I shouldn’t be ashamed of who I am, and my struggles shouldn’t have to be a secret. It’s apart of overcoming my disorder and coping with it. yah know.
I was just hospitalized for an illness that’s invisible, and can only be felt. This illness has cost me hours for work, so I have to go two weeks, with very little food and continue to struggle. It’s sucks but this is the hand I’ve been dealt. For some it’s Cancer, and for me, it’s Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. I pray for stability. I pray for change. I pray for acceptance. I pray for achievement and personal growth. My illness makes me unreliable for work, for I never know when I have to call out. As my supervisor said, “it’s a business” and immediately I felt small and replaceable.
Everyday, I’m learning how to conquer this “disease.” Not just to make my life better, so I can be more effective at work, school and with my family. It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. I remember reading something on Facebook, that took the word “impossible” and saw the words “I’m-Possible.”
I’m possible! I believe in a God who gives me strength and has allowed me to know that I am not alone, and the he understands my struggle. I stick true to the statement, “we are spiritual beings having an humanistic experience.” I am a spirit and experiencing HUMANITY. We’re all given a plate of food we don’t always like. We’re are given a journey and we ask ourselves “how did I get here?” “What did I do to deserve this?” Yet we continue everyday,and I just remember it’s not personal it’s just “business.” Someone has to run it, and work for it. You can allow it to make you or break you.
I’ll allow it to make me. I refuse to be defeated and give up the fight. I refuse to be a nobody, and live with excuses. It’s not apart of my DNA. I know there is God looking out for me, and that “this too shall pass”
-Manic Depression
“Hi welcome to Starbucks, my name is Mia. What can I get started for you.”
At least three days a week I open the doors to Starbucks, taking a deep breathe and greet customers with that one main point. I’m very vocal about my mental health, diagnosed with PTSD, Bipolar Disorder NOS, and Borderline Personality Disorder with Psychosis. I’m also vocal about how without my medication I can’t achieve stability, nor serve you the customer your perfect cup of coffee. As of now I’ve worked at three Starbucks, and each location has been an experience to remember.
My original store was hard, I cried before attending to my shift, I felt incompetent when trying to make drinks, my self-esteem decreased; I felt like a burden. I worked with fellow Barristers whom harbored dislike for me, and judge me. I felt as though getting hired at my dream job (for now) was a mistake but I needed a pay check, so I went to work and hated every minute of it. It became triggering for me, and psychologically unhealthy. My manager was often dissatisfied with me, and blamed it on my illness. I was often hospitalized because I was triggered while working at this location. This was my image of the company and I wanted to quit.
So I transfered stores. Nervous that I would have the same outcome, and worried that I was the source of my previous managers dislike and anger, however; I need a check and I was willing to give it a try. So I meet with our District Manager, and the manager of my new store,Jenn. Jenn was quite and reserved and willing to help me start anew.
Jenn is quite, with a strong personality, she takes honor in her job, and treats her employees as a human beings. She has not judged me for my illness, and has allowed me to grow in my skills and confidence. Bar is the area where the drinks are made, and I’ve always experienced trepidation when attempting to work on bar. She said I was slow, but I knew my stuff and would get better. What makes her a great manger is that: 1. she gives great encouraging feed back to fellow partners, 2. has faith in her partners and leadership abilities 3. has confident in her judgment. 4. respectful and even tempered. 5. funny, and plays really good 90’s music. 6. not judgmental, and understanding that every learns differently 7. promises that each Barrista will become better and stronger. 8. promotes unity and cooperation 9. eats really healthy 10. knows how to mange and address the needs of customers and her employees.
Who wouldn’t want to work for/with a manager like mine? She gave me a second chance when my name was tainted and I promised not to let her down. I enjoy work, I go on my days off. I’m getting better at bar, and customer service. I’ve grown and have increased my faith. My current location is not as bad as my previous store. My store now and manager reflects the true identity of Starbucks and its partners. My store rocks! I love it.
Jenn, I hope you read this and know it comes from my heart. I look forward to continue creating drinks and serving customers.
“Hi, I’m Domenia welcome to Starbucks. What can I get started for you?
My Journey, My Style 