Coffee Coach Serves Up Encouragement and Compassion

Working on The Hill for 14 years, Debby Atkinson considers herself to be the “Coffee Coach” to the student workers. She brings a welcoming coffee shop feel to the Livingston Library Cafe. Atkinson’s role is to manage the cafe and keep up with daily tasks to ensure a smooth working environment. Her goal is to provide a Christ-like atmosphere for students while making and serving specialty coffee beverages. Being able to interact with students daily is why Atkinson loves her job so much. She loves to meet students, welcome them to Shorter, and watch them grow as individuals throughout their time on campus. Students often share their personal and educational accomplishments with Atkinson, and she enjoys seeing their excitement when doing so. “I did not go to college, so to see the drive and work ethic that students have warms my heart,” said Atkinson. Throughout her years at Shorter, Atkinson has learned a lot about herself through interacting with students and hearing about their relationships with Christ. “Listening to students’ life stories and learning about their relationships with God has really motivated me to look for God in my own challenges. I see so much Jesus and life in these students, and it really warms my heart to know that they have a strong Christian base to lean on. The students here have made my personal relationship with God stronger. Seeing their faith impacts me more than they could ever know. I always strive to be open to students and let them know that I am always willing to talk and listen,” said Atkinson. The family connection and Christian atmosphere at Shorter is something that she finds unique about the university. Not only does Atkinson love to interact with students, but students also love to interact with her. Olivia Haynes, a junior biology major, is a student worker in the cafe. She says that Atkinson is extremely welcoming to all students at Shorter and always approaches people with open arms. She says that Atkinson is a great listener and is always willing to sit down for a chat. Haynes loves that Atkinson is lighthearted and makes people laugh. She also says that Atkinson is a great boss. “She always tries to make everyone’s lives easier. Although Mrs. Debby works in the mornings and is usually very busy, she always makes sure that everything is set up perfectly for the people who come to work after she leaves. I appreciate Mrs. Debby because she always makes sure that the student workers are well taken care of and genuinely wants the best for us not only here at work, but also in our personal lives,” said Haynes.

Keaton Brown, a junior biology major, described Atkinson as someone who always shows kindness to others. “Mrs. Debby always uplifts me and my spirit, especially when I am down. She does this through her words of encouragement and actions. She is easy to talk to, and I can tell that she really cares about me. She lifts others up effectively and so effortlessly,” said Brown.

The students on The Hill all love to be around Atkinson because she never fails to brighten someone’s day. She is a big part of what makes Shorter such a welcoming and loving community.

By: Allie Luna