By Sam MacGilpin
@sam_macgilpin
Ceil Friedenberg is a longtime Starbucks barista for Harvest Table in the Learning Commons. The Student sat down with Friedenberg to learn about her experiences at Springfield College, her favorite drink and how she remembers drink orders so well.
Student: Where are you from?
Friedenberg: I’m from Springfield and I still reside here.
Student: How long have you been working here?
Friedenberg: January will be 10 years that Starbucks has been at the college. They started off in Locklin Hall and then came here [Learning Commons]. I have been with the college for 34 years.
Student: What is your favorite part about working here?
Friedenberg: When I see the students, I love to chat with them. I ask how their school is going, and their day. I just love that closure.
Student: What makes you smile without fail?
Friedenberg: When I make even the simplest drink, it means so much to the customer. When they all light up, and are happy, that makes me so happy. It’s no trouble at all too.
Student: Do you have a favorite Starbucks drink?
Friedenberg: I like chai tea, I like coffees, lattes. There’s really no one particular favorite, if you will. First of all, I try everything when the specials arrive because that way I can be objective and tell you exactly what it is. You know, if you’re looking for sweet, not so sweet. And that to me means a lot, and I take the time to do that.
Student: Rumor has it that you can remember customers’ orders from years and years ago. Is that true?
Friedenberg: It will take me a little while depending on the time, right? You know, but a while back, it was a little different. You kind of made it your business to know so that you could be that much further into the game. There was a customer – I used to see him come in – and it was the same order all the time. And then one day he came and I was about to start, and I said, “Usual?” And he said, “No,” and I said, “Listen, you have to give me a two weeks notice,” and that’s how the rumor kind of started. And he stood there and he says “You’re joking, right?” Obviously I was, but it’s almost like Cheers. You go and they not only know your name, but basically you get to a point where you know what they want, what they like and dislike.
Student: What’s your advice for students at Springfield College?
Friedemberg: I’d say follow your dream. Make it happen. Always have that energy that drives you to that and carries you forward to the next project. You have to have a vision, and like I said, dreams mean a lot.
Photo by Sam MacGilpin/The Student