Having a Second Job

Hi Guys!

Hope you all are settling in to your semester well. Since this past winter break was so long and I am not moving back to Biola until Phase 3, I decided to get a job at a local breakfast and coffee place in my hometown.

I work at a place called Barnie’s and I am one of our four baristas. I have really enjoyed working here recently for a couple of reasons. First, I love being able to meet and talk to new people whether that is my coworkers or customers. It’s a good outlet for me to get some social interaction during COVID and it gets me out of the house. Second, I have a new level of appreciation for coffee because I now can actually make my own! I also am more knowledgeable about the different kinds of drinks that can be made, and it has been enjoyable to try new drinks that I otherwise would not have. Finally, I think it has been a good learning experience in many ways. I have gotten insight on the restaurant business and all the hard work that comes with it. And, I have learned how to balance my school work, two jobs, and my mental health. It can be easy to focus just on one thing, but in order for me to stay healthy both mentally and physically, I have had to take time out of the day just to care and check in with myself holistically. I try to do this by spending some time in the Scriptures either before or after work. This time spent with God helps to calm and refocus my spirit so that I am prepared to tackle whatever is next in my day. Overall, I have loved being a barista over these past couple of weeks, and I can’t wait to look back and see the growth that I have experienced during this time.

Maggie