Different Faces

Where I work, there are all sorts of different people I see. Students are an obvious demographic that we serve. From what I see, few people are just buying groceries. A good majority of the students are there just to buy cheap alcohol or cigarettes. But they always seem to be enjoying life. There may be a lot of things going on in their lives, school and work, but they make time to still enjoy themselves. Although I don't agree with how they spend their free time, they're definitely smiling as they're carrying $200 worth of alcohol out the store doors. The main thing they want is for us to be able to start taking Cat Cash.

Families with small children come in at times too. It's fun to see how excited the little kids are, looking up at the huge, red ceiling fan spin around and around. It's fun to see how excited the little kids are, banging the self-checkout machines with their small yet chubby hands. It's fun to see how excited the little kids are, running around, ducking behind merchandise and poking their heads out to see their parents.

Then there are the not so small children. It's funny how fast they grow up. From the little tykes dancing around the store, to the young girls with small purses and paying for their own merchandise. For one such group of girls, I saw their mother staying back and away, allowing the girls to do everything on their own. There's one boy I know who (when I first met him) walks into the store by himself and is able to manage how much money he needs for the food he needs. He can't be any older than 10 from what I have seen.

Outside of the kids, there are some interesting adults that come to the store. The adults that work for the University, the adults that work at other stories on the same road. Coming in groups, of all different genders, ethnicities, personalities. People who are traveling from afar and are only stopping in for a small snack and drink. Many people were happy when we finally set up the EBT system. I would remember one such gentleman who would buy a box of $1.67 Whoppers from me and would always comment how convenient the store was and how happy he is to finally be able to use Food Stamps.

Lots of different people, lots of different experiences and history each person has. The one thing I always remember, to always make sure, is to smile at them. And if I'm lucky, I'll get a smile in return. And while everyone is different, I'm glad I can at least see that smile.