In keeping with my “going on a journey” theme, I would like to take a moment to prequel my previous Apple Highland Village post. The pictured building is Oklahoma Baptist University’s Raley Chapel. This beautiful Chapel with its Greek staircase, Corinthian Order style columns, and Gothic influenced Spire (which has also become part of the university’s logo) is the centerpiece of the OBU campus. The single spire atop the bell tower, pointing toward the Creator – along with the large, community-centered nave, and stained glass window – all serve to physically and metaphorically represents the heart and mission of the University and all that it does as an institution. In August of 2009, I was able to stand on those steps and experience that feeling first hand after The Walk.

The Walk is an OBU tradition and also marked another beginning for me. It began my journey as a college student. Starting at one end of campus, and ending on the steps of Raley Chapel, The Walk is done in complete silence both before Freshman year begins and at the commencement of Graduation. It’s done in silence for a few reasons, but that silence is promptly broken when a designated person yells, “Hey Bison, go with Ka-Rip!” (another, louder tradition). This building represents a wide variety of good and bad experiences, friendships gained and lost, and the attainment of something that I wasn’t sure I could do before; which was to simply get into college. While my journey as a student didn’t end at Oklahoma Baptist University, I am very thankful for the times I had there.

Jonathan Ruiz

The day was March 16, 2012. This day marked the beginning of a journey that I haven’t quite completed yet, but have grown in many ways throughout. This was the day that I was a part of the Apple Highland Village Grand Opening. Still a newbie, only two weeks in at the time, and I hadn’t even finished my training yet. Since I couldn’t sell anything, I was assigned to ecstatically welcome people as they entered the newly opened building. And I did so with pride. By the end of the day my vocal cords were so shredded from the hype, atmosphere, and excitement that I could hardly muster up a whisper.

The design of the building itself was the first of its kind. A front, top, and back made up of long sheets of three-layer thick, tempered glass, with the walls and floor made of high quality, unique, handpicked tile. The tile itself was the same that had been used in most Apple Stores up to that point. However, what made it so unique was that the mill that produces the tile, Apple owns the side of the mountain on which that mill resides (hence, Apple also owns the mill). It also had entrances on both sides, which created a very unique traffic flow. Overall, it is a very large, pet-friendly, open space and has a strong sense of grandeur. Since it is mostly made up of glass, artificial light is only necessary at night and the natural light makes the building very welcoming. Around midday, it can get too bright sometimes, so blinds were installed to help limit glare. On days with a comfortable temperature, the doors can be left open to allow a breeze. There is a sense of connection with nature when inside this building.

I am now a few months away from my 5-year anniversary with this company, and I could never have imagined how impactful it has been on my life. I have met and learned from so many people from all walks of life, and I have been pushed to grow and develop as an employee and as a person. It is a company that is run by incredible people, who truly care. It is all of this and more that I associate with Apple Highland Village.

Jonathan Ruiz