When I got a job at Starbucks back in September I thought "Cool! Now I'll have my own money and something to do on weekends." I knew the work would be interesting and maybe even a little fun but I never expected to love working as a Starbucks Barista this much. Here are 10 things I love about my job:

1. Ending every shift smelling like coffee. Who needs perfume when the scent of ground coffee beans and espresso follows you everywhere?
2. Making customers smile when I remember not only their drink order but also their name. Every Starbucks store has its regulars, the customers who come in every day, everybody knows who they are and what they order. I love seeing my regulars, but I what I really love is the genuine happiness that appears on a customer’s face when I greet them by name and have their order ready to go, when they aren’t expecting it.
3. Working for a company that gives benefits to part-time employees. How many 18-year-olds do you know with a 401(k)?
4. The Secret Menu. I'm serious. Most baristas will tell you the secret menu is the bane of their existence, their worst nightmare, but I personally enjoy seeing all the crazy creative drink ideas that people come up with. The Cotton Candy Frappuccino, The Frankenstein Frappuccino, the Pink Drink, all so cool!
5. Always having something to do at work. I never find myself standing around, staring at the clock, waiting for my shift to end. There is always something to do: cleaning the counters, restocking the shelves and ingredients, taking out the trash, etc.
6. The uniform. We all know most work uniforms aren’t the most attractive things to wear. Working at Starbucks, I am fortunate not to have that problem. I look so sleek and cool in my black polo shirt and jeans with my Dr. Martens and my awesome Starbucks hat. The beautiful green apron just brings it all together.
7. The Early Morning Rush. Mornings can be chaotic, but I’m always excited to work morning shifts. For many customers, I’m the first person they interact with that day, and I feel good knowing that I am there to help them start their day out right.
8. Taking orders from little kids. I LOVE when little kids want to order their own drinks and food. They are so cute when they ask for their Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino and their Birthday Cake Pops! It just makes my day!
9. Seeing that impressed look on a person’s face when I tell them I work at Starbucks. I always knew Starbucks was a respected company, but I never realized how much so until I started working there. I am proud to work for such a great company.
10. My amazing coworkers. I started working at Starbucks when I was 17 years old, while most of my coworkers were in their early twenties, so I was pretty intimidated when I first started. I am so appreciative of my coworkers because they have always treated me as an equal. They are more than willing to offer me advice and guidance when I need it, but they never treated me like a child.

Working at Starbucks these last 8 months has been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I’ve had. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to work at such an amazing place with so many wonderful people. I am beyond excited to continue working for Starbucks when I start college in August.