Cecilia in the Cellar — The Happiest Helper on Campus

Benson worker puts a smile on students’ faces

Eddie Solis Jr.THE SANTA CLARANovember 13, 2014[dropcap]A[/dropcap]t Santa Clara, Broncos have their very own angel in the form of Cecilia Carrasco. With her genuine interest in students, cheek-to-cheek smile and infectious positivity, she is easily one of the most recognizable faces on campus.

It is rare to find someone whose personality reminds you of a saint — an undeniably kind person without a mean bone in their body.

“Anyone who lives on campus knows who Cecilia is. She’s always smiley and friendly,” said senior Amia Nash. “Her positive energy and her contagious smile and laughter make for a good environment at Santa Clara.”

Carrasco, otherwise known as “Cecilia in the Cellar,” has been employed at Santa Clara for over 15 years.

Day after day, students make their way into the Cellar Market downstairs in the Benson Memorial Center to grab snacks. There, they are greeted by Carrasco asking in her accented, but mastered, English, “Hi. How are you today?” Her small frame barely contains her vivacious personality.

“I like to talk to people,” Carrasco said. “It brings me a lot of joy that students are so sweet to me and that they say ‘hello’ and tell me how their day is going. It makes my day happy when I see them and talk to them.”

Alumnus Gladis Romero, who worked alongside Carrasco for over a year, has fond memories of her. She remembers the both of them laughing and enjoying their work. Before business hours, they would play Cumbia music and dance along while stocking the shelves of the store.

Unique moments like these are what make Carrasco special to the student body. For the past few years, adoring students have banded together to sing her “Happy Birthday,” make her birthday cards and put a smile on her face in the same way she does for them.

Carrasco said that positivity can spread, multiplying and eliminating negativity. She never wants to be someone who is responsible for another person’s bad mood. Everytime she throws on her burgundy polo and name tag to work in the Cellar, she makes sure to bring her best attitude.

“Of course I’ve been sad. I have problems and bad days like everyone else, but you have to stay positive,” said Carrasco. “I have always believed that you have to see the good. Everything happens for a reason. If you believe in God, it will work out.”

For some students, Carrasco’s encouraging and supportive nature has made her like a stand-in mother. She believes family is the most important thing in life. There is nothing she loves more than her two daughters and grandchildren. It is only natural that Broncos see her as a maternal figure, who cares for all students.

“One time I was sick and Cecilia went upstairs and got me a hot tea with lemon and honey and that’s just an example of how caring and motherly she is,” said Romero. 

Carrasco recognizes the importance of education and its need in society. She is happy to work in a place with so many young people full of potential. 

Despite how difficult school may be, she reminds students how lucky they are to have the opportunity to get an education, one that so many around the world will never know, and encourages them to “hechale ganas,” or give it their all.

Contact Eddie Solis Jr. at esolis1@scu.edu .