Second Wind breathes life into Campus Corner

As the door to Second Wind Coffee House opens, it's evident that it isn’t like most coffee shops.

One difference that stands above the rest is, as volunteer barista Jerod Coker, says, “It provides a relaxed atmosphere.”

He says that it is lovingly referred to as “Campus Corner’s living room” and upon being there, it’s easy to understand.

Unlike other coffee shops that create the rushed feeling of needing to get what is needed and leave, Second Wind’s couches and all-around atmosphere invite guests to come inside and stay awhile. However, the real aspect that catches a person’s attention is that where normal coffee shops have a list of prices for the drinks they serve, Second Wind does not. Devon Triebold, volunteer barista, is familiar with their donation-only system.

“People pay as much or little as they want for drinks,” she says.

Now, one may be wondering what kind of business is willing to let its customers decide what they want to pay for their drinks and the answer to that is very simple; a business that strives off of donations.

After the costs of the goods have been covered, the remainder of the money that is earned is put to use toward Second Wind’s goal, which is “to promote local artists, charities, and community.”

In addition to their pay-by-donation policy, Second Wind remains open with the help of people like Coker and Triebold, who actually volunteer to work at the coffee house without pay.

Along with being a coffee shop, Second Wind also hosts other events such as concerts and open mic nights, making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink and donate to a good cause.