Abdulazziz, known by friends, family, and partners (employees) as Aziz, because, in his own words, “my name is really long”, arrived in the UK just over one year ago. Growing up in Homs, Syria, until the age of 13, Aziz fled with his family to Amman, Jordan, to continue his studies. Whilst studying Aziz juggled two jobs, one in a shop selling nuts, the other distributing newspapers.
“It was really difficult,” Aziz said, “but, looking back, I can see and feel how that experience changed my personality to become a more independent person.”
Fast forward to May 2019 and Aziz landed in the UK, he explained how he felt “stabilised” for the first time. “Everyone feels lonely at the beginning, but I had my family and we were all going through the experience together”.
Aziz’s first seven months were spent getting to grips with the English language, “seven months was enough time for me to understand English as well as other people understand me”. It was then time for Aziz to look for employment and start using his newly acquired English skills.
With the help of the Refugee Council, Aziz secured an interview at Starbucks. Despite almost going to the wrong Starbucks store – he recalls: “It was like something from a movie, how could I go to the wrong store!” – Aziz passed his interview with flying colours and, in March, donned his green apron for the first time.
“My journey at Starbucks has been the greatest thing ever, finding a company which respects you, gives you all the support that you need, you really feel like one big family with all the partners, it feels more than just a workplace. My store partners are always helping me with new words and my managers are really kind to me, giving me all the support that I need. Starbucks has a welcoming environment and I feel welcomed here”.