Walking down Campus Corner is a relaxing way to take in the culture of OU's campus. There are a number of boutiques and restaurants with unique store fronts that invite passersby in, if for nothing more than to look around and be on their way. With all of the character on Campus Corner, one aspect has remained commercialized; coffee.
Starbucks has been monopolizing the coffee industry for students and shoppers alike on Campus Corner for quite some time. The overpriced latte's and frappachinos have seen no competition in a community of twenty first century college students depending on mocha cappuccinos to get them through their study sessions.
No competition until the Second Wind Coffee Shop made its debut on the corner's Buchanan Street. Without advertising and lacking a prime location, Second Wind is a place of serendipity. If not by word of mouth, it is the type of building that Campus Corner wonderers stumble upon.
OU junior Lauren Oakley shared her experience after discovering Second Wind on a Saturday afternoon.
"I have been tired of Starbucks for a while now." Oakley said. "When I finally found a coffee shop that wasn't part of the typical chain I practically ran inside. It was nothing like what I would have expected, but it really was a neat place."
Oakley and others are being taken in by the spirit of Second Wind. This spirit is unmatched by other places on Campus Corner for one particular reason; Second Wind is a non-profit coffeehouse.
When first entering the coffeehouse, it takes no time to catch onto the unique atmosphere. The space consists of a large open room with a coffee bar in the back. The open area has spaced out seating and free Wi-Fi which welcomes students to sit down and study with their fresh coffee.
"I get so tired of studying at the library," Oakley said. "Sometimes going into a warm little coffee shop sounds like the most relaxing place to spread out my homework and get comfortable. I have never liked going to Starbucks for that...it's not that it intimidates me, I just never feel welcome there. For finals this year, I am studying at Second Wind. It gets me away from the feeling of school and I just feel so comfortable there."
The coffee bar in the back resembles a local coffee shop in a quaint community. They make all of the drinks that Starbucks lovers are so fond along with Second Wind specials such as Cherry Coke Floats.
When first entering Second Wind it is not unusual to find the employees sitting on one of the couches working on homework or playing one of the many board games available. They promptly welcome their guests and walk behind the counter. Their servants heart shines through how they treat their customers and as they hand over the warm cup of coffee they smile and say, "A suggested donation of $2 please."
OU sophomore Alex Lewis was moved by her visit to Second Wind and trilled with the thrifty deal she found.
"I usually order a soy vanilla latte at Starbucks which costs me $4.60," Lewis said. "At Second Wind I spend $2 on the same drink, but it's not even about the price; well, the price is a bonus! It is more about the feeling of the place. The employees are happy to serve you and the atmosphere is very welcoming and relaxed."
Second Wind is a part of the First Presbyterian Church of Norman. With time it has evolved into what it is today. It started as a place for bible studies and fellowship events. Today, Second Wind continues to reflect its roots through the kind service provided. Instead of hosting fellowship events, the coffee shop hosts weekly open mics giving local musicians a place to perform.
Friday nights the space is transformed into a concert hall with a stage at the front of the room and seating in the back. Coffee is still served by many of the volunteer workers who come for entertainment and to run the evening.
Second Wind provides free entertainment and affordable refreshments for anyone who is interested in taking advantage of the great offer. It provides a safe alternative to a college student's cliché Friday night entertainment.
OU Economics TA Alissa Myers sums up her evening at Second Wind with enthusiasm.
"The culture at Second Wind on a Friday night is unmatched by any other place in Norman," Myers said. "It welcomes people from all walks of life to relax and be themselves... It really just embodies the college town that we all love."
