Barista Q&A Series - Meet Stephanie Diaz

Meet Stephanie Diaz

Steph is in her third year at UF studying Health Science. She plans to pursue a career in Healthcare as a physician once she graduates. She has been involved with CRU since her freshman year and is currently leading a Community Group, which she loves (s/o to m'girls). Steph finds herself being fascinated by unexpected things and is making a deliberate effort to explore them at her leisure. She spends her free time drinking coffee at Pascal's, having mini dance parties whenever the urge strikes, writing about her ideas, researching weird (sometimes gross) medical facts, talking to her mom on the phone, and spending time with people who make her laugh. If you see Steph at Pascal's, come say hi! She will remember your name.

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​Q&A with Stephanie

​How long have you been a Pascal's barista?
It all started on an early Monday morning in May of 2015.  


Why did you want to become a barista?
Passion for coffee and the desire to learn more about it is what mainly drove me to want to become a barista.  Pascal's, in particular, had a certain draw to it.  Before I was a barista, I was a regular for about two years, loving the coffee and the atmosphere. I took notice of the difference between what I was getting at Pascal's versus what I was getting at other coffee shops, and became a little more knowledgable about what good coffee was. I guess I wanted to be a part of that. 


What kind of coffee do you keep in your pantry?
I actually haven't brewed any coffee at home since I started working at Pascal's, which could also arguably be referred to as home.


What do you most appreciate about the craft-coffee movement?
I like how thoughtful the process of making coffee has become. Also, it tastes good. 


If you could have any drink in your cup right now, what would it be?
Water. I'm gasping. As far as coffee is concerned, a cappuccino is my comfy go-to drink. 


What do you do on Saturday night?
Join in on whatever thing my friends are doing that night or make an attempt at spontaneity. 

What song do you have stuck in your head right now?
"Why not" by Hillary Duff.


What's your go-to Pandora station at the coffeehouse?
The Washed Out station. 


What do you think a coffeehouse’s role in the community is?
I think what makes Pascal's so great is that it is almost a community in and of itself. A coffeehouse should provide a warm environment for people to feel a sense of belonging as well as provide a great product. Within an academic setting, I think a coffeehouse should also attempt to foster a culture of curiosity and learning.