Coffee and college The inside scoop from a Starbucks barista

Cloe Campfield Staff Reporter

Coffee and college seem to go hand in hand in every student’s life.

Although Stillwater has a variety of great options that offer caffeine to struggling college students, Starbucks has always been my first option.

Being a barista at Starbucks has taught me many new skills and the complexity that comes with something as simple as coffee. Today, I will share personal experiences, recommendations and tips and tricks to ensure you leave satisfied and caffeinated.

Training to be a barista at Starbucks was one of the most exciting and overwhelming experiences I have encountered in quite a while; especially when two months ago, I knew absolutely nothing about coffee. I was always a latte girl, short and simple.

However, working as a barista has shown me how broad and various coffee combinations can be. It can be quite overwhelming stepping into a coffee shop, especially when you are not quite sure what to order.

I have been asked many times as a barista what I recommend, and I love to answer this question.

My personal recommendation would definitely have to be the brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso, one of our most popular items, and for good reason. A combination of brown sugar syrup, blonde espresso, cinnamon and oat milk, this drink will definitely do the trick if you are in need of a refuel during your busy schedule as a student.

The special thing about brown sugar oat milk shaken espressos is that it includes an extra shot in your drink, which is why I recommend it so strongly to people who are in need of an extra boost to start their day or keep energized while studying.

I am particularly new to Starbucks, and I have not yet experienced what it is like to work there while also being a full time student. So, I have asked a few of my partners for insight on what it is like working as a barista while being a student, as well as their personal recommendations and their favorite benefits that come with the job.

Allie Beach has worked at Starbucks for about two years and gave me insight on what it is like to be a working student at Starbucks.

“It is so fun getting to be able to see all of my friends in the drive thru,” Beach said.

“Being college students I know they will need a coffee break and it makes me excited going to work knowing I will see them on my shift. I try to open up my schedule so I can work as much as possible during school. Starbucks has always been so flexible with my student schedule that I am offered as many hours as I need while also being able to balance my school and personal life.”

Beach recommended an iced white mocha, no whip, with vanilla sweet cream cold foam, topped with caramel drizzle— a very popular item we sell quite frequently. Beach also mentioned that one of her favorite benefits working as a partner is the free Spotify Premium each employee is offered when they first start their job.

Next, I talked to Trevor Johnson, a coffee master who has been working at Starbucks for two years as well.

Johnson always drinks sugar-free, giving a great recommendation to those wishing to order drinks in this fashion.

“For coffee, I do a flat white with breve, sugar-free vanilla, about half a pump and three blonde espresso shots in a tall cup,” Johnson said. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Although Johnson has not yet been a student working at Starbucks, he will use his benefits as a Starbucks partner to obtain an online bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. Starbucks and ASU collaborate together to allow partners of Starbucks the option to maintain a free degree online, a benefit many employees, including Trevor, seek to pursue.

Lastly, I talked to Hannah Ray, another student who has also worked at Starbucks for two years. Ray recommended a dragon drink with a scoop of vanilla bean and strawberry cold foam.

“Something very refreshing that also works as a substitution for those not seeking coffee,” Ray said. Ray’s favorite benefit is that each partner also gets 30% off food, drinks and merchandise, a deal she uses quite often.

There are many different ways to stay caffeinated in Stillwater during the school year.

Working as a barista has changed my entire perception on coffee making and broadened my variety of options, allowing me to finally find a drink that keeps me energized and leaves me satisfied.

If you are still unsure of what to order during your next trip to Starbucks, ask your barista. We love to answer questions and help you find a drink that fits your personal palate and caffeine intake. Another option would be to always try our drink of the week. Crafted by our baristas, each week we come up with a new drink that offers something new to curious customers wishing to try something different. Stay caffeinated, and good luck this school year. If you need me, you know where to find me!