What I learned being a barista:
Never have I imagined I would be working as a barista. But honestly, it's one of the greatest things that have happened. For one, I get to have coffee at my disposal especially when I need that extra kick. Finals week, or really almost every week in college has made me realize how much coffee helps ANY situation.
More importantly, I'm glad for the relationships I have established with customers. If you asked me the first day how I was with customers, you would be completely amazed. I for one, hate approaching people. Especially those who are merely awake at the crack of dawn. There are moments where people simply do not react without having their coffee. I would know since I am also one of them. But what I didn't see was the growth I would make with my customers. Talking does a great deal of work. I never realized how much a simple "hi" makes all of the difference. Even with the most stubborn people, saying one hello with a smile makes an impact.
There a few people that have the most memorable stories. A person does not compare to the one that just approached you. There are moms, dads, grandparents, non-parents, kids, teenagers and everything in between. Not one story I have heard is the same as the one before. Making coffee is the easy part, establishing a good connection with a customer is the hardest part. I always imagined that learning all of the recipes, official and unofficial (I'm talking about you secret menu) would be the challenge. But once you have mastered the basics the interaction is the next step.
I have never been one to argue with a customer. My policy is that a customer is usually right. And I don't mean in the literal sense that the phrase tends to fall under. But I mean with the ability that the experience for the customer is the essential goal. Aside from proper customer service rules, I have had the gracious opportunity to have some of the greatest conversations. I once met a man who recently has his wife fall to a heart attack. I never have seen such pain in a man that has brought so much happiness every time he comes into the store. The regulars make all of the difference to me. There are the occasional few that make our days as baristas a little harder, but those who make an effort to treat us as humans as we would like to do with them make this job worth it.
I serve coffee and I make coffee. But more importantly, I make an impact on a person's life each and every day. And I wouldn't change it for the world. At least, not for now.
