The University of Idaho Argonaut

Like many people, Sylvia White loves novels, fantasy and romantic suspense in particular. So as a cashier in the Idaho Commons Bookstore, one could say she’s well-qualified for the job.
White graduated from the University of Idaho last May and worked in the bookstore outside the Student Union Building that summer. She started work at the Commons fall semester, and took on a full-time position last month.

Novels, however, aren’t White’s only interests. She earned a degree in wildlife resources and is drawn to the biological and ecological elements of the field. White calls herself an admirer of art, specifically from the modern era. She participates in both digital and black-and-white photography, and she said she also enjoys the grace and beauty of ballroom dancing.
“I’d like to take private lessons if I can afford it,” she said.
What she likes about her job, said White, are the people she meets. The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, for instance, was interesting for her because of the people from Canada who came through the bookstore. White has also enjoyed learning her new full-time responsibilities such as ordering the Pepsi products and general stock.
“Sylvia is completely reliable,” said Claudia Wohlfeil, White’s employer.

According to Wohlfeil, White is dedicated, dependable and agreeable. When shifts need to be covered, said Wohlfeil, she’s there to fill them. Wohlfeil was impressed when, before White was hired, she continued to follow up on her application and make sure everything was taken care of on her end.
Jenifer Green, a friend and former co-worker of White, said White has a great personality. Green said most of the people she has spoken with have liked working with White. She’s cheery and easy-going, said Green, and she’s easy to talk to once a person gets to know her.
“I’m not usually instant friends with people, but with her I was,” Green said.
White said she isn’t sure what she wants to do in the future. She and her fiancé Kevin are getting married in May, and he is planning to attend graduate school. She is going to use this time to take a break, and to decide whether she wants to pursue her own graduate’s degree. White said she wants to “go with the flow” for a while. As to her current occupation, White said she would be interested to see how she feels in a different location; she’d like to know if she actually enjoys her work, or simply the Commons bookstore itself.
Whether she stays where she is or goes somewhere else, she has cultivated a place for herself here at UI.

“She’s a good friend,” said Green.