Kimesha Walters, Gleaner Writer

Remember the saying 'manners takes you through the world'? Well, there is some truth to that. Being courteous to others might not take you on your dream vacation, but it does take you far in terms of relating to people.

Even though I am courteous to people most of the time, on a few occasions I do pass some people by without saying anything to them. However, I have become a bit bolder since receiving an assignment to test courtesy in Jamaica.

About two weeks ago, I saw this guy who used to attend my high school (Clarendon College). We never spoke before, but when I saw him at the University of the West Indies (UWI) recently, I said "hello" to him and started a conversation. He remembered my, face but not my name. I didn't remember his name either but we spoke for a few minutes.

Fast forward to last Monday. I left home with only $500, paid my fare on a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus, came off and left my change of $450. Luckily, I had befriended a JUTC driver about a week before, so I was able to locate him and explain what had happened. I asked him if there was any chance that I could get back my money, and he was able to collect the money from the conductress for me. I felt relieved and happy but could not have imagined what was to come next.

'Goose is cooked'

We agreed that I would collect it around 4:30 p.m. when the bus passes by UWI. I had not eaten anything for the entire day, since I had no money. Around 4 p.m. I called and he said he was on his way, so I hurried with what I was doing and headed for the gate, thinking about the sorry state that I would be in if I missed the bus. Just as I was thinking that, he called me to say the bus had just left the gate. I started thinking that my 'goose is cooked'. I still had no money to pay my fare to go home.

I thought I might see someone at the gate who I knew and thought about my classmate who lived nearby - maybe I could borrow some money until the next day. Well, normally the taxi stand would be crowded but, to my surprise, there were only two commuters there.

I am in a situation

Then I glimpsed the guy from Clarendon College (I mentioned him earlier), so I turned back to him and said: "Hi, I am in a situation now and I don't know if you can help me. Can you lend me $100 until tomorrow please?"

He checked his wallet, took out $500 and said "You can take this."

I was surprised, so I asked: "You're sure?" and he said "yes". I said thanks and we went our separate ways.

I just found it astounding. He didn't even wait until I explained what had happened.

What if I had not spoken to him before? What would have happened then?

I also got back my change from the bus driver. What if I had not made friends with him when I did?