Nadine also recognized a difference between the coffee shop and a workplace setting. She explained that she understood she could make a mistake in the coffee shop without fear of criticism. "It doesn't seem bad because we know each other, but if we're somewhere else, we feel really bad." Tom said that he was nervous when operating the cash register but knew the instructors were there to help him. He also stressed "people have to understand that we're learning," and admitted he felt more relaxed and assured if the instructor stood next to him.

At times, Fran has wondered if the environment they've created in the coffee shop is too supportive.

The thing that I worry about is the fact that our coffee shop is so supportive and so, not protected in a negative sense, but nicely protected. We all know that when we go into the work world, people are encountering people that are going to be a bit difficult or there's going to be challenges all around for them.

Changing Identities

Fran said that the greatest impact of the employment preparation program was on the student's changed identity, and this change occurred in the coffee shop. She said the students began to recognize that they have skills, which could lead to a job or a better job. Carol agreed and suggested that one of the factors that helped to precipitate this change was the set of well–defined and challenging expectations that the program had.

For some, this is the first time that anyone has expected anything of them. They just come in and see this busy place and everybody doing their job. They just kind of come into the flow. The expectations are high and they're specific. It seems to be a happening place.

Rouda said that the instructors, students, and her work in the coffee shop helped her to become "stronger". By working with other students, she learned to overcome her apprehension and nervousness. She said the instructors, "show you that you can do that."