Go Ducks!

It’s amazing how graduating from the same university will create an instant bond among strangers.   

At the end of an otherwise extremely boring and uneventful shift, four men strolled onto the patio and sat themselves in my section.

Normally, seating yourself at a fine dining establishment is frowned upon. 

However, I noticed one of the men wearing a University of Oregon vest and another was wearing a U of O hat. After seeing this, I was no longer annoyed in any way. 

In fact, it made me smile.  I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2002. 

I immediately dug into the subject.

“So are you all Oregon alumni or are you just Duck fans?  Or do you live in Eugene  (where the university is)?”  One guy took the floor.  “We're all Ducks.  We all went there.  We all still live in Eugene and we all work for the university.  You?”

“Wow.  Awesome!  I love it! Yes, I graduated from there over a decade ago. I loved that I went there. Best decision I ever made,” I responded. 

An instant bond formed.  I asked about the newest additions to the campus, Marcus Mariota and how they think our football team will do next year.  I told them I went to the Rose Bowl (on New Years Day two month ago in which Oregon won) and the conversation just flowed from there.  They knew I was a diehard fan and a true alumna.

They wanted local beers, as expected.  Portland, Oregon (just two hours north of Eugene), is considered one of the top five best craft beer destinations in the US similar to San Diego’s micro-brew reputation.

Three of them ordered local brewery Ballast Point’s famous Sculpin IPA. The fourth Oregon guy asked for a Coors Light.  Seriously?  I told him we have Bud, Miller Lite and Michelob Ultra for our domestic beers.  He chose Mich Ultra.  Jokingly, I said, “Ok…. So I guess you’re choosing to hydrate yourself instead of getting an actual buzz.”  They all laughed (well, except for the guy who ordered the beer flavored water).  He responded, “Awww, come on…”  I felt slightly bad and replied sincerely, "I’m sorry.  I totally understand.  We all need a light beer every now and again.” 

One of the “real” beer drinkers said, “It’s all good.  You’re a Duck." 

Exactly.  All was forgiven.

And that’s exactly my point. 

If you have a common bond with someone (even a stranger you just met in a professional atmosphere), you can let your guard down and simply be yourself.  You can tease, joke, share a laugh and not worry.  Because whether it’s a bond over a city you grew up in, a common passion or interest, or graduating from the same university, when strangers can relate with one another over a commonality, there’s nothing like it. 

As I was in the side station putting other guests’ orders into the computer, the guy in the Oregon vest came up to me and said he was ready to pay.  Their bill was $125.  He pulled out two $100 bills and told me to keep the change. 

Wow.  I sure am a proud and lucky Duck today.  ~ HK ~