The Perfect Chai
Jazmin A.- 8th grade
I walked to school on a windy fall day. I did my normal school work first, reading a chapter from Five Feet Apart, completing a math worksheet, and working on my writing. At 10:30 am I had a shift at Pinwheel scheduled. I love going into Pinwheel to work with the employees and make drinks. I especially love when my shift is during a morning rush because I'm able to make more drinks.
“I immediately recognized what my Embark educators meant by the importance of resilience.”
I went into Pinwheel, washed my hands, and got right to helping out. One of the most popular drinks is a chai latte. I make them about 3 or 4 times every shift but always tend to forget a step and need help. The drink seems easy because there are only two ingredients, 3oz of chai concentrate and 7oz of milk. But the drink is much trickier to make because everyone gets a different type of chai. Some people add an alternative milk, a syrup, or a shot of espresso. Some want it cold. Others want it steamed or even extra hot. So with five more steps added, I tend to forget at least one step.
The first day I correctly made a chai without any help was such an amazing day. When I sprinkled the nutmeg on top of the chai, the last step in the process, I looked back at Dot with a big smile. I had finally done it and I was so happy. I felt like a leader in the Embark community because after so many mistakes and practice I was finally able to do it right. As I walked out of the shop, I immediately recognized what my Embark educators meant by the importance of resilience.
I Gotta Get My CHAI!
Malachi S. - 7th Grade
It was a nice morning, and I was going on my daily bike ride to the nearest coffee shop. The shop’s name was Pinwheel Coffee and they had my favorite chai. I would always get an orange chai. Ever since Pinwheel opened two years ago, I had never missed my morning chai. Before leaving the house, I put in my AirPods to listen to the morning news.
I was on my bike and I felt a little shake in the ground. At first, I just ignored it, but then it kept getting worse and worse. As I was thrown from my bike, I heard the news reporter say, “The earthquake has reached a level 10.” I had lived in California my whole life so I was kinda used to the earthquakes. I was just focused on getting my orange chai. Then I lifted my bike up, hopped on, and got back on the road.
I got to the coffee shop and it was a disaster in there. There was coffee all over the floor and everyone was freaking out. I really wanted to get my chai and nowhere else had as good a chai. Pinwheel’s chai had the perfect mix of spices. Peppercorn, cinnamon, clove and just a hint of orange. Delicious! I went in and they said everything but the milk spilled because it was capped. So I didn’t get my chai because all the chai mix spilled and mixed with all the coffee and iced tea mix. Since everything spilled, there was no chai or coffee that I could get.
I biked to the next nearest coffee shop, and they said that they had just run out of their chai mix. I ended up deciding on a hot chocolate from the second shop. My day wasn’t that great because I didn’t get the usual drink that I get.