These were my expectations for expansion, according to the
beginning of the year: over doubled
capacity for drinks (10-14 cups), an apprentice to take over when I leave, an
expanded consumer base, and an expanded variety of drinks.
I've
invested much in equipment: I have a thermos to hold any coffee in pending,
cups numbering 10 to date, counting not the few I've lost, a water heater, and
a French press (donated Generously by Joey Ryan). I have given a few people
basic training on a good press of coffee. My official apprentice, in
particular, has taken the initiative to experiment and develop his own drinks;
various combinations of tea, coffee, chocolate, and the occasional fruit. I now
offer Green Tea, Lipton Yellow Tea, Mocha, and Hot Chocolate "Coffee Club
Style". To reach out to the widest
consumer base I could, whilst retaining an amicable atmosphere for
conversation, I made it a point to serve beverages daily, during both lunch and
p-block.
Looking
back on the year; coffee club has indeed grown and expanded. To think that only
last school year, it consisted of 5-6 people, serving said amount a day.
Looking at the past three and a half weeks (records tallied), I see that I
serve around 20 drinks a day, 15 of which, on average, are coffee based. My
Busiest day to date, I recall, had me serving 30 cups in coffee alone (not
counting tea and chocolate). I have expanded my customer base, from almost exclusively
upper classmen, to High School Students of all ages, and a few teachers as well
(Mr. Burnett and a handful of his odd day study hall consistently). In terms of
setting up an amicable atmosphere, I say the unofficial club is a success.
There is usually a good flow of conversation amongst my student members during
lunch, thought there are still quiet days. An added bonus was my participation
in Westward bound, as a Coffee server, and Coffee Club's participation in
Middle School Restaurant Week. I have explored the possibility of collaborating with the Mother of a student, Sean Young, in having her a supplier of Coffee Club's Chocolate drinks, through Sean.
In
terms of succession, several measures have either been enacted or plan to be
thus enacted; I have instructed Jeremy Leung, Ryan Sit and a few other members
in the basics of a good pot of Coffee. Further training and instruction would
be given subsequently, upon either the solid decision of my successor, or upon
the initiative of the trainees. I have decided to leave most of my supplies to
the care of the one who would succeed me, for the use of the future Coffee
Club. In terms of finance, a proposal has been drawn to have members bring in
supplies every so often; in a roster of 15, one bag of coffee every three weeks
per person; Creamer and sugar would be provided by my successor; extras via
extra donation, or at his/her discretion. This was decided in order to
alleviate the great gap in finances that are to occur upon my departure. My
proposed successor plans to have Coffee Club be a bit more explorative in
regards to the flavors of its drinks, encouraging an adventurous perspective in
the tastier things in life.
I've
learned that making a lasting difference takes time, a great amount of time,
and persistent effort against decent odds. It requires sacrifice on one's part,
and it's fruit is not always seen immediately.
Couldn't take too many photos: quite busy, as Patrons come and go :P
Following Credits to Gideon Woo:
to Wing Yan:
Facebook group (less in use):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/599757203406208/
