Car Wash

How many of you had tried washing cars before? Well, I didn't really washed well before till I had my own car. And to wash off a car filled with droppings without the jet spray is the worse thing.

I had to run errand this morning but to my horror was that the droppings were splattered across my windscreen. No, I was not prepared to use my wiper to clean them all away. Neither was I willing to drive around to complete my errands in that "design". I recall that the petrol kiosk outside my estate has car wash and decided to pop in there before getting anywhere else.

As I drove near the washing bay, I saw a sign that mentions about 'Money Back Guarantee' if the wash is not clean because the cars are washed by people from MINDS. I hesistated for a few seconds and thought maybe I'll just give it a try. I have to give them the benefit of doubt.

While I was driving in, thoughts begin to run if the wash is going to be worth it, would the people know to use the right piece of sponge and if my car would be scratched. Yes, you can say that I was stereotyping on these people on their ability to clean my car well.

I drove into the washing bay with the cleaners staring in at me, as though they could feel my doubt. I felt bad somewhat at that point of time thinking that I should not see them through my own "filter mind".

At the final rinse with the spray jet, I must admit that I have never been to any car wash that really makes it a point to clean the car well after being soaped. It was at least 1.5 times longer than the usual rinsing time. I knew then for sure that my car has been well washed.

I drove to the drying bay and could not resist in coming out to see the cleanliness state. Really, I felt so guilty about doubting their abilities at the beginning. I gave a big smile and thank each of those who wiped my car dry.

It may not have been a perfect dry state that most car washes would give but I am more than happy at the attitude they have all displayed. I believe that many in the society shares the perspective as I had when we think about what the intellectual handicapped people could do. Our judgemental thoughts certainly didn't give these a people a chance to prove themselves of their worths. They may not be able to do a 100% of what we expect. Nevertheless, they aim to reach it and it isn't far off from what we want actually.

This encounter of social entrepreneurship has made me thought differently about them. And yes, I will go back there for future washes.


*In case you can't read off the picture, the message on the glass says, "Your bubbly and sparkling car wash goes a long way."