An Eventful Summer in My New Life

Prior to my old college roommate, A_, visiting, a more rewarding visitor happened to call upon me. B_ had been a college kid I had had the privilege of being the Kitchen Manager for in one of those staple pizza joints around town. Throwing pizza dough has always been my niche during my times in the Food & Bev business. That particular epoch was good times all around before the Pandemic hit. My kitchen persona in many kitchens I have worked in has always been “The College Professor’‘ or “Shakespeare” because I would teach my kitchen crews college lectures, fun facts, philosophy, or just talk about books I was reading during those times we all might be monotonously hand rolling dough for hours, or other various duties. B_, among a few others, are some of my greatest success stories as a mentor. B_ was noticeably an exceptionally intelligent worker who enjoyed my challenges on his belief system. I would point out flaws in his reasoning, and provide information he had never been privy to. His girlfriend he met at work with us would also be a disciple of sorts, and I would loan them books on philosophy, and politics; pass down bands, and music from my own college experience, and, of course, rock ‘n roll with them throwing pizza dough like a pro leading them through the busy times.

B_ was going into finance. However, he exhibited some many skills, and traits that I felt he was selling himself short of his own intelligence. He was/is a voracious reader with ideas, able to think critically, and for himself. I remember the walk we took around the nice neighborhood town in the cool, evening air of a Southern night when I grilled him upon the career choices in finance. He had devoured my book Watchman and Philosophy. Upon our visit a few weeks ago almost four years latter our walk, B_ has just finished a degree in Law from a prestigious college debt free. He showered me with compliments, and told me that I was like a father to him. His wedding invitation is tacked to my corkboard above my computer.

Last updated June 14, 2024