During the week, I work as a barista! I love making espresso-based coffee drinks!
I love coffee!  Was it hard to learn?
It was a little tricky learning how to operate the espresso machine! It can be quite finicky! 
When did the profession of Baristas come about?
I'm pretty sure it's an old profession. The word barista is an Italian word that translates to bartender. Most Italian baristas serve hot drinks, cold alcoholic drinks and snacks. I'm not so sure when the term came to the US.
Interesting, I didn't know that?  Is it customary to tip a barista?
Yes, it is. Especially if your barista prepares a difficult latte art, cappuccino or latte. Those are a little more complicated to make than a standard drip coffee.