Hangout Paradise

Everyone’s in line, everyone’s eager. It’s way too early in the morning to not have coffee, and these people need it now. Two run-down looking girls reminisce about the night before. “Oh my god, did I? I don’t even remember that.” Giggle. Brush it off ladies, brush it off. Soon you’ll be a little less hungover and a lot more caffeinated. If only this damn line would move.

Entering the line: two Asian boys speaking a language only they can understand. Or at least they’re the only people at this coffee house that can understand. People look, stare, wondering what they’re saying. “Do you think they’re talking about us?” Probably. Fun for them and unfortunately for us we’ll never know though. Maybe I’ll take Korean next semester.

The employees in the back are chipper and quick – they know their jobs like the back of their hands. You could say the smile on their faces are from the caffeine, but I prefer to think they actually like their jobs. After a few jokes are exchanged and a few laughs are had, I’m thinking I might be right.

And then there’s the kids at our table. We get there at the right times to avoid lines. We know the right times to avoid lines because we’re there so much. The employees know our names and don’t upcharge us for extra espresso. We sit at the same table every day, and watch the day slide by. Having cigarettes as members of the group come and go. The employees turn it to the radio station we like. And we sit at our bench.

The line moves along and the boys and the girls all receive their drinks. We’ll all leave eventually, but not yet. For now we’re just here. Drinking our coffee.

A Certain Individual

The first thing you notice about her is that she’s beautiful. Long blonde hair, pretty green eyes, straight white teeth. She looks as if she was cut straight out of a fashion magazine. Trendy clothes, perfectly accessorized, thin frame. You wonder what she’ll say when she opens her mouth. But then she never does. And although shyness can be intriguing, in this case it’s more offsetting. Almost makes you uncomfortable. Like there are rays of judgment coming out of her eyes and there’s nothing you can do to stop them. 

Yet she’s polite enough. In a general kind of way. Sits and minds her own business, utters small remarks when she has to. She doesn’t necessarily do anything wrong, maybe doesn’t even realize the nonverbal cues. But she walks through her day not trying to make friends, not trying to make herself happier. The comfort zone she calls home isn’t filled with social outings and advancements, but rather alone time at the desk in her room. And I think the thing that bothers me the most is that people take the time to try and get to know her, and she doesn’t put any effort into getting to know them back.

She walks like she’s scared. Like she can’t escape whatever is surrounding her. I’ve lost all hope she’ll break out of her shell and show the world she’s more than a pretty face. She’s too stuck. She’s one of those people that’s going to look back ten years from now and wonder how it all passed them by. And the answer to that question? You were too busy trying not to become like everybody else that you couldn’t even become yourself.

Mini Memoir

My name is Jamie Rose. I’m 20 years old, and like most my age, I’m still trying to figure it all out. There are a few things I do know though. I know the people in my life make it worth living, which contributes to the fact that I don’t like being alone. I know I get excited and worried at the same time when I think about the future. I know some of the best advice I’ve ever received was to always keep a positive attitude and a sense of humor.

But a personality is composed of more than our outlooks. It’s also about where we came from, what we do, and the things we like. So on a more basic level, here are a few things about me: I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and moved to Tucson when I was 14. I’ve lived in Tempe a year and a half and absolutely love it. I have two parents, one sister, and a dog, all of whom make up my great support system. I think there’s nothing better than a good movie, a good book, or good music. In my spare time, I like to enjoy those things.

Since trying to define and explain oneself can be difficult, the easiest thing to do would be to keep it simple. I’m a sophomore at Arizona State majoring in Business Communications, and I’m having a great college experience. I enjoy the little things in life, I work every day to remind myself not to take anything for granted, and I believe the best feeling in the world is that of adventure. My name is Jamie Rose, nice to meet you.