I recently became a barista at a local coffeehouse in my hometown, and I’ve learned things I never thought I would. And some of these things I hate, but some of them I really love. But here is a list, specifically, of things I love about being a barista.

1. You get to know the regulars and what their favorite drink or roast is. Getting to know new people that come to the coffeehouse is actually so heartwarming. Even after only being there for two months, I can tell you the first name of all the regulars that come in to see me and enjoy their coffee. Ned, an older guy, always comes in and gets a fresh brew and a gluten free cookie. It may sound a little weird, but I like knowing that as soon as these customers walk in the door, I go to pull Ned’s cookie out of the case or to pull just one espresso shot for Royce.

2. I’ve learned things about coffee that most don’t know. I know that you should mix syrups with the hot espresso shots before you ever put ice in it. I know that, when making an iced latte, you should put shots in first, then milk to cool it. That way, when the customer drinks it, it isn’t watered down. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, well, then you just might not be a barista *says in Jeff Foxworthy voice*.

3. I’ve learned to embrace early mornings. This one isn’t necessarily my favorite, but I’m definitely much more of a morning person than I was six months ago. And yes, I’m that friend that now goes to bed before 11 almost every night because I have to open the next day at 7am.

4. Let’s face it, coffee smells like heaven. And I get to be around it all day. Do you know how much of a dream that seriously is? At the same time, I don’t smell very well to begin with, and I’m there often enough that I’m sorta used to it now. Nonetheless, walking into the building and knowing that I’ll be smelling like fresh brew and espresso shots, even after I go home, is satisfying.

5. CUBANOS. I was taught this drink, though I’ve never had to make any for a customer yet. But if you’ve never had one of these, you need to. Though, I’m not sure those Starbucks baristas will know what you’re talking about. Cubanos, I think, are one of the sweetest drinks you could get. Yet, it’s such a little amount to drink. It’s two shots of espresso mixed with some kind of sugar, and mixed or whipped together. Can you say “Mmmmm!”?

6. Perfecting a drink the first time feels so good. When you pull really good espresso shots, or you steam the milk just right to get a latte foam, I feel a sense of accomplishment. And for those baristas that have manual machines, you’ll know this feeling. The perfect brown rainbow of espresso is like the equivalent to those oddly satisfying pictures. You know.