A latte with a shot of gratitude
Christy Fayette
Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: Columns
There's something to be said about the joy of starting off your morning with a trip to River Road Coffeehouse.
For some people, it's the fact that the coffee just can't be beat. For others, it's the "journey" of going off campus that makes "River Road dates" with friends so special.
For me, I keep going back because of how friendly everyone is that works there. And I don't think I'm alone in thinking that the hang out is a special place to go off campus to burst out of the Denison bubble.
One of the unique things about going to River Road is that it is a sort of "coming of age" place to go. Because of its distance from campus (located on River Road-shocking-which is the frontage road before Rt. 16, south of campus off of Main Street), it's a challenge getting there without a car. I didn't start going until I heard the hype from some upperclassmen who were regulars.
Getting your morning start at the coffeehouse is refreshing in many ways. Not only do you avoid the sometimes-questionable dining hall food or doing dishes in your room, but you get greeted with a smile as soon as you walk in the door.
I'm not even truly a coffee drinker (I like coffee drinks-basically anything but the real deal), but I still find it worthwhile to go to the place at least once a week.
The reason why I don't second guess the money I'm guzzling toward hot tea and bagels is because I appreciate the service so much. In addition to every other reason that River Road is amazing, it's the lasting kindness with which the employees treat customers that makes me so happy after going there.
When I was leaving River Road on my second trip there last week, the barista made sure to put in that extra enthusiasm in his ritualistic "thanks" as we walked out the door. The man certainly doesn't have to do that, especially when we probably look like we just rolled out of bed, but it sure does go a long way in my book.
Leaving the shop the other day really got me thinking about how I can do little things in my life to make others happy. If you think about it, there are so many little adjustments you can make to your demeanor and outlook on life to really spread a positive attitude.
For some people, it's the fact that the coffee just can't be beat. For others, it's the "journey" of going off campus that makes "River Road dates" with friends so special.
For me, I keep going back because of how friendly everyone is that works there. And I don't think I'm alone in thinking that the hang out is a special place to go off campus to burst out of the Denison bubble.
One of the unique things about going to River Road is that it is a sort of "coming of age" place to go. Because of its distance from campus (located on River Road-shocking-which is the frontage road before Rt. 16, south of campus off of Main Street), it's a challenge getting there without a car. I didn't start going until I heard the hype from some upperclassmen who were regulars.
Getting your morning start at the coffeehouse is refreshing in many ways. Not only do you avoid the sometimes-questionable dining hall food or doing dishes in your room, but you get greeted with a smile as soon as you walk in the door.
I'm not even truly a coffee drinker (I like coffee drinks-basically anything but the real deal), but I still find it worthwhile to go to the place at least once a week.
The reason why I don't second guess the money I'm guzzling toward hot tea and bagels is because I appreciate the service so much. In addition to every other reason that River Road is amazing, it's the lasting kindness with which the employees treat customers that makes me so happy after going there.
When I was leaving River Road on my second trip there last week, the barista made sure to put in that extra enthusiasm in his ritualistic "thanks" as we walked out the door. The man certainly doesn't have to do that, especially when we probably look like we just rolled out of bed, but it sure does go a long way in my book.
Leaving the shop the other day really got me thinking about how I can do little things in my life to make others happy. If you think about it, there are so many little adjustments you can make to your demeanor and outlook on life to really spread a positive attitude.
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