It was freshman year at my private Christian college. There, the girls are pretty, everybody smiles and it’s hard to tell the difference between a friend and an enemy. Just that summer, I spent a week in an EDU for the eating disorder I had yet to accept. I figured a Christian college would be a great support system, but before I knew it I was relapsing and realizing who my real friends were. My sister’s then boyfriend had gotten me a job at starbucks and soon my coworkers became my new friends and family. That winter, the relapse hit hard and I ended up in the hospital for two months putting up the fight of my life against anorexia and bulimia. Towards the end of my stay, I fell too far behind in school and had to drop out. Luckily for me, those friends from work let me move into their apartment and helped me through my recovery. Soon after, I lost my license because, silly me, small town cops care a lot more about speeding than city cops do. This forced me to really learn the value of hard work. I walked a half hour to and from work every day and was able to get much closer to my roommates and friends during that time. Having to fully rely on others teaches a person so much. I didn’t know at the time, but I would end up having a tragic romantic relationship with one of them, get a promotion at work with their help, realize where my passions really are and watch that all come crashing to a halt within the year. Even though it didn’t work out with him, I learned a lot from my roommate. With his help and a good push from my somtimes crazy and hectic work at starbucks, I learned my true passion. Coffee isn’t just something to drink when you’re tired, it’s a gateway to all of the things I love. I decided to move out and quit Starbucks, but am now studying at a culinary and business school to open my own non-profit coffee shop. It’s going to have free music lessons for kids, support local artists, and give back to the community. Had I not had my eating disorder, I would never have dropped out of my christian school and pursued my passions. I also wouldn’t have become so strong… strong enough to know when to walk away from the man I loved to do the things I love. He may have broken my heart and my eating disorder was painful, but they are the reason for my joy now and the reason I will be able to help so many people in the future. Thanks to coffee, friends, a few too many tickets and hard times.

Tags: coffee, eating disorder, men, music, romance, school, speeding ticket