A Testimonial from Daniel: Embracing Growth and Connection at Paper Planes Café

"As I celebrated my 27th birthday this past December, I took a moment to reflect on the experiences that have shaped both my personal and professional life. One of the most rewarding chapters has been my role as a trainee at Paper Planes Café at YVR. Though I’m still in the early stages, it’s already been a transformative experience, expanding my skills and allowing me to connect with a supportive, inclusive team.

I was offered a position at the café shortly after its opening in October 2023, following my time at the gift shop. After submitting a few questionnaires, I was pleasantly surprised to be selected for the café. Moving from retail to a café environment felt like a natural next step, but what I didn’t expect was to be welcomed so warmly by such an inclusive and supportive team.

At the café, I’ve had the opportunity to bond with coworkers over common interests from the latest animation techniques to emerging tech trends. This has been incredibly fulfilling, as Paper Planes fosters a culture of social connection and open communication — creating an ideal environment for people to thrive.

What truly stands out about working at the cafe is the company’s commitment to neurodiversity. The team creates a comfortable space where everyone, regardless of neurodiverse traits, can collaborate, communicate, and feel valued. This inclusive culture has given me a sense of purpose and belonging, something that’s often hard to find in other work environments.

As I continue to grow in my role, I’m excited for what lies ahead — whether it’s learning more about coffee brewing, improving my communication skills, or collaborating on creative projects. In addition to my café role, my passion for animation and computer systems remains a core part of my identity. I hope to blend these passions with my work at the café in the future.

For anyone seeking a supportive, dynamic environment to grow and connect, I highly recommend Paper Planes Café. It’s more than just a job — it’s a place to be yourself and thrive. As I look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences and connections I’ve made. My journey at Paper Planes Café is just one chapter of many, and I look forward to what the future holds."

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