WHAT?!?!?! NO TIP?!?!?

We learned in class that in some cultures it is customary not to tip. Working at The Palm restaurant in New York City, one of the worlds most diverse and tourist cities, I've had a few encounters with these cultures. I can remember one time very clearly. A family of 6 came in to have dinner one night. I don't know exactly where they were from, but their heavy accents gave it away that they were not from the U.S. They were extremely nice, funny, personable...all of the above. When they ordered, it was wine, lobster, steak, vegetables, and potatoes galore. After that, they ordered one of almost every dessert we had to offer. Of course coffee and tea for everyone as well. When it was time to pay the bill, the whole family thanked me over and over again and said everything was to perfection including the service. The bill was just under $1,000. Mentally calculating the 20% tip which is customary for us here in the United states, I thought i would be walking away with $200 cash from them. They got up and left and as I picked up the bill and looked at the tip, there was no number amount written in... just a big smiley face that said "THANKS!"

Me

I'm a student at Baruch College in Manhattan. I am currently a junior in the Zicklin School of Business aspiring to become a female CEO at a top firm making millions and millions and then some with being involved in hedge funds too. Hey, the title of my blog isn't "Open Thoughts for Open minds" for nothing :) Unintentionally, I always think of things and situations through a business scope/ point of view. People are often shocked to hear that I am in finance (apparently too "cut throat" for me) because of my appearance: A 5'2" sweet looking red head. Truth is, I find myself to be quite the surprise. I have great communication skills, am very personable, and also extremely knowledgeable in many areas. I have been working in the services industry since age 14 out in East Hampton, NY which has helped me grasp and build upon those qualities. A perfect example of what I just described was my recent hiring by Northwestern Mutual Financial Network as an intern. After a rigorous interview process, they told me I kicked some serious butt (not those words exactly...) and then I landed my position as a financial representative. Aside from school and work...

Family is huge to me. I have a small one, but an extremely loving and crazy one. I used to be a gymnast until I tore my achilles tendon , and a dancer (tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, etc). I love the beach, being outdoors, traveling, and staying active. I'd say that’s about it in a nutshell.