As I sit in the local Starbucks not only do I find myself feeling like the Mr. Krabs meme because of the constant movement, but somehow through the commotion, I see work. I don't see just any kind of work, though, I see hard work. I see baristas busting their asses to help rushed businesspeople. I see college students, like myself, typing away on their papers. I see elders enjoying a coffee while reading the morning paper. I see interviews of nervous people, sweat running down their faces, praying they get the job. I see a young girl enjoying a book. A man working on his resume and business cards. Friends sharing a friendly conversation over their, delicious, overpriced latte. Unlike some, though, I am very observant. I take in everything around me, and it inspires me and reminds me we are all here in this world, alive and thriving. Each time I sit in this coffee shop is a new experience, but I find my eye always being drawn to who I see as, the barista that inspires.

I am a frequent Starbucks goer and every time I come I always see my same, favorite, barista. If you have ever been to the Starbucks on 5th street, in St. Charles, you most likely know the dark curly-haired girl with an adorable raspy voice, that's her. Her smile is contagious and her work ethic is out of this world. I have heard from a co-worker of hers (Greta Perez) that this is her, every day. In any situation that I have seen to be thrown at her, she seems to do it with such sincerity and passion.

People bitch and complain but somehow she still seems to handle it with such composure. One memory I have in specific is the day that someone stole the tip jar, from the drive through. I was the next to drive up and with utter shock, she said something like "can you believe that someone would just steal the tip jar?" With saying that though I remember that she didn't get extremely worked up about the situation, though. Instead of letting it drag on (at least in front of me), she just continued doing her job. With complete disbelief and no hesitation, I gave a $20 for my $3 drink and said keep the change.That was just one instance of I am sure many, that she handled with flying colors.

The respect and kindness she seems to show to her co-workers always shines through in my eyes, and that is not something you frequently see in the workplace. She is someone that is very inspiring to me, even though she probably has no idea. Her positivity is something that I strive to obtain and I want her to know it does not go unnoticed. So Starbucks barista, if you're reading this, never ever change. Keep being so kind and making even just my quick coffee stops, something much more than just a caffeine boost, but a learning experience. You remind me to breathe, treat everyone with respect (even when it is not given), and to make it work. For everyone else reading this, be aware of your actions. Remember there is too much hate in the world and that just a smile or kind gesture can affect someone in the long run. So everyone, work hard, be happy, and stay kind. Oh yeah and be nice to your baristas, their job isn't as easy as you would think and they are doing their best. Just a friendly reminder that they are also humans, and they all rock.