When I graduated with a degree in history teaching, I thought my path was clear. But life had a different plan. Instead of stepping into a classroom, I found myself standing behind the counter of a small coffee shop in my hometown of Changchun in 2015. It wasn’t glamorous, and it wasn’t what I had imagined for myself—but I was drawn to the rhythm of steaming milk, the aroma of freshly ground beans, and the quiet satisfaction of serving someone a drink they truly enjoyed.
The first year was full of mistakes. I dropped cups, burnt a few lattes, and struggled to remember complex coffee recipes. But I loved the work. Every cup I made taught me something new, and slowly, I began to understand the delicate balance between science and art that coffee demands.
In 2016, I decided it was time to take a bigger step. I moved to Beijing, chasing dreams I didn’t fully understand at the time. I worked at a coffee shop tucked inside a traditional Siheyuan, learning how to navigate a busier, more demanding environment. I also discovered the world of coffee training—learning the nuances of extraction, milk textures, and espresso theory. That year, I earned my first barista certificate, a small piece of paper that felt like a giant step toward a career I was starting to love more each day.
By 2018, my curiosity and ambition took me further afield: Australia. From the tropical warmth of Darwin to the bustling café culture of Melbourne, I worked in different cafés, absorbing every style, every brewing method, and every interaction with coffee enthusiasts. Coffee wasn’t just a job—it was a language, a bridge between people, a craft I could pour my heart into.
Then came 2020. Covid changed everything. Borders closed, cafés slowed, and life took an unexpected turn. I met my girlfriend online, and she became part of the reason I returned to China. Back home, I took on the role of Lavazza manager, diving into barista training and sharing my knowledge with others. It felt like a new chapter—one where I could combine my love for coffee with teaching, a skill I had once studied academically.
Today, I live in Canada, working at Little Victories Coffee Roaster. Over the past three years, I’ve earned several certificates and even took second place in the 2025 Canada Latte Art Championship. Every achievement reminds me of how far this journey has taken me—from a history graduate unsure of her path, to a barista traveling continents, to someone dedicated to sharing the beauty of coffee with the world.
Coffee, for me, is more than a drink. It’s curiosity, patience, creativity, and connection. And if you love coffee as much as I do, I hope my story inspires you to explore, experiment, and share your passion with others. Because behind every cup is a story waiting to be told—and I can’t wait to hear yours.