Never Leave Home Without It

A city with such diverse inhabitants, like DC, gives you the opportunity to meet more people across the cultural spectrum than anywhere else.  With that thought in mind, people forget that their own story is just as interesting as the story told by some stranger they meet on the metro.  Where you have been in your life makes you different from everyone else and it makes you a valued member of the networking community.  I was reminded of this fact this past weekend.

While on my weekly (at least) trip to Chipotle with some fellow WAIPers, we were stopped while passing by a random stranger.  One of the guys I was with was wearing a shirt with "Knuckle Bucks" on it over a picture of the beloved Brutus, which sparked the strangers curiosity.  He asked what the shirt was, and we explained how it was the Ohio State hockey team student section.  The man was intrigued as he dug a buckeye out of his pocket, "Do you guys carry one of these around with you?"  I immediately got chills, and had to throw out a "Go Bucks!" as tradition goes.  

The conversation continued as we learned about this man's affiliation with the best school in the country, he had none.  He did not go there for school or for a graduate program, he was simply a die hard fan (can you blame him?).  As a matter of fact he is attending school in that state up north, not in East Lansing or with that nefarious woman Ann Arbor, so we forgave him.  He had been born and raised a buckeye guy and he takes that fact and the buckeye with him every where he goes.  He starts conversations with people, he establishes a mutual connection, and he gets people (at least me) ecstatic to talk about THE Ohio State University.  

Even though you may think your story doesn't compare to the stories and connections you make with the culturally diverse community in DC, never forget that your story has something offer too.  Just because you may not have a cool accent, haven't traveled the world, or have an exciting job history doesn't mean you can't make get people to be excited to know you.  Carrying your story in pocket or in your heart, be proud of it and what is has done for you, even if it may not be as cool as carrying around a buckeye.

Markeezy is a little camera shy.

Go Bucks,

Neil Miele