We’ve planted a seed, an ever growing wonder to a beautiful tree. Grow… *We Came As Romans
I was driving passed the university this afternoon thinking about home… about what it takes to get into such a place… and the implications that go along with such a thing. I’ve spent a decent chunk of my time considering that perhaps college is a giant waste of time. ”But in today’s economy…” blah-blah-blah. It’s the typical adult and parental response to such a proclamation. I allegedly HAVE to go to college.
You see, the thing is, I very much do want to go get this communications degree. As it stands right now, my very fickle but excited heart wishes to venture to D.C. after graduation and find something to do there. It doesn’t seem like that big of a stretch. I believe myself to be capable. Sure, both government and entry level journalism pay is basically spare change, but I could work my way up. I’m learning about this thing called patience, and I’ve always been ambitious. Look at how far I’ve already climbed a corporate ladder, and I’m only 23 years old. In a year or two I might even get to begin the process of having my very own store. Do I want to be a barista forever? Not exactly, but there are far worse fates.
All of these ideas sort of converged, and I stared thinking about those pesky essays that you have to write to be admitted into these fancy universities. One of the most common essay topics revolves around the idea of an influential person in one’s life. I’d expect immediate answers to be parents, siblings, and other various family members. It would also be equally unsurprising to claim politicians, movie stars, and musicians. For a very long time, I’d jump at the opportunity to explain in detail why Andrew McMahon single handedly saved my life and made me who I am today. Until today, I’d have no easier response. And then it all hit me.
Two months before my twenty first birthday my original Starbucks store underwent managerial changes. I was excited that the new manager was young, passionate about music, and had a love for Andrew McMahon, just as strong as mine. Regardless, at the beginning, all I could think was how much I wanted my old manager to come home. Nearly two years later, I can say with one hundred percent honesty that Christina is perhaps the best person to come into my life outside of those of romantic involvement and my immediate family. I realize now that deep down everything she ever did for me, and the rest of her employees, was because she sincerely does care. She pushed me harder than anyone in my entire life, but she taught me a great deal about strength, responsibility, and accountability. She refused to accept failure, but when the inevitable stumble and falter came, she was always the one with a plan on how to pick yourself back up. She taught me a great deal about humor in the face of stress. I now know what it means to pick your battles. Time management… people management… task management… I have never in my entire life understood business better than I do now. I have never in my entire life understood the way to go about dealing with different types of people. And most importantly, regardless of how small my place is in this world behind my tiny espresso machine, I finally feel like I’m good at something. I thank her for her incredible belief in me… for the wealth of knowledge I have been gifted with… and this incredible sense of self-worth I have stumbled upon. Starbucks is so much more than a coffee shop. I am certain of this now.
