Spring Break
CVS head cashier reveals story behind 'excellent' catch-phrase
Chloe Thompson
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: News
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"I couldn't think of working anywhere else," she said. Plummer added if she could have any other job, she'd be a hospital receptionist, "just to work with the public."
This idea is funny to Plummer, who said she didn't think she'd ever been in the Kingston Emporium CVS before working there.
"I never even knew the Emporium existed," she said.
Of course after working more than a decade near URI, Plummer has had her fair share of stories, which range from sharing close relationships with students, receiving personalized posters from the URI women's basketball team and attending last year's Greek Week talent show after receiving an invitation from a student.
"It was an excellent reception," Plummer said with a smile.
Her great-grandson has even poked fun at Plummer, though the three-and-a-half-year-old may not realize it. Plummer, who takes care of her great-grandson during the weekend, said he frequently tells people to, "Have an 'excellent' day."
"I said, 'you know who he's been hanging around with,'" Plummer joked.
Though the phrase began without much thought, Plummer said she tries to be as considerate to customers as she can be.
"Every day, my prayer is for children," she said. Plummer even once had a book filled with names of students whom she prayed for each night.
"I always run to the front and give them a hug," she said.
Students have been witnesses to Plummer's kindness and said it's not unusual to see her hold conversations with customers or give them compliments.
Senior Chris Bessín said he's wondered about "Have a Excellent" many times, and said every day Plummer seems positive and outgoing.
"One time I was in there, and she found out it was this kid's 21st birthday," he said. "She told her manager she was going on a short break and made a point to sing 'Happy Birthday' to him over the intercom."
About 15 years ago, Plummer received her GED and earned a college-level score on it.
"They told me I had a wasted mind," she said. "I could've been anything in this whole world."
Plummer, who left high school at 17 to get married said, "Back in my era, [getting married] was the thing to do. There was no freedom. Had I had it, things would've been different."
In spite of this, Plummer said she is more than happy to work at CVS with her customers, her CVS family and her key phrase.
"I honestly believe this is a gift from God," she said. "I have so much to say about the students. Even if they're not students or professors, I take care of them."
Students seem fond of Plummer. Freshman Micah Siegel, who is a Rhode Island native, said she's been coming to the Kingston Emporium CVS since middle school.
"I feel like she's always been a part of CVS for me," she said.
Plummer seems to agree. "This is my first home," she said.
This idea is funny to Plummer, who said she didn't think she'd ever been in the Kingston Emporium CVS before working there.
"I never even knew the Emporium existed," she said.
Of course after working more than a decade near URI, Plummer has had her fair share of stories, which range from sharing close relationships with students, receiving personalized posters from the URI women's basketball team and attending last year's Greek Week talent show after receiving an invitation from a student.
"It was an excellent reception," Plummer said with a smile.
Her great-grandson has even poked fun at Plummer, though the three-and-a-half-year-old may not realize it. Plummer, who takes care of her great-grandson during the weekend, said he frequently tells people to, "Have an 'excellent' day."
"I said, 'you know who he's been hanging around with,'" Plummer joked.
Though the phrase began without much thought, Plummer said she tries to be as considerate to customers as she can be.
"Every day, my prayer is for children," she said. Plummer even once had a book filled with names of students whom she prayed for each night.
"I always run to the front and give them a hug," she said.
Students have been witnesses to Plummer's kindness and said it's not unusual to see her hold conversations with customers or give them compliments.
Senior Chris Bessín said he's wondered about "Have a Excellent" many times, and said every day Plummer seems positive and outgoing.
"One time I was in there, and she found out it was this kid's 21st birthday," he said. "She told her manager she was going on a short break and made a point to sing 'Happy Birthday' to him over the intercom."
About 15 years ago, Plummer received her GED and earned a college-level score on it.
"They told me I had a wasted mind," she said. "I could've been anything in this whole world."
Plummer, who left high school at 17 to get married said, "Back in my era, [getting married] was the thing to do. There was no freedom. Had I had it, things would've been different."
In spite of this, Plummer said she is more than happy to work at CVS with her customers, her CVS family and her key phrase.
"I honestly believe this is a gift from God," she said. "I have so much to say about the students. Even if they're not students or professors, I take care of them."
Students seem fond of Plummer. Freshman Micah Siegel, who is a Rhode Island native, said she's been coming to the Kingston Emporium CVS since middle school.
"I feel like she's always been a part of CVS for me," she said.
Plummer seems to agree. "This is my first home," she said.
