Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: Study Tips and Other Trips

Smiley Ridesharing: Pretrip Mental Checks and 5 Star Service (PMCS)

Reflecting on yesterday Michael is reminded of Stephen Covey’s words from Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Stephen Covey says that so many of history’s greatest achievements were made by one determined individual’s will, but even greater than those individuals were those that tap the unmatched potential of the “we.” Yesterday really reflected the “we,” whether it be fellow rideshare drivers, passengers, or community college students, becoming that community, strengthening and empowering others is really what drives us for peace and balance.

 

If yesterday was top o’ the morning, today may be top o’ the top o’ the morning. We had an amazing day yesterday, and we did reach 400 five-star trips, which is quite an accomplishment! Michael and I took 20 passengers in and around St. Louis for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, so now it’s time to get our horseless carriage, White Lightning, washed, vacuumed, and ready for a beautiful Saturday.

Read Review: Blue Iguana Car Wash

Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: First Trips and Study Tips

Michael and I got all the leprechauns chased out of the car, so we’re off and running. Our first ping of the day was a lovely student flight attendant who shared that she was nervous about a test she was taking at her school. Since Michael is in school, too, he likes to share some of his experiences when the subject of education comes up during a trip. He’s now going on six years of education as a nontraditional student. Michael started his education by attending the St. Louis Community College at Forest Park in 2014, where he earned his Associate’s Degree. In May 2016, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and now he’s in his second semester of graduate school.

Michael shared with the nervous flight attendant that the best way to study is 20 minute study 10 minute breaks (aka “the Pomodoro Method”). He assured her that by using that method, she will be able to retain a lot more, which will help her be successful in her schoolwork.

What does success mean to you? We’re looking forward to your responses  in the comment selection below.

Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: Driver & 5 Star Dignity

Our next set of passengers were a mother and a daughter is coming back from shopping, and shared with us how they really appreciate having a safe, affordable option to take them where they need to go. They live in an area of St. Louis where reliable transportation is hard to come by, and they told us that sometimes when they call a cab, it can take 30-45 minutes for the cab to appear, if it arrives at all! They said that Uber was always been there for them treated them with respect and dignity, which is why they continue to use it.

It’s always good to hear that folks have had experiences that cause them to choose our services over any others. Everyone deserves our five-star service no matter who they are or where they’re from, and five-star service really entails giving people the dignity everyone deserves.

Our next trip put us in conversation with an artist who is working at a homeless shelter took Michael to that passenger home. She and her partner are looking to move to California, and her heart is in her art, so we’ll be on the lookout for her work.

Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: Recommends, Reviews and Destinations

Speaking of artists and other independent businesses, we are putting together a new section highlighting local businesses that we recommend to our readers. The title of that section will be “Smiley Recommends.” These local business owners are people that Michael and I have personally driven around. Let’s support one another!

There is a wrestling collegiate tournament in St. Louis, and a lot of tourists are asking Michael for recommendations. One recommendation that was given to Michael for barbecue was called The Shaved Duck. The riders were absolutely thrilled with the food and service they got at that restaurant, and Michael started getting hungry when he heard they had multiple types of gumbo and even barbecued duck. and was just they were just absolutely pleased with their selections. Michael will be checking in with The Shaved Duck and will review it himself later. (I won’t, because emojis don’t eat…and even if we did, I’m already stuffed!)

Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: Rider Annon

The people that Michael and I transport are varied, and the conversations they have, whether they be with Michael, other riders, or on cell phones tell us a lot about their personal lives. Of course, all the people we talk about in the blog have been anonymized, and meat of whatever conversations take place in the van stay in the van.

It has been nothing but blessings all day today. Michael’s doing very well for himself and he said nothing but pleasant trips and pleasant people. The gentleman he had for his last trip before he took his lunch said that it was an enjoyable service, and he left a tip.

Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: 5 Star Tipping

Of course, Michael always appreciates the tips (You can tip on the website here: Smiley Supporting) he gets from riders, and while he never asks for a tip, he’s grateful to get them, especially if he’s succeeded in providing five-star service to his riders. The rating is the most important, but the tips go a long way towards helping Michael pay for gas, groceries, and grad school.

To all those who have encouraged Michael both in his grad school and his work with SmileySharing.com, we want to give you a big thank you. We appreciate your positivity, your recommendations, and your smiles. Thank you for making our work tonight such a positive experience that we can continue to pass the smiles along!

Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: In Memory Chuck Berry

On a sad note, we learned that Chuck Berry, a legend of rock and a native of St. Louis, had passed away on March 18. May his memory be eternal.

Speaking of Chuck Berry, Michael just learned that the Experience Hendrix tour is playing at the Peabody this evening. It’s amazing that on the day that Chuck Berry passed away all these amazing artist like Zack Wilde and Bootsy Collins were in St. Louis to pay tribute to Jimi Hendrix. For those of you who don’t know, Chuck Berry owned a restaurant in the Delmar Loop called Blueberry Hill, and he performed there sometimes. If you want to have a good time here in St. Louis, visit Blueberry Hill.

Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: Rideshare Destinations

Delmar Loop also has a lot of locally owned shops where one can buy anything from hard cider from candy to yarn. There are also lots of great eateries and the Moonrise Hotel, which is famous for its space memorabilia. The trolleys will soon be running again there, too, so don’t forget to visit Delmar Loop, if for no other reason than to visit Chuck Berry’s Blueberry Hill.

(Sidenote: I want to congratulate Michael for surpassing 700 rideshare trips in a lifetime. May the next 700 be five-star rides all around!)

Smiley Sharing Uber St. Louis Ride-a-longs: Going out with a Bang

Well, Michael loves to end the day on a positive note (or as Adam Savage, one of his favorite MythBusters, says, “Go out with a bang.”) For his last trip of the night, Michael had the privilege and pleasure of serving three Air Force medics who had just returned from deployment overseas. Thank you, veterans!

Michael is headed to church (Find the link to Michael’s Church Here: St. Basil the Great Orthodox Church) in the morning, so we’re calling it a night. Michael is a Christian and balances his work, education, and family with his faith, and all areas have been blessed and enhanced by that balance. Have a safe and enjoyable night!

 Take Me With You!

I hope you know that with me you’re never riding alone and that I may bring a smile to your face. 🙂

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