Bio Brew: The Place to Be!

I hear “Grande Iced Mocha and Venti Upside Down Caramel Macchiato!” as I sit down at one of the round tables under the stairs in the science lab building. I have a clear view of Bio Brew, which is also where I work to earn some extra cash for gas and groceries. It is a whole other perspective watching on the other side of the counter as customers come and go. I see some familiar faces go up to the counter and order their daily coffee. As I am observing the unit, I notice that there is always a massive rush and the formation of a long line whenever classes just end or are about to start. Bio Brew is their one key pit stop to staying awake in class. Some of the students in line looked as if they were robotic with their tired and expressionless faces. It was obvious that they mastered the routine of going up to the counter, telling the cashier what kind of drink they wanted, paying, and then automatically going around the corner to wait for their drink to be made. Then as soon as their drink is called they grab it and rush off either through the halls of the science lab building, exit through one of the four glass doors, or run up the stairs to go study in the lounge. Researchers and professors are some of Bio Brew’s biggest fans and they always know to come and order their coffee during the middle of the hour when there are less people. I see the same man that looks like Einstein with crazy white hair and glasses hand over his 20 mL beaker to the cashier for a double shot of espresso. I see other people bring in their own mugs and coffee cups as well. One man asked for a refill of House coffee in his 7-Eleven Big Gulp cup. How does he sleep at night with that much caffeine in his system? So it seems like a lot of students and professors use Bio Brew as a general meeting area to grab a quick drink and then they all disperse to where they are needed next. A common look that I saw, especially when people were waiting in line was an exhausted and irritated look. Most students were slouching and some were out of breath as they walked in from the heat; but no matter where each person had to go next, there was always a look of relief as they walked away with coffee in their hands.