Coffee Cart Connections
The aroma of coffee dwells, around the PAC area, a familiar aroma for Roosevelt students and staff. Here parked neatly along the brick path leading into the vast campus lie a coffee truck, more commonly referred to as Tony’s. At first glance, it may seem desolate when it isn’t bustling with life during break hours, but this quaint coffee truck is teeming with life from the inside out.
Zarelly, is one of the two baristas that works at Tony’s, arriving at school at 7AM every morning. She is a born and raised, proud Lima native, who tells that she found this job while searching online, but not without the support of her family. Zarelly takes a long bus ride like many others, all to finally arrive at the blue metal gates that protect the community that is Roosevelt.
“The first thing we do when we arrive is make sure we have all the ingredients, get all the machines ready and then just prepare ourselves for the arrival of all of you”. Zarelly serves around 50–75 students daily along with her partner, the most ordered drinks being between the americano and the cappuccino. She tells us that so far she has not had any negative experiences with students or teachers, and has only received respect from clients which is what differentiates working here than in any other place. Zarelly expressed her gratitude to the parents and teachers who are constantly patient, when she is dealing with an increased amount of students. She tells us that what makes her feel accomplished after a day at work is really making a product a beverage that leaves a smile on a student or teacher’s face.
When we asked Zarelly what her favorite memory from her last two years of working here was , she told us a story that left me and my partner surprised. She began to tell us about one of the many PTA fairs that occur on campus, fairs that often go unnoticed or over looked by students and staff, Zarelly described as a beautiful moment, even though she was unable to participate. “Just the way the younger kids laughed, the moms gossiped and the music played, it felt like a picture from a magazine or a scene from a movie all playing out in front of me”. She tells us that it isn't a scene she sees very often, especially where she grew up and where she lives, around the constant risk of delinquency that exists in Lima, she feels comfortable and at ease in a safe environment. These small moments of enjoying other people’s happiness, gives her a glimpse into what she could see in her future.
Zarelly tells us her favorite part of every day is sharing a moment, a connection with a teacher. A smile, an update even a quick exchange of how their day was, but most of all it is the level of respect not only teachers but students give her and her co-worker daily. “I know that my job is pretty miniscule in this big school but, sharing moments with people who do have a bigger impact is important to me, because they are no longer my superior but they are my equals”. These connections are incredibly valuable and powerful, especially with people that come from completely different places sharing a moment, a connection and fostered through a something as simple as a cup of coffee.
A face you might see on the daily as a Roosevelt student, but do you know her name, her hopes, her dreams? Zarelly might have what she thinks is a miniscule job, but just like connections with people here impact her, a smile from someone you dont even know can impact you. There is a story behind every face, every worker, so next time you pass this quaint coffee cart have a conversation, go past the desolate metal cart and the coffee aroma and discover the heart of the life that lives here, share a coffee cart connection.
