I'll trade you an oil change for a detention..

A few hours ago I was in the lobby of the local Nissan dealership waiting for them to finish my oil change.

When I got there, I actually thought about leaving because the wait was gonna be about an hour longer than what they told me at first. But, I'd just left Barnes & Nobles with a new book I was eager to rip into so no love lost.

Got in the lobby and there were two young guys watching ESPN, Sean and Scott. Scott's mom was waiting on her car too so they were hangin' out killing time.

They were real good guys and we had some pretty interesting conversation. We talked about everything...the Superbowl, President Obama :D , social media, the economy, gas powered remote control cars, cooking...it was crazy! You gotta appreciate random convo with young people.

At one point Scott stepped away for about ten minutes to check with his mom. Sean asked me what I did and I told him I was an entrepreneur. Immediately this kids ears were pricked, his eyes got wide and things took a drastic turn...

"how do you do it...how did you know what you wanted to do...don't you need a loan...does it matter where you live...did people help you?"

 :shock:

Don't get me wrong, they are all valid questions and I appreciated him thinking enough of me to even ask. They just came at me so fast I had to wonder what was really underneath all the urgency.

This was the thing. Sean and Scott both were in their late teens and had just graduated high school last year. In addition to the regular stresses that come with transitioning into adulthood, he was struggling a little bit.

He's been a cook for the last four years. When I asked what he really wanted to do, without hesitation he said "become a chef". And you could tell he loved it too cuz when he talked about it he had this quiet confidence about him and this look in his eye like "nah dude, I mean I can cook for real!"

But he didn't see it happening for himself. Not enough money coming in, family members coming down on him for his choices, trying to put him out. Sounded like a lot of adults I know of actually. And NO, I didn't pitch the kid! Come on, you know better.

What I did do was listen. We just rapped and he spoke on how he was feeling. I tried to encourage him by sharing things I've learned and I talked to him about going to culinary school. He was a little resistant to it at first. Rebellious in his way cuz there weren't any easy answers, but for the most part he was receptive.

Somewhere along the way a lady had come into the lobby and sat behind us. I could tell at certain times she was listening to us, but neither one of us payed her too much attention.

Not long after that Sean and Scott had to cut out. We exchanged contact info, gave each other dap and hugged before they left with Scott's mom.

No sooner than they left the lobby, the lady that was sitting behind us started talking to me. Without even an introduction she said, "as a teacher, I have to say that was wonderful what you did and I appreciate you sharing with them".

 :shock:

Her name was Leah and she's been a teacher for thirteen years, teaching at all different grade levels. She had a sincerity about her that would be familiar to you if you've ever been around teachers for any legnth of time.

My mom was and still is an educator so I had an early respect for teachers and what they do. For another twenty minutes or so Leah and I talked about my conversation with Sean and Scott. We talked about the educational system as a whole and had a good time bouncing ideas off each other.

As the conversation was naturally winding down though, in almost movie script fashion, the tech walked in with my keys.  :roll: I know right, but this is the crazy part.

Not only did I leave with an oil change and a glow from two rich, exhillerating and completely random conversations...I also left with an invitation to meet early next week with the principal of the high school she teaches at.

 :shock:

This is nuts because I'm not a teacher, public speaker or anything that would warrant her asking me to do this. But none the less, she wants me to come in and facillitate a workshop for the kids that are having problems and end up suspended or in detention.

Life is absolutely CRAZY!!

Trust me when I tell you there's blessings all around you all the time.

The lesson: Maybe you being you, is all you need to do before they present themselves to you.

I've been having a great week but to end it like this is icing on the cake for real! I'll keep you updated on how things progress with the workshop.

Love First..Love Last..Be Legendary!!

Colin