Observation Assignment 2019

Amanda Regan

Dr. Peters

Feature Writing

29 August 2019

Observation Assignment

The clear and distinct smell of fresh coffee fills the air before even walking into the Starbucks at Tate Student Center. The line, as long as a concert hall on opening night, charters students waiting eagerly for their morning brew. Some standing solo, passively scrolling through their phones. Others, in groups huddled together discussing the potential of their upcoming plans. Being early in the semester, conversations of new experiences and fresh encounters fill the room. The crowd feels young, with sneakers that still have white laces and intact soles. The line moves slower than a school zone, but no one seems to mind. The employees work fast, having been used to the rush of a class change. Drinks are being named and passed out at a rapid rate. As customers approach the register to order, a mix of headphones and AirPods are plucked from their ears. Wallets are quickly tucked away and the crowd starts to accumulate at the end of the counter awaiting their order. One by one, students collect their cold brews and hurry to their next class. The line begins to die down as the end of the hour nears. The room sounds softer and the employees relax their shoulders. The rush of the class change has settled. Students timidly look around for a table in the overly occupied room. The view of the room consists of laptops, buried heads, and bright green straws. Half of the room has set up camp and prepared for a long day of studying, where others have simply settled for a short break. The employees take advantage of the vacancy in the room as they empty trash and replace the napkins and straws. They’re aware that this break is short lived and must soon come to an end, because other than their scheduled regulars, the lingering scent of coffee is the only constant in the room.