicopter landed on the road and life-flighted him to the nearest hospital. I found out months later that he lived, and was suing the devil out of the truck driver's company.
The reason I found this out is because I got a call from his attorney asking if I would make a statement over the phone. I did. What I learned from this experience is that when it comes down to it, we can only do what we can do. And we have to trust that others will do their part. That man would not have been alive had we not each done what was needed. I sure hope he got millions from that company and is living his life on an island somewhere sipping margaritas and just enjoying being alive.
Part 3: The Gas Station Bust and Learning to Trust Myself
When we got back from that big trip, we stuck to selling in the small towns that crowded the outskirts of Houston. At one of these little cities, we were told to approach people at gas stations. I’d never done the gas station stunt, and it felt weird. But "The Boss" assured us it would be lucrative, so along I went.
Apparently, at our second gas station, someone got annoyed we were there and called the cops. I and everyone else present were arrested for "soliciting without a permit," and our driver's car was impounded. Here’s the kicker: we could have bought a permit for $1 at City Hall; we just assumed it was fine because The Boss said so.
That was the end of my perfume-selling stunt. After I got released and the "crime" expunged from my record, I went back to the "office" and quit. I got a "real" job at a restaurant while going through the qualifications for becoming a teacher. Hard work, even when tiring, was better than work that made me feel weird or put me in bad situations. I wish I’d learned that lesson without the experience, but that’s not how life works.
From the demanding pace of Olive Garden to the bizarre world of street sales, the "others" I encountered during those formative years taught me invaluable lessons about people, self-reliance, and trusting my instincts. They were all, in their unique ways, unexpected teachers on the path to figuring “it” out.
What was one thing you learned with a “random encounter” experience?
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Another great story! I’ve worked around the “others” all my life. I once owned a gift and engraving store and have been a server, bartender and manager at several restaurants. Oh the stories I could tell! Thanks for sharing!