Why Wait? – Vintage Blue Originals 001
Scott Diekema is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill from Iowa City, Iowa, and is pursuing majors in philosophy and South Asian studies, with a minor in entrepreneurship.
Scott Diekema arrived on UNC’s campus in the spring of 2014 during his senior year of high school. After four years at a New England boarding school, he was ready for a change of scenery.
“I felt like there was something really special about UNC when I visited. I noticed this balance of people deeply caring about what they do and working hard in and out of the classroom, but without the competitive aspect. I still feel like students appreciate the work that their peers are doing and support each other in a really cool way,” said Diekema.
It was this institution’s collaborative energy and deeply-rooted sense of community that ultimately sealed the deal for him.
In the first week of his fall semester in 2015, Scott was approached by Keegan McBride, a junior he had met that August during Carolina Kickoff. The two were sitting in front of South Building, looking out on the Quad, when Scott was first presented with the idea that would ultimately become his major project over the next few years – opening a student-run café in the Campus Y.
Scott cherishes this moment because he and his peers were then able to make it happen. In September 2016, almost a year after this initial conversation, the Meantime Coffee Co. opened in the Campus Y.
“My proudest accomplishment has been watching the Meantime come to life. There is nothing more rewarding than having an idea, sitting around a table and getting really carried away with some equally eager students, and then doing the dirty work to make it happen,” said Diekema.
Scott is especially proud of the community the Meantime has been able to create amongst students, baristas, professors, and other members of the Chapel Hill community. More importantly, he is proud of the legacy it is has left on the university. First-years at UNC have never been on campus without the Meantime, so for them, this establishment is a staple of the Carolina experience. This is the legacy Scott strived for. He hopes that when he returns to campus decades from now, the café will still be standing.
The Meantime is currently experiencing its first major transition within its management team, as Diekema is stepping down from his leadership role.
“I’m really excited for this transition because I believe that with a student-run organization, like the Meantime, it is important to have regular turnover. This allows for new ideas that will keep the business growing and transforming. It is time for someone else to live out their vision,” he said.
Scott is in the process of figuring out his next big move but knows that he wants to invest in his other passions, namely comedy, photography, and video production which have taken a backseat while running the Meantime.
“Right now I am spending more time on those other interests of mine, and I hope to combine them in a way that will positively impact the Carolina community. I don’t know what this looks like yet, but I’m in the process of figuring it out. I will also continue to be involved in The Meantime after stepping down from CEO to ensure that there is a smooth transition to the new leadership team,” said Diekema.
This summer, Scott will invest further in his passions for film and entertainment, as he will be working for a digital-first studio in Los Angeles. A year from now, Scott will be in his final semester at UNC, and hopes that this internship, alongside the projects he takes up in the coming year, will lead him into the Media and Entertainment industry after graduation.
“I don’t think that anyone has one clear passion. We are all dynamic individuals, so I try not to put myself in a box. I think the coolest projects come from people combining different interests and life experiences. Those things that do not really seem like they can connect, but then you find a connection and you run with it. It can produce something no one has ever seen before. That philosophy motivates me to say yes, and try as many different things as possible,” said Diekema.
Written by: Rodrigo Bustamante