I had to visit a high school last week for work. I rarely go to schools, but this trip was extra special, when I pulled in, it was raining like monsoon season in Thailand. I waited out the rain, but it wouldn’t stop, so instead, 3 inches of lake formed around my car. The second I stepped out, I felt water flood up over my shoes into my socks. And the day is ruined.
I was already drenched, carrying my laptop bag, when I entered the door. There were dozens of students crammed in the foyer, waiting for a chance to escape to lunch. From behind me, I heard, “HEY!” “BIG GUY!” “LET ME HOLLA AT YA!” I tend to avoid eye contact in general with strangers, so I thought it was for someone else until my shoulder was grabbed. “Hey! I’m tryin’ to get one of them rides!” Excuse me? “Get me a ride!” A very confident young kid stood before me, asking a total stranger for a ride. “I’m here for a sales call, not rides.” He asked again. “I am here for sales, can’t do it.” “SALES?! Alright. SALES?” He walked away.
Here’s a few problems. First, I’m coming into the building, not leaving. I’m pretty sure that’s the international language for not leaving soon. Second, I’m carrying stuff in, so it’s even more obvious I’m not there to pick someone up. Third, DON’T GET IN THE CAR WITH STRANGERS. EVER. Fourth, as strongly as you should be against hitching rides from strangers, I’m that and more against PICKING UP STRANGERS ESPECIALLY KIDS.
The good news is that I didn’t see any Amber Alerts on my phone that night, so apparently no one else gave that kid a ride. The bad news is that I’m pretty sure that’s not a one time incident. Looks like the “Don’t trust strangers” speech is getting prioritized extra early with my kids. Well that, or the “Don’t be a dumbass and ask for rides from strangers” speech, anyways.