Lady Grimace

Yesterday, I experienced the filth of the real world once more. My friend and former classmate and I set aside the day to apply for a very interesting and highly appropriate job position at a government agency in Intramuros. We met up at a computer shop along Taft Avenue, near UP Manila, at noon. She had to take an exam for another company in Makati, and I had to get my Transcript of Records from the Office of the University Registrar at UP Manila.

As with many similar days in my life, I ran late. I arrived at the registrar exactly 17 minutes before the office was about to close for lunch at noon. But I guess good luck was on my side this time around (remember my previous entry?). The office was not closed; in fact, it welcomed me to enter. I was just very happy that this time it wasn’t going to be another frustrating mishap. Or was it too early for me to conclude? Read on.

Everything went quite well until I chanced upon—or should I say reunited with—this very unfriendly friend at the university: the lady cashier. I needed to pay my balance for my TOR. I hadn't seen her grimacing face for a month, and it hadn’t changed. I just hate her attitude. With her thick lips, narrow eyes, and an obviously round face, she never fails to explicitly display anger at students or anyone opposite her through the glass window. Yesterday was no exception. Moreover, she constantly checked her watch, trying to imply to the people in line—including me, next in line—that her lunch break was approaching. But I pressed on and managed to get away from her. I never want to see her again. NEVER.

I have a thing about people behind glass windows (e.g., cashiers, tellers, etc.). They usually seem heavily burdened by their work. They often have distorted faces and pouting lips. In short, they look unapproachable! Customers or inquirers often become victims of their frustrations or disappointments. They shout at people opposite the window or subtly frown, making the person across feel unwanted and offended. I'm not saying they are always at fault. Yes, some customers can be quite irritating at times. But what I mean is that these "glass window people" should not carry their frustrations into interactions with another customer, as it might cause inconvenience and lead to consequences they are not prepared to handle. In the first place, it is their job to exhibit a great deal of comfort toward the person opposite them. They are placed behind these glass windows to provide customers with satisfaction. They should do their job properly. If they don’t want to, then they should quit! It's plain and simple. This is why people working with or for others should always prioritize customer service above all.

Anyway, I officially received my TOR just in the nick of time. I headed to the computer shop to meet my friend, who was already waiting for me. I arrived a few minutes after noon. We took our time to gather ourselves and then went off to Intramuros. We both got interviewed and were told to wait for a call to see if we’d get in or not. And so, the day seemed to have ended. But I was wrong.