Dedication at the Bookstore

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: REBECCA MOLLY
Peter White is right at home in the College Bookstore. White has been helping students with all their textbook needs for the past 26 years, and he plans to be around for several more.

One of the most well visited locations on campus would have to be the Fanshawe College Bookstore. From textbooks to paper to apparel, the Bookstore tends to act as a one stop shop for whatever the average student is looking for. As an active customer within the bookstore, I can attest to the fact that I often find myself venturing to the Customer Service Desk to ask a question in regards to a product, location or price, and with a timely, personable and knowledgeable approach, I'm always provided the information that I'm looking for. As time has passed, items, size and appearance have changed within the Fanshawe College Bookstore, but what has remained is the presence and knowledge of Peter White.

Beginning his career as a truck driver, White dedicated 17 years of his life to that profession. However, after some medical complications with his back, he felt it was time to move on to a different position. He had always felt drawn to the college atmosphere and was waiting for the right opportunity to present itself for him to get a shot at it. Lucky for Fanshawe, 26 years later, White is still trying his hand at the college atmosphere.

As a retail and customer service clerk at the Fanshawe College Bookstore, White seems to be a jack of all trades. From locating textbooks for students and providing program information sheets to answering telephone calls to orientating students to submitting special orders to reloading student cards, White keeps himself busy! Reflecting upon my time with White during the interview process, he was consistently tending to students, receiving phone calls and doing multiple tasks at once. It was a true testament to the hard work and dedication that White devotes to his job within the college.

As our interview continued, I had an opportunity to see the true passion that White has for the success of the students, and all the services that help to ensure that success is reached for individuals. For example, White commented that September is often a busy month, which entails many extra hours as students are preparing for coursework ahead. In addition, White often works on the Open House weekends, and takes the time to answer questions and concerns offered by prospective students and parents of students.

As a student, there are times when the bookstore can be seen as a place of frustration, as book returns, expenses, and hours of operation can be seen as an inconvenience, however I believe this outlook needs to change. Through my short time with White, it was clear that the staff team that he is a part of sincerely cares for the students, and many of those answers that students see as frustrating are strictly policy and procedures that the staff team have to follow. For that reason, the staff team within the Bookstore deserve the utmost respect and professionalism, as day in and day out, it is people like White that help make the transition to Fanshawe College a smooth one.

When I approached White with the title of “Unsung Hero,” he was quick to point out that he feels like the Bookstore in general should be considered an unsung hero within the college. As a service provided, it is versatile, accommodating and essential to the success of students at Fanshawe College. It is a service that deserves recognition and respect from each and every student that accesses it, and is filled with gifted staff, such as White, who are ready and willing to help whenever available.

Thankfully, White commented that Fanshawe College is the “best step he ever took,” professionally, and plans to stick around until retirement in six years. He hopes that he'll be able to pull out a few more additional years after that. Although my interview with White was short, he made a significant impression on me. His character is one that displays a strong work ethic, care and passion for what he does, and for the people that he serves on a daily basis. My hope is that this article not only touches on the importance of the Bookstore as a service, but also White's importance to the success and thriving atmosphere here at the College.

Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.