Exchange Student

"May I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Why did you decide to become a street vendor?"

"Simply put it was the only job I could find. Why do you ask?"

"I've seen how you've acted with customers and I've always got this sort of impression that you're holding back your potential."

"And what impression could that be?"

"You seem way too smart for someone whose job revolves around selling street food, it's like you could've become a national entrepreneur or a franchise organizer, so what gives?"

"You're right. I could've been, but I did not."

"Why?"

"Well, sometimes- actually a lot of times in life, the jobs we adults end up having aren't reflective of our academic talents. It's called supply and demand and back then, there wasn't really much of a demand for franchise organizers and there still isn't."

"But don't you want something more?"

"Making more money than I'm currently making would be nice, and I could start up a franchise development company, in fact, that's how I helped to jumpstart one of my college friend's business ambitions!"

"Wow! Really?"

"Yes. Dear ole dad has a degree in Franchise Development."

"Ah, no wonder. It makes sense. So then, why did you decide to sell street food instead of continuing what you did for your friend? You could've been making a lot more money."

"I could've but I don't think I'm cut out for it."

"Why?"

"Because- well that's a story for another time. It's getting late right now. You do have class tomorrow at 8 AM, correct?"

"Tomorrow's a school holiday."

"Oh. So, do you want to hear more?"

"If you're up to it, then sure. Yes, I would like- I would appreciate that very much."

"Very well. While I did earn a degree in Franchise Development, I was never really one to undergo the constant pressure's of actually running a business. I just got the know how."

"But I've seen you handle plenty of dissatisfied customers before."

"Yes, but there's a difference in scale and consistency. As a street vendor, if a customer has a complaint, they can either take up with me or, if I worked for someone else, my manager and all I would have to do is address what it is that peeves them. Now suppose I;m running a franchising development company. Instead of having to deal with one or two agents who may be problematic, I'll have to deal with a larger quantity."

"But couldn't you just arrange a team to deal with customer service?"

"Sweetie, it's common knowledge that the help desk at any company is hardly ever helpful and even then. The more you expand out, the more for potential backsliding occurs. Simply put, by staying low I reduce the chances of me having to deal with handling hundreds if not thousands of agents who may prove to be a problem."

"When you say 'prove to be a problem' do you mean you can't trust them?"

"No, that's not what I'm saying. Think of it like running a company or better yet a family. Since we see and interact with each other everyday we have a general understanding how the other is doing, correct?"

"Correct."

"And as to your cousins, you hang out with them every once in while, yes?"

"Yes, I do."

"And so, what then of your grand niece from your 3rd cousin removed on your mother's side? How much do you about them?"

"H-hardly anything."

"Yes, that's the issue. With a smaller company its easier to address whatever issues comes at hand simply because the scope of which any problem that may arise is a lot smaller, that is to say it is innately contained. Does this answer your question."

"I- I guess it makes sense."

"Good. Is there anything else you need?"

"No, I'm fine. Thanks for answering my questions, dad."

"You're welcome sweetie."

Well that definitely explains things. In light of all this, I think I've gained a better understanding of my dad and his life choices. I wonder how I will take this all in. Do I lower my risks so I can have a steady job or do I take my chances and reach for the skies? I've always believed I was destined for great things. I don't know any girl who doesn't- well, maybe except for the horribly abused. Still, seeing how content father is, I think I've had a realization. I don't need to go big to be happy at home. I'll do what I can. I've decided on that.

Log 2011

Saving Entry…

Entry Saved.

Submitting Report..

Report Submitted.

...refreshing

Cache Cleared

"Aoi-san! How's it going?"

"Oh, it's been alright. How's your day going, Takemi?"

"Super! Me and the girls are planning on going to the local volley ball court. You're not planning on perusing through the public library again, are you?"

"As a matter of fact, I am not."

"Oh?"

"I have tickets to the baseball game."

"Wah! Why didn't you let me know?"

"I just did."

"Pfft, that's not what I meant. Anyways, see you after class, bye!"

Takemi. 13 years old soon to turn 14 and one of my peers. I consider her to be a good friend. I know it's only been 2 weeks since we've first met and I really appreciate her presence. It's truly astonishing. Aside from a few clashes I've haven't had much trouble yet. Well, this is looking to be-

"Hey-yo! Wassup?"

I- is that English?

"Ka neeche wa! My name is Haisely Anderson, though you can call me Hazy for short. What's yours?"

D-did she just asked me for my name? But we've just met! I- I hardly know anything about her. And judging by her mispronunciation, she must be foreigner. Wait. What is a foreigner doing here at our highschool? Did we have a transfer? Should I lead her down to the administration offices or should I continue on towards my class? Mm. If I rush I might be able to make it in time. It- it's a risky one.

"C'mon!"

"Huh- whoah! Wait. I didn't sign up for this."

"Ah, Aoi. I see you and the transfer student have become acquainted."

Wait. Transfer student?

"Yes. Miss Haisley here is an international transfer student from over the States, as in the United States of America. There's no need to panic."

"I- I see."
'Yep. You two can head on over to your class. Hurry though, you might be late."

"O-okay."

Oh geez, that was embarrassing! I just hope our American transfer student doesn't catch on to it!

"Uh… I have no idea what she just said, but um, wy is there a maid in this high school? Is this some sort of cosplay? Anyways I've really got to get going. See ya."

Oh, does she have a lot to learn.

Log 0954