Oh Well

My father always says, "It doesn't matter who you know; it matters who wants to know you." This is a lesson that has rung true many times in my life. Every job I have ever held and every scholarship I've received has always been accomplished with the help of some "connection." This idea of networking and maintaining relationships has been crucial during the application process... especially for UNC.

A gentleman walked in to Starbucks in the middle of June and ordered a "Turkey on Havarti, Starbucks Specialty Sandwich." Since the store had been open for only a few weeks prior, we were lucky to have 2-3 customers an hour (thanks to our fantastic PR). Though the days were dull, this turned out to be a blessing. In gregarious Starbucks spirit, I sat down with the gentleman and told him he had made an excellent choice. The turkey is a damn good sandwich. He asked me to tell him a little about myself, and next thing I knew he was quizzing me on every detail of my resume. After a few minutes of chat (and the sandwich devoured), the gentleman mentioned that he was the Dean of Finance for the school of medicine, and that I needed to speak with the Dean of Admissions, Dr. Bashford, asap.

A light bulb overheated in my head.

Next thing I knew Dr. Bashford called me (while I was working at Starbucks of course), and we arranged a time to meet. Within 5 minutes of meeting the Dean, he told me something to the extent of: "Robby, I have to let in a few douche-bags into this med school because they are the ones who are going to cure cancer. However, I want at least 95% of next year's class to not be douche-bags. You, Robby, are not a douche-bag." No, this is not an exaggeration.

It was only fitting then that yesterday, this "non-douche-bag" was accepted to UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Medicine. And when did Dr. Bashford call me to tell me the good news? Of course while I was working... at Starbucks. So if I end up staying in Chapel Hill for the next 4-5 years, I can thank the Bux for all it's good luck. I guess what they say is right: "Our coffee can change lives."

Thanks Starbucks, you've helped change mine. Now I have a hard choice to make. Oh well, there are worse things in life.