Do You Know Your Uber Driver?...

            Uber. A way to ride around town when you don’t have a car, have had too much to drink, or simply cannot drive yourself. It is also a way for drivers to earn some extra cash on their own terms. However, do you know who your Uber Driver is?
            A concept that was spoke about often, but never tried. In a time when extra cash was needed to help pay for school, I decided to see what the craze was all about.
            After a very vigorous background check, and more hoops to jump through than any previous job I have had, I was given the forms and stickers to get on the road. Although I knew how thorough they had been with me, are they thorough at all about who gets in your car?
            This girl is not frail, but she is a girl all the same. I was uneasy about what this “job” had in store for me. I was definitely going to be uncomfortable! So off I went.
            The first rider was naturally nerve wracking for me. The second rider was more fun. Then I was hooked. Kansas City is FULL of various characters. This adventure was definitely going to have me meet them all…
            Some are from out of town and ask for the best of Kansas City. Some want you to log off and come party with them because they love you that much. Some are quiet and don’t speak at all. Some tell you about their lives without breathing at all. Some require you to put on your super hero cape as you attempt to get them home without valid details. Some, you just hope fall asleep so they don’t throw up in your car.
            Others teach me about careers that I never knew existed. Some give me life advice that I use! Some are unhappy and try to make you unhappy as well just to feel better. Others unknowingly learn about the ASL culture, because they happened to ask the question that opens the door.
            Some laugh and say you’re amazing for your ability to entertain. Others sing to the radio with you and show you new car dancing moves. Some even give college and career advice. They teach you of what is to come. Yes, Kansas City carries many interesting characters whether residents or simply visitors.
            However, do you know your Uber Driver? They are just as fascinating, and they only get rated without their stories being told.
Some are struggling college students trying to make some extra cash. Some are simply trying to make ends meet. Some love it so much it’s their only job they want. Some simply love the extra cash on the schedule they choose to have. Some are bloggers curious to see what the hype is all about. Sometimes your Uber Driver is a little of all of these.
            Just like any career, there are people that put a bad taste in your mouth. They ruin your experience, making it hard to do it again. Some are talkers. Some are not. However, many of the drivers are just as fascinating as the characters of Kansas City.
A job that was just to be a quick and easy way to make money, while also being a Chasing Stormi Adventure, became even more than that.
           I was reminded of how many characters the world holds. I was reminded of where hidden treasures were in the Kansas City area. I learned that it’s fun to make money playing chauffer. I learned how easy to help make ends meet, simply by swiping the “online” button to the right. I now know the fascination is on both sides. I know that I might learn as much from the driver as I do from my riders. So do you know your Uber Driver? Are you curious to see how much character THEY hold? I dare you to get uncomfortable and find out. You might learn something.
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