Every coffee drinker knows the pleasure and reward that comes when you lift the cup to your lips, inhale the heady aroma and take your first sip. It delivers a sense of deep delight. But Katherine Deissler discovered her love of coffee also lead to something more—a whole new feeling of confidence. Plus, a big step into the job market for an enterprising high school student. “I wanted to go places and have better people skills,” she said. “I wasn’t doing much and didn’t have the confidence to change things. I would get overwhelmed when I had a lot of responsibility.”
Katherine’s sister had gone through the Youth Barista Training. When her sister suggested she might like it, Katherine went to the orientation and soon after, started her barista training. At 16, Katherine became one of the youngest individuals to graduate from the program.
“I just LOVED it,” she shared. “The people are awesome. They really encouraged me and helped me realize I had it in me. They let me know this is something I could do. And I did!”
Katherine comes from a household of coffee drinkers. She says her Mom really enjoys a delicious coffee drink and has told her she is proud of her daughter’s excellent barista skills. Between finishing high school and her job at a local Starbucks, she works hard. “I was able to buy my own car, and I pay all the expenses of that as well.” And there is one more thing she’s especially gratified about. “I can do things on my own. I take orders and connect with the customers. And the people at Goodwill taught me that when I have a tough moment just stop. Think. And start again. I just breathe, and keep on. “
For Katherine, that’s become a calming, deep breath infused with the delicious scent of coffee…and success.
You can help a Goodwill participant find success through the power of work by
making a financial gift today. Thank you!