A Love Letter to Coffee

Hello there! My name is Sarah and welcome to my blog, Drama Queen! 

There is one thing you need to know about me- I am an addict. 

A caffeine addict. 

It all started my senior year of high school when I was offered a job as a barista at Nervous Dog Coffee Bar. My aunt was friends with the owner, and when we got to talking, he told me that I could make a great barista and he would love to hire me! 

My knowledge of coffee at that point was.. well… nothing. What is a cappuccino? Besides it just having a cool name. I was excited about the opportunity since I hated my job at Corelife Eatery, but what did he see in me that made him think I was cut out to be a barista? 

All I could think about was angry customers, and an endless menu of items I would have to memorize. But alas, I agreed, and began my job as a barista in August of 2019. 

4 years later, and I continue to love my job at Nervous Dog. Between the free coffee, great pay, and endless tea (literally and metaphorically- as a barista you sometimes have to assume the role of therapist to your customers. They come locked and loaded with drama to spill)- It makes me sad looking for a full time job following graduation in May.

Through my 4 years at Nervous Dog, there are a few things I have gained: 

1. Lifelong Friends: my coworkers, despite being a decade older than me and all men, welcomed me as part of their barista family. From a 17 year old child, to a 21 year old adult they have seen me grow up and I am forever thankful for Nervous Dog bringing all of us together. 

2. Knowledge: Call me a snob, or call me passionate- this job forces you to learn about the products you serve, and learn about the world of coffee. 

3. A Caffeine Addiction: This is basically part of the job description. I have recently transitioned into drinking straight shots of espresso. I think this could be considered the final destination in the barista world. 

Overall, this job is more than just clocking in and clocking out to me. It has been the catalyst that first sparked a passion in me that I didn’t know was there. 

So, enough of my sappy love letter to coffee, but welcome to barista training school. 

For the next 10 weeks I will be your captain as we navigate the vast world of coffee.