nevin.mathai.

As an exercise in rhetoric, this ensuing project was brought to life. Although more conventionally rhetoric seems in flow in step with literature and composition, in this avenue, rhetoric seeks to be comprised of art, technique, and imitation. The hope is to illuminate the hidden nuances of an altogether familiar venture through simple reflections, apposite photographs, and insightful cinematography.

 

After much deliberation, I have decided to craft the concept of rhetoric with coffee as my canvas. Although not much of a coffee drinker, I thoroughly enjoy tea, associating it with learning and studying. After drinking profuse amounts, I acquired a [by no means seasoned] palate for tea. However, college swiftly leveled any previous connotation of learning I may have possessed. I soon realized that studying would take an altogether realer meaning, if I sought to be successful at Saint Louis University. Quickly, studying became a partner, a necessity, and a reality. Being an adversary of monotony, I desired to continuously vary the atmosphere in order to remain productive, resulting in my discovery of the untapped world of coffee shops.

 

As a high school student, coffee seemed to be an “adult” drink. In my mind, coffee seemed to be an elixir that transformed the beast (tired, sleep-driven individuals) into the beauty (productive, alert citizen). Coffee became a foreboding potion, which once consumed would cement my transition from youthful adolescent to boring adult. Yet, as a college student, I dove head first into the strange world of this caffeinated beverage. Over the course of my college career, I spent a lot of time in coffee shops, yet I never really learned about coffee or acquired a taste for it.

 

What began as a resolution to explore more local [should I just use hipster?] coffee shops has morphed into a rhetorical project. Since I myself am a college student, others in academic pursuits (irrespective of age) may glean something of value. A reason for this journey may be to help college students grow into the role of an adult, in theory. Very much so in theory. A possible outcome may be a discourse of rhetoric, illustrated in coffee. However, this jaunt will always be a personal edificatory journey more so than an inspirational story.

 

~ Nevin Jay Mathai