I’m attending a free “Intro to Photography” class at the community center.

Instructor: “Alright, everyone, welcome! Tonight’s about the basics: light, composition, and using the camera you’ve got. Don’t worry, no jargon, no tech overload. Just a comfortable introduction.”

Half the class nods eagerly, but one guy in the back, arms folded and smirking, raises his hand.

Show-Off: “What’s your stance on full-frame sensors versus crop sensors for dynamic range at higher ISOs?”

Instructor: “Good question. In short, full-frame sensors usually handle noise better because they’ve got more surface area to capture light. But for beginners, the difference isn’t something you’ll notice right away. Composition and lighting will matter more.”

The instructor keeps going, but barely a slide later:

Show-Off: “Yeah, but what about pixel pitch? Doesn’t that make crop sensors superior in certain conditions?”

Instructor: *Still smiling.* “Pixel pitch plays a role, sure, but again, that’s splitting hairs most novices don’t need to worry about. The important thing is learning to control exposure and framing.”

A few people shift in their seats, sensing the tension. The instructor starts a section on the “rule of thirds.”

Show-Off: *Interrupting again.* “Okay, but how does that apply if you’re shooting RAW and planning to crop extensively in post-production?”

Instructor: *Calmly.* “It still applies. Cropping doesn’t change the principles of balance in an image. It just gives you flexibility.”

Show-Off: *Leaning back smugly.* “Hmm. I don’t know about that…”

The class grows restless. The instructor sets down the clicker and looks straight at him.

Instructor: “You know, based on the questions you’re asking, it seems like you already have an advanced level of knowledge of photography.”

Show-Off: *Grinning.* “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

Instructor: “So that means one of two things. Either you came here with the sole intention of showing off how much you know and undermining a free class for novice photographers in the community… just to be an a**hole. Or you’re an idiot who can’t read, because the flyer said ‘Introductory Class.’ Which one is it?”

The room erupts in muffled laughter. The show-off shrinks back in his chair, suddenly very quiet.

Instructor: *Cheerfully to the group.* “Alright. Back to the basics. Who wants to learn how to take a photo without cutting off someone’s head?”

I’m a head lifeguard at my local pool, so I essentially supervise everything that goes on in the building and I am the one responsible for any emergencies, “can I see the manager” requests and any other incidents that pop up when I’m at work. 

I started in this role at sixteen (I am now eighteen), which was probably a questionable decision on management’s part but hey I’ll take a promotion. I had this interaction last week:

Patron: “Oh are you one of the swim instructors?”

Me: “No but I’m the Head Instructor Guard so I supervise lessons, how can I help?”

Patron: “There’s no way you’re the supervisor; you look like a child! You should be in swimming lessons as a student.”

Me: *Awkwardly laughs.* “Well I can assure you that I’m the supervisor and an adult.”

Patron: “No you aren’t.” *Walks away.*

I just looked at reception like “did that really happen?” He didn’t even end up asking me a question before he left.

I work at a community center in the main gathering hall, mostly barista work. There are some medical offices on the top floor, but we bar/host staff don’t have much to do with them.

I had some bad news this day. I just came back from crying in our storeroom. A man approaches the bar with a pee cup in his hand, the ones that doctors give out for urine samples, filled and all. He motions with it as if he wants me to take it from him.

Man: “I thought my medical exam required a urine sample. Turns out it didn’t. Now I’m stuck with this, and I don’t know what to do with it. Can you…?”

Me: *Flinching away from the biohazard I am so graciously offered.* “… Sir …there are restrooms down the hall where you can dispose of the contents.”

Man: “Oh, yeah, that’s also an option, thanks!”

And he goes on his merry way. I turn around to my coworker, who is choking with stifled laughter.

Coworker: “Did he REALLY try to give you his P***-CUP?”

Me: “Well, it was good for one thing. I’m no longer feeling sad!”

And we both proceed to double over laughing. I had to crouch down behind the counter to hide because we were still laughing when the man passed us again on his way to the exit.

I work in a community recreation centre. I’m manning the front desk with my manager, who is working her last day. A woman approaches with a reusable water bottle and starts speaking to the manager with a sour tone.

Customer: “Excuse me, I just tried the water fountain near the yoga room and the water tastes… metallic.”

Manager: “Oh, yeah, that one’s connected to the older plumbing line. Still safe to drink, just not filtered like the bottle-filling station over here.”

Customer: “Well, that’s not acceptable. I shouldn’t have to hunt for decent water in a facility I pay for!”

Manager: “We do recommend using the filling stations, especially since they’re filtered and chilled.”

Customer: “Then why even have that nasty one working? You should shut it down if it’s not perfect.”

Manager: “We keep it for emergencies or if the others are in use.”

Customer: “It’s just lazy.”

She gestures to her spotless, logo-covered stainless steel bottle.

Manager: “Looks like you survived the ordeal. Let me know if you need a medal or a refill.”

Got to love a last-day comment with no consequences!

I’ve only just begun working at a local community centre as a barista/front desk host. Among other things, our building houses a Dutch language class for immigrants. They get free coffee or tea during their breaks. The classes do have new people joining regularly, and since I’m fairly new, I always check with the customer if I’m not sure.

Also worthy of noting is that our U-shaped bar has the coffee machine on one side and the till on the far end.

I’m working near the coffee machine when a lady approaches.

Customer: *In a mixture of broken Dutch and English.* “Hot water. Is free, yes?”

Me: “Depends. Are you with [Language Class]?”

Customer: *Somehow looks appalled by the idea alone.* “Noo! No! I no in class. Why you even ask?”

Me: “In that case, I have to ring up your hot water as a tea. The till is on the other side, where my coworker will help you.”

Customer: “But is only water! Is free for me, yes?”

Me: “If you are not in [Class], then you must pay for your tea, ma’am.”

She continues to try to point out that water should be free, and she is ordering that, and not tea specifically. We serve our tea as just hot water, and people can select the flavour they want from the tea box a couple of steps to the right.

She keeps pointing at the coffee machine, repeating ‘hot water’ with an expectant smile, not making any move towards the till.

Feeling a little lost, I call for my coworker. Once the customer notices that, she tries another approach.

Customer: *In the most kiss-a**y tone possible.* “If I really have to, I will pay! I no thief. I have money, of course I pay!”

My coworker comes to rescue me, resolutely rings up the tea at the till, and summons the woman to pay. I look away for a second, and when I pay attention again, the woman is gone. I spot her at a table where she had already settled herself, and only there retrieves her wallet as slowly as possible, all the while shooting glances towards us.

When she finally comes back to the till, she huffs and puffs all throughout the transaction, obviously reluctant about it all but also boasting.

Customer: “See? I said I can pay!”

I go on with my duties and forget about it. 

A little later, I have to use the bathroom. On my way there, I pass the classroom for the Dutch lessons, and to my surprise, Miss “Noo! I no in class!” is sitting there.

When I come back, I ask my coworker about it.

Coworker: “Well, now you know our most difficult customer. She thinks she can get away with free drinks before and after class, which they are not entitled to, and always shows up late for the lessons. Sometimes she even makes her way behind the bar to help herself. She thought she could trick you since you were new. Glad you didn’t fall for it.”