Andrew Eggergluss

Just about a year ago Andrew's life changed. He was desperately looking for a job when he found the perfect offering in Meadville, PA, the assistant coach position for the Allegheny College swim team. So he packed his car to the roof and had the determination to start over. Andrew drove that packed car all the way from Minnesota, all the way to Meadville, PA. He found a cute apartment roughly five minutes from Allegheny College and decided it was the place to call home. Shortly after his start date at the college he decided he needed to get a second job for some extra money, so he started working nights at Home Depot. It wasn’t a glamorous lifestyle, but it was honest, and it was worth it. Then his car died. The car that drove him across the country, the only piece he had left of his old life was gone. Without warning the engine sputtered and then it fell silent. The estimate, $7,000, but to him it might as well have been a million. Andrew stood there hearing this number hoping he was dreaming. What could he do? Now, every day begins and ends on foot. In the winter he pulls on layers to fight against the Meadville cold and starts his walk to Allegheny College bright and early. He walks through rain, snow, and ice all just to get to work. By the time he gets to work his hands and feet are so cold they sting, but he never complains. He puts on a brave face for his team and continues to smile through everything. After coaching all day, with barely enough time to catch his breath, he heads across town to Home Depot. No matter the weather he walks. Sometimes cars pass by so slow he wonders if they are going to stop and offer a ride, but they never do. Andrew understands, people are busy. What leaves him confused is how one broken engine could put his whole life on hold. Andrew works every night possible just hoping to make enough money to pay and fix his car. A monthly car payment is something that he can not afford. Not only would a new car cost an arm and a leg, but nothing can replace the memories from his little red car. The car that was with him through everything was now just gone. So now every dollar he makes he tucks away almost like a reminder of the finish line. Seven thousands dollars, the only number that matters. He realizes how much he took advantage of having a car. Without one even the most simple tasks are made harder, getting groceries, getting to work, and going anywhere beyond the stretch of sidewalk that lies ahead. But still, he walks that stretch of sidewalk with pride because he knows that no matter what he will keep going. All for the dream that one day he will be sitting in his car and the engine will finally turn on.