French fries and chicken fingers

French fries, omelets, cereal, salads, chicken quesadillas -- and 850 students - were among the things that defined Butterfield Dining Hall at noon.

Raymond Sammarco

The smell of french fries and freshly made waffles filled the air as I walked inside. The students rushed past one another in what looked like a race to get the first spot in line. Whether it was the potato bar, the salad bar, the hot food counter or the deli, each featured long lines of hungry students.

At the deli, which is the favorite counter of the majority of the students in Butterfield at noon, 45 students eagerly wait. The deli offers 17 breads, 16 condiments, nine meats and five cheeses.

Raymond Sammarco, 18, a freshman, picked at his sandwich while laughing loudly with four of his friends. Their table, overflowing with chocolate chip cookies, two bowls of iced cream, french fries, a slice of pizza and a large baked potato, was drenched in Coca Cola that Sammarco had spilled while telling a story.

"I always come to Butterfield to eat because it is right across from my dorm. But I also have a place to meet with all of my friends," Sammarco said, adding, "I really love the french fries also."

At the same time a herd of 33 students poured through the door, behaving as if it were the first time they had ever eaten. A full staff of 25 worked hard as they swiped the students' IDs, greeted them, flipped omelets, cleaned up and helped the students in any way they needed.

"I like working with the kids and socializing with them," said Pat Thibault, a cook's helper. "That is definitely my favorite part of my job."