For the LOVE of Coffee!

For most of my life up until a few years ago I (Michelle) really disliked coffee. Any aspect of it would turn me away ... the smell, taste, texture. I especially hated anything that was coffee flavored, ice cream, candy, etc. My mom and sister are avid coffee drinkers and they unsuccessfully attempted many times to get me to cross over. I always insisted that I would never in my life become a coffee drinker. Well ..... that was before college.

The summer before my freshman year I was brave enough to begin drinking extra sugary Frappuccinos from Starbucks. These became my signature drink and they were much needed during the warm summer in Arizona. I felt pretty cool as a recent high school grad with my Starbucks drink in hand. My freshman year at Fox opened many doors to events that included coffee. It is the Northwest, there has to be a coffee shop on every corner!
I was still fairly slow with my entrance into the world of lattes, mochas, and cappuccinos; however, I no longer turned up my nose to the mention of the black caffeinated drink. My drinks continued to include extra amounts of chocolate and sugar; just enough that the coffee was difficult to taste, but a good amount so I could get the caffeine I needed. It wasn't until my Sophomore year that "coffee" began to take on new meaning for my everyday college life.

I realized that in order to get through my 7:40 class two times a week ..... I needed a coffee pot in my room.
In order to be successful in the classes immediately following lunch ..... I would need that shot of caffeine.
If I wanted to stay up late writing a long paper or studying for mid-terms ... I went for the coffee.
As you can see coffee has been helpful during those late nights and early mornings .... however, my love for coffee isn't just because of it's ability to keep me awake.

For the LOVE of coffee -- My sister and I met for two years every Thursday morning at 7:00 am to bond, have good conversation, and love on one another through a difficult period of our lives.
For the LOVE of coffee -- My two good friends and I would catch up on each others lives at our favorite coffee shop.
For the LOVE of coffee -- I have had profound conversations with professors who care about my college experience ... not just the academic part.
For the LOVE of coffee -- I've had the opportunity to invest in others and share my "life story."

This blog isn't necessarily about loving coffee or not loving it. Rather, it's about the memories and conversations I've had over the last three years that have molded me to be the person I am today ...... the coffee cup has simply been a witness to these experiences.

I hope that as you begin your transition to Fox, you find your "LOVE of coffee," something that can encourage laughter, growth, relationships, and make your "cup" your own.

- MICHELLE GALE
Senior Orientation Co-Coordinator