I learned a valuable lesson today

---

I had an intensive Scrabble training today, so I got up earlier than 5 AM, organised the meal for the house and packed my game paraphernalia. A few minutes after I stepped my feet out of the house, the heavens released an abundance of rain. No warning. No drizzling. Just a heavy downpour that had me racing to find shelter.

My bags were soaked. My shoes looked like it would cry. At that moment, I regretted not checking the weather forecast. At least, I would have been on guard with an umbrella or raincoat.

It continued to rain for about 30 minutes. More people were running in to seek shelter.

A car stopped by and asked where we were heading. The man and lady beside me screamed “Plaza!”

I just looked on. Then the man behind the wheel asked where I was headed. I told him.

He stepped out with an umbrella and accompanied us to his car. “Don't worry, feel free, I'd have the car cleaned up later”.

Since I came to this estate, I have avoided free lifts and would rather order a Bolt or wait patiently for an autorickshaw whenever I am not in a hurry. However, today, we were grateful for the help and I hopped into the backseat.

Midway into the journey, he asked for our names. We told him. When it got to my turn, he asked for the meaning of my name.

“It means Honour”.

Then he went on to say, “I thought ‘Ukpono’ means ‘Respect’”. I politely explained why I preferred the former. This is a common issue I encounter regularly. A lot of people think honour and respect mean the same thing in Ibibio.

However, this is not so.

Later, we started talking about the weather, the economy and other issues raised in the news playing on his radio. A minute before arriving at my destination, a call came him.

He put it on loudspeaker so he could concentrate on the road. Some elderly people rarely use airpods.

The voice from the other end started the conversation with, “My Lord”. Then he rushed to discuss something about the court. The man politely explained to the caller that he was driving and would return his call in 20 minutes.

Then it hit me: We were chatting with a high court judge without having any clue. No fluff, no showing off. Just a simple, relaxed conversation.

Isn't it wild how we never truly know who we are interacting with at first glance?

This is why making a good first impression is always important.

You may not know who you are engaging with. It could be someone influential, a valuable contact, or even a potential partner. Being decent and genuine can go a long way. You just never know who is reading your posts, or giving you a lift.

_{Published 12 July 2025}