So yesterday, February 19, 2026 was a day I never thought I’d see. Even six months ago I would have never believed I’d be standing here saying this to you all:
I WENT INTO A STARBUCKS ALONE AND ORDERED ALL BY MYSELF.
*CHEERS! ROARS! WHISTLES! STANDING OVATION!
Photo by Tommy L on Unsplash
*I humbly bow and curtsey
*The applause die down
Thank you all so much! My god, I can’t believe it! I’m so honored!
I would first like to thank my sister, without whom today could have never been possible. She was there for me through all my training, all the tears, all the self-doubt, encouraging me every step of the way. “See, it’s not that hard.”
She held my hand on those days when I was overwhelmed and protested,
“I CAN’T DO THIS! I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE SIZES MEAN!”
Photo by quan le on Unsplash
“No Christine you can. You’ve got this!” Encouraging words spoken by the best cheerleader ever.
She has been my rock all these years. In more ways than one.
I’d also like to thank my dear friend Jill, who just recently joined me on this journey. She educated me on the jargon – “Starbys”. Anything with a cutesy nickname can’t be as scary as I feared, right?
She also inspired me with lines like, “who the fuck cares, nobody else ordering here knows what they’re doing either.”
These girls’ support helped me face my anxiety and find courage that I never thought I had.
Finally, I would like to thank the Academy.
The Academy of Wawa.
Wawa cappuccino has stood by me everyday. Sometimes two, three times in a day. Through the hard times, the snowstorms, the power outages, the store relocations, it has remained a loyal companion.
But sometimes you just need to branch out and explore something new, even for a moment. No offense to the Academy. I will always love you! *blowing kisses
So as tears stream down my face on this momentous occasion, I would just like to say how honored I am to be accepted into the Kingdom of Coffee Sanctity. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make this dream come true.
I’d like to give a special shout out to the workers of both Wawa and Starby’s. You guys show up everyday, even on Christmas, and put the real work in. This award goes out to you!
I’m just a regular girl from North Wales, Pennsylvania (NW in the house!) who dared to dream of living a life free of coffee-ordering anxiety.
Photo by Eastman Childs on Unsplash
For anyone out there who is scared, who says “I can’t”, just know that I was once you (yesterday).
And yes, you can!
Today I say follow your caffeinated heart and go after your dreams!
Take a chance and walk through those pristine glass doors with your head held high. Don’t know exactly which line to get in, which counter to go up to or where to stand when you’re done ordering?
I say fear not! Trust in yourself.
Don’t let not knowing the difference between a frappuccino, macchiato or dunkalatte (oops, different coffee haven) deter you from reaching for the stars, or a slice of pumpkin bread.
With your non-fat, almond milk, two Splendas, half vanilla, half salted-caramel, light foam, extra dash of cinnamon latte in hand, stand tall, stand proud!
Have faith in yourself and your abilities. The worst doubt is self-doubt.
Nescafe cheers everyone!
❤️
CM
P.S. – Oh yeah, and don’t be shy to ask for a pup cup.
Photo by Kat Kelley on Unsplash
P.P.S. (or is it P.S.S.?) – Have your pets spayed and neutered!
2/20/26
