Dear Starbucks Baristas,

My coffee obsession is unreal. It all began when I was a freshman in high school, and ever since then, it is something that I cannot live without. Coffee is something that can easily change my mood around like a flip of a switch. Unfortunately, my regular coffee maker at home isn't satisfying enough and doesn't quite "hit the spot" like the quality drinks at Starbucks do. It is actually pretty scary. For the past eight years, thank you for never judging me for the number of times I come in throughout the day and for always creating a positive environment. Thank you for memorizing my order, and adding cute drawings or inspirational quotes on my cups, along with when you write my name. Thank you always having my drink ready when I come in and always making it to perfection. I say baristas plural because there isn't just one of you I want to thank, you guys all have mastered my drink to perfection and are all just so unique and inspiring in your own ways. Thank you for always having the brightest faces, and never judging me whether that be that I am in workout clothes or looking my best. Thank you for your small conversations with me, and actually giving me life long advice involving school, my career, and relationships. As sad and embarrassing as it may be, I would be ten times moodier throughout the day if it wasn't for you guys.

Thank you for not putting me on a caffeine limit, even though it most likely should be monitored. Thank you for once in awhile for giving me a "complimentary" drink when you see how much money I spend there, or if you can tell I am having a bad day. You really make my days that much better when you occasionally do that. Thank you for making my mornings that much brighter and being the people I start my days with. Thank you for always asking how I am doing and being okay with hearing the same response 3/4th's of the time I come in. Thank you for always wishing me to "have a wonderful day" before I step into my series of events of that day.

Long story short, thank you so much for feeding my addiction and for doing the job my coffee maker at home doesn't do. You have helped fuel me for my endless exams, projects, midterms, finals, and long days at work. I am not sure if I would have been able to do it without your guys' assistance. Thank you for being the backbone to me in order to fulfill my daily activities.

With much love from the coffee queen herself,

Gabrielle