Tiverton’s Bajah’s Cat Cafe Stands Up for Young Intern After Disheartening Incident

Some people are just cruel and could use a cat in their life to lift their spirits.

Amanda Souza, the owner of Bajah’s Cat Cafe in Tiverton, took to Facebook recently to share a heartfelt message about an unfortunate incident involving one of her young interns.

Souza expressed heartbreak and frustration after a 14-year-old student from The Met High School in Newport faced an unkind gesture while spreading joy in a Sylvester the Cat costume.

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The intern, a bright and enthusiastic student, was outside greeting passersby in Tiverton as part of their internship at Bajah’s. According to Souza, the teen was excited to represent the cafe and bring smiles to the community.

Instead, their day was marred when someone chose to give them the middle finger.

“It’s disheartening to see such a negative reaction to a young person putting themselves out there, trying to brighten people’s day,” Souza wrote. “This 14-year-old was doing something brave, creative, and joyful – and that moment was tarnished by unnecessary rudeness.”

Souza mentioned the importance of The Met High School, an alternative school that fosters individualized learning through real-world experiences. This partnership has allowed Bajah’s to mentor the student, providing hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

Souza emphasized the value the student brings to the cafe and the broader community.

“We are proud to partner with The Met and to have this bright, enthusiastic intern as part of our team,” Souza wrote. “No one deserves to be treated this way, especially someone so young and full of hope.”

“Don’t let one person’s poor behavior dim your light – you are amazing, and we are so grateful to have you with us," she told her intern.

Bajah’s Cat Cafe has long been a beacon of positivity, blending a love for cats with community engagement. It's disheartening to know that one bad egg was successful enough to ruin an innocent bystander's day, but in the end, the overwhelming love from the Tiverton community and surrounding area will shine through and win.