As a girl who’s struggled with memorization and has slight hearing issues, I am not sure how I landed a barista job, but I did. I recently got the job after deeply scanning and searching all directions of Hoboken since arriving at Stevens this past September. I can say I have walked into every restaurant you’ve eaten at within reasonable walking distance to ask if they were hiring. This includes two Starbucks, even one in the city. I had no experience in the industry, and I think that’s what stumped me every time. I am not saying I am underqualified, but I definitely was just a few months ago.
I can’t say I have tried every café, but I did apply to an impressive amount of places within a month. However, Dunkin’ was my limit. Many people I know have worked for Dunkin’, or still do, but as the daughter of a chef, I know not to work at places I enjoy food from (you see unseeable things), and I did not want to ruin places like Dunkin’ for myself. I would forever choose a bagel twist over a salary any day. And even if I was brave and risked being scarred, I did not want to get tired of Dunkin’. My mom’s first job was at Dunkin’, and I can’t ever remember seeing her eat a donut. I wouldn’t dare have that happen to me. It’s like me and spinach ravioli from Costco. I had that repeatedly for a whole year in elementary school… so you can imagine the disgust now.
The start of it all was when my best friend from home and I saw a sign outside of a bewitched shade of green and a lovely pink-toned coffee shop with a long list of funky drinks. The drinks since learning have been fun to make, and what I enjoy even more is drawing on the sleeves when the shop’s empty. Occasionally, attempts to make something out of the latte foam lead to enjoyable disasters. My accidental latte art includes multiple hearts, a bunny, and a swan. I can do the hearts on command (with about 60% accuracy). Overall, I believe that those accidental masterpieces are cooler. It is even more fun when you surprise yourself, and that’s what I did with this whole job.
Making five drinks altogether was something I had just gotten used to a few weeks ago. When I tell my barista friends, they say, “Well, of course. Why wouldn’t you be able to?” Well, as a new, very slow, barista, I ask all the questions and further question myself even when I am almost sure I am fine. That’s kind of everything. This job really made me understand the process of learning. Everyone drops something at least once every shift and it may just be steamed milk and espresso, but it really comes full circle. I think having a job is really important, so why not be able to say you can make a macchiato*?
*I used to confuse these with Mochachinos.
The moments that I let myself be confident, I find myself doing evidently better. As a former customer without any barista experience, I thought that a barista was some form of perfectly functioning human. To my surprise, I could do barista activities with a brain that definitely struggles and is far from perfect. My coworkers have made it easy to transition into this job as they reassure me that I can ask all the questions I wish. I feel that the best type of people make you feel that way. I love asking questions, so it has worked out, and during my recent shifts, I have not asked as many. This article might be me exposing myself, but if I got the job and continue to get more shifts, I must be good in some ways.
Since I wrote the first draft of this article a few weeks ago, I have continued to see improvement in my barista skills. And I still find joy in being someone who can not only make myself an iced matcha, but also make people’s days with a treat or a cup of coffee (we even have decaf and tea available). Complimenting people and having so many small conversations with customers is also a plus. I met a visual artist staying in Hoboken and working in the city for a Warner Bros movie coming out. There’s also a few Steves that come in that I’ve met.
Either way, my point is that I believe anyone who enjoys making things or finds fun in the nostalgic Papa’s Donuteria games can find similar wonders in being a barista at least once in their lives. It was a good change. I believe that all people, but especially creatives, definitely must try working at a café. It’s like a video game in person that allows for a lot of development.
Oh, and sorry to those who got chocolate syrup in their Macchiatos before I learned the difference.
