The Rise of Coffee Club

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/