As an Asian American who grew up in a low-income environment, with little involvement from parents, I made the best of what I had and managed to receive a degree in theology through Azusa Pacific University. I started with very little and through education, a strong work ethic, and knowing the weight of a hard-earned dollar I was able to take the little that I had and created an honest life for myself. 

I have always found myself in a coffee shop every chapter of my life. As an adolescent I spent a lot of time in coffee shops studying and meeting with mentors, I spent more time at coffee shops than I did at home because it was a safe space for me. When I was able to legally work I got job as a barista in a corporate coffee company and as I went off to college shifted from the corporate shop to a small family ran shop, then to a specialty shop. I received a degree in theology and in my senior year, I interned with a church that started a nonprofit coffee shop where I have helped with the launch of the coffee shop. From there I worked in different ministry and church roles but realized that what makes my heart beat is community development and discipleship.

This leads me to where I am today, a theologian in his late 20’s who wants to provide a safe productive space for students who lived a similar lifestyle he did, students who are underserved. Students who are “less likely to transition successfully into adulthood”. Success can include academic success and job readiness, as well as the ability to be financially independent. It also can refer to the ability to become a positive member of society by avoiding a life of crime.

My goal in Coffee Tab is to create a safe and productive space for students to spend their time and through employment, the hope is to develop a relationship that welcomes mentorship/ discipleship. This will lead to a higher quality of life through a higher cup of coffee.