A few years ago, I visited my alma mater, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), by car. CUHK charges most visitors an hourly parking fee, but alumni receive free parking for a limited time if they tap their payment card at designated locations, such as libraries.
I tapped my card and saw no error message, but the computer at the exit gate wanted to charge me for all the parking fees from the beginning. Fortunately, my card balance was low, and no deduction occurred. I was surprised because I had tapped my card before.
I couldn't move forward because the gate wouldn't let me. There were cars behind me, and I was blocking the exit for others. The security officers were kind and professional and asked the drivers behind me to back up slightly so I could reverse my car off the main road.
In a hurry and overwhelmed, I left my car on a side road in the car park without parking it in a designated lot. A security guard reminded me to park it properly as it was still obstructing traffic flow.
At that time, I wasn't thinking clearly, but it only took 15 to 30 seconds to park correctly. If I hadn't done so, my walk to the library wouldn't have been hassle-free, because I would have had to worry about rushing back again to move my car for other blocked vehicles.
Sometimes, we need to step back, relax, think calmly about our actions, and consider their impact on the future, whether it's ours or others.
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Vincent Tsz Fai Chow
Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Email: tsz-fai.chow@polyu.edu.hk
https://tfvchow.github.io
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-11-2023 08:09
From: Jill Capello
Subject: Fun Post - Best Advice?
For today's fun post, please share the best advice you've ever received - from a parent, a mentor, a professor, anyone... My dad stressed the importance of always doing your best and as long as you did, be satisfied with the outcome. I look forward to hearing from everyone else!
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Jill Capello
Membership Associate
INFORMS
Catonsville MD
jcapello@informs.org
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