The next time you pick up an Americano from the Davenport, take a second to see who’s holding your cup of caffeine. It could be the petite, raven-haired sophomore Sai Kuchibhotla.
If your daily routine includes a trek to the coffee shop, chances are Kuchibhotla already knows your order.
“We have regular customers, a lot of professors,” she said. “We know what they’ll get and have it ready when they walk in.”
Since the Dav moved into the new School of International Service building last year, Kuchibhotla, 19, has noticed a change in the flow of customers.
In the old Dav, employees could predict when to expect a rush of people. But now, sleepy students often hang out or study there, keeping the flow of customers constant and the staff always busy.
Although the new Dav is larger, Kuchibhotla believes it still has the same vibe. All that it’s missing, for now, are the memories stored in bookshelves and couches of the old Dav.
The most popular drinks are still lattes, chai drinks and its famous 50-cent Americano, she said.
“Students like the Americano because it’s so cheap, the perfect drink for college students. It’s the cheapest drink we have,” she said.
Kuchibhotla has worked at the Dav for nearly a year now.
“It doesn’t feel like a job,” she said. “Because it’s fun and I like the other staff members.”
This barista’s favorite drink is a chocolate chai with coconut syrup. Kuchibhotla enjoys experimenting with making and trying new drinks.
Kuchibhotla began working at the Dav last spring through the Federal Work Study program, which sets limitations on the number of hours students can work.
“My least favorite part of working at the Dav is that I only get to work three days each week,” she said. “I love my job.”
She is studying international economic development in the SIS and specializing in South Asia and Latin America.
When she’s not brewing the next pot, Kuchibhotla spends much her time working at the Hughes Hall front desk, studying in the library or just hanging out in the Dav.
She also holds many leadership positions in campus organizations, including ones on the Relay for Life team, the SIS Undergraduate Council and AU’s Peacebuilding and Development Institute.
“My favorite aspect about AU is how involved and passionate the students are here,” she said.
kfaherty@theeagleonline.com
