Junior Sydnie Vo was taking a walk through the streets of downtown Saratoga this past summer when she passed by Big Basin Cafe and noticed a hiring sign. Vo, who had been looking for a job to pay for essential needs such as gas, decided to apply for the job.

She was hired on the spot.

Big Basin Cafe, a small drink, sandwich, dessert and pastry shop located on Big Basin Way in downtown Saratoga, is known for its organic, roasted coffee beans and carefully prepared drinks. Many also appreciate the cafe for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere. From its signature window murals to its unique mugs, the cafe radiates a warm ambiance.

“Big Basin Cafe supports all things local and homemade that contributes to its ‘homely’ feel,” Vo said. “The cafe has a lot of flyers and cards of local businesses and events for people to pick up, since we do have a lot of visitors who pass by Saratoga and stop by the cafe.”

At the cafe, Vo works with college students, adults and other high school students who are all friendly and willing to help customers and co-workers in any situation. Even though working seemed like another stressor to Vo’s schedule, spending time with her co-workers gradually became a stress reliever and helped Vo take her mind off school.

“Work and school has been pretty stressful, but it has helped me learn some time management skills and how to prioritize my schedule,” Vo said.

Vo is usually in charge of the register or managing and serving the food. She works five hours every Saturday night and plans to continue working there in high school.

While working, Vo enjoys talking to customers and scooping the gelato. Even though working at a cafe may seem like an ordinary teenage job, she said it has helped her grow as a person.

“Working has definitely made me step out my comfort zone because I have more responsibilities and have to learn to work more efficiently,”  Vo said.