Celebrity Barista: Max Peterson

Let’s face it… we all go to the Starbucks in Alberton’s Library more often than we care to admit. The kind souls that work there provide an invaluable service in the darkest hours of need of every college student. During Dead Week/Finals, we appreciate them all the more.

Now, we have two important points to make. First of all, the individual who came up with the idea of a Starbucks IN the library was an absolute genius. Second of all, the very sympathetic baristas who work there, catering to our every coffee craving (extra vanilla shot– no problem!), are campus celebrities in their own right. Enter… Max Peterson! 

Age: 20.

Year: Freshman.

Major: Theater.

Hometown: Idaho Falls.

HC Boise State: What’s your work schedule at Starbucks like?

Max Peterson: If I’m not in class, I’m at Starbucks, or hunched over a computer a few feet from its doors. Basically, if you need a friend, come to the library. You can rub my shoulders while we chat about your love life.

HC: What’s the hardest part about being a barista?

MP: I would say that the hardest part about being a barista is the singing. As anyone who’s come in while I’m working knows, singing is a vital part of my role at this Starbucks. People really depend on my voice to brighten up their day. Making sure my performance is varied and inclusive can be challenging at times.

HC: What is your busiest time of day working at Starbucks?

MP: It really depends on the time of day that I’m working. If I work in the morning, that’s quite busy. However, I’ve noticed a recent swell in the masses when I work in the evenings, too.

HC: What drink do you find yourself making the most frequently?  

MP: Ever since the recipe hit social media sites, I’ve been making quite a few Butter Beers. Don’t order it.

HC: What is YOUR favorite seasonal Starbucks beverage?

MP: Gingerbread latte. It’s a subtle blend of rustic and contemporary flavors that reminds us of what’s important during this holiday season: staying in touch with the old things you’ve come to call home. This holiday season is all about gingerbread lattes and hugging the ones you love.

HC: Any tips for aspiring baristas?

MP: Don’t feel like you need to know anything about coffee to become a barista. I’d never picked up a mug before I started. Learning all the names of the different drinks seems overwhelming at first, but it’s all pretty simple when you get down to it. Don’t stress. It’s a great skill to have. You make lots of friends, and more than friends, too. 

HC: What are you most looking forward to over winter break?

MP: I’m most looking forward to getting some pleasure reading done. My bookshelf has sat sulking and neglected this semester and I’m stoked to get some books read that have been on my list for too long. It’s also going to be nice to spend some time with friends I’ve shunned for homework these last few weeks of classes.

HC: Favorite Christmas song?

MP: All I Want For Christmas Is You- the Glee Cast version. Now that’s Christmas.

HC: Favorite Christmas movie?

MP: How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Hands down. I feel like I really get the Grinch. I mean my name’s Max for crying out loud.