Eyes on the burrito, Mairin. Eyes on the burrito. I motivate myself as I stand in line outside Chipotle, enduring the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in hopes of a $2 Halloween special. The line of famished American's disguised in costume shiver in the freezing drizzle, looking in envy upon those already inside. Surrounding myself with burrito hopefuls dressed in Halloween bodysuits, I sacrifice both my dignity and immune system for a flour tortilla. Though experiencing minor symptoms of post-nasal drip by the time I enter the restaurant, a level of giddiness surfaces when I see the mexican buffet. I pledge to not question my sanity, for I fear I already know the answer. My fixation on the burrito reminds me of Klausner and his "go big or go home" mantra towards the sound machine’s success. Like him, I find myself completely entrenched on a dream I must pursue. I understand the absurdness surrounding my decision to wear a batman mask in the midst of a stinging wind, yet I stop at no costs to make this twisted burrito fantasy a reality. As I inch up the line, I cannot help but admire the crowd of waiters, who, too, fervently await a burrito. Despite the differences in costume, we all possess a burning passion to complete a task. Like the Klausner's of the world, the Chipotle crowd represents human nature’s potential to put forth great levels of determination to fulfill a dream. Despite expectations of naysayers, people worldwide will achieve great lengths to defy the impossible. But with every $2 burrito sold, there exists a hater. For reasons I cannot fathom, occasional pedestrians look at the Chipotle line with bewilderment. I watch as cars pass the restaurant, heads quickly turning to judge those in costume. I repeatedly witness the typical eye squint, head cock and lip mouthing of the simplest question: why? Because we can. Because the only thing stopping us from a $2 mélange of beans and chicken consists of an hour-long line in 40 degree weather...and putting ourselves at serious risk for the flu. We understand the lack of logic behind our actions, but simply do not mind compromising our pride for success. Similar to Doctor Scott, the line bystanders look on with skepticism. The Doctor’s pessimism attempts to shut down Klausner’s experiment and hinder his progress. Although he may not admit it, Scott understands the potential for Klausner’s eventual success. He fears the possible outcome, unprepared to handle to truth. Just like Doc, the Chipotle judgers simply do not have the gumption to admit the facts; that at the end of the line exists a paragon of deliciousness. On a more universal level, Klausner’s perseverance and my own steadfastness highlights human’s abilities to push past the doubt of others to fulfill a dream. Or simply eat a 1,000 calorie burrito.
