Know Your Bookstore Employees- William

First of all, tell us a little about yourself. I graduated from OTC in 2012 with an Associate of Arts degree in teaching. I’m currently a senior at MSU with a major in math education. I work in General Merchandise at the OTC Bookstore, with a focus on required supplies and office supplies.

While the General Merchandise employees at the OTC Bookstore share similar responsibilities, you have some unique responsibilities. Can you tell us about them? Specifically, my purpose is to help take the load off of our GM manager by doing a lot of background number-crunching to determine the appropriate stock levels for the required supplies. I get to research new and fun items and recommend them for the bookstore. I’m also heavily involved in making sure all students have graduation regalia, processing those orders, and putting plans together for our team store.

What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy mathematics and playing video games.

How long have you been working for the bookstore?
About 2 years.

…oh my gosh, has it been that long?

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?
I worked at Wal-Mart for ten years in store planning, remodeling and setting up brand new stores all across the country. I’ve traveled everywhere from New York to Florida, Michigan to Texas.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?
Being a student, I enjoy the flexible hours and being able to contribute to the success of the bookstore and students at OTC while still having time to do the things that I need to.

Any favorite bookstore-related memory you could share with us?
Last year’s Community Day; we made Sno Cones! I’m also a fan of the student picnics. Really, I enjoy participating in all the events OTC does…at least, when it’s not raining.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
Teaching mathematics at a small high school in a nice rural town somewhere in the great American South.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
I get excited about so many things…I haven’t been able to tell all the special stories behind all the items in my department. The Maped study set [only $6.99!] is definitely my favorite item we carry, though. It has a compass, protractor, and triangles, making it much higher-quality than what we previously carried. Students really wanted it, and I was able to resource the item from a different vendor and sell it cheaper to the students!

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
To magically reach difficult students and teach them math.

I asked fellow “folically-gifted” employee Jeff, so it only seems right to ask you, as well: what shampoo do you use for your long luxurious locks?
Suave, though I have been known to use Mane and Tail [BLOGGER’S NOTE: We do not currently sell either item at the OTC Bookstore. Sorry].

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
Do what you need to do to get your education. Without one, you’ll face significant [avoidable] challenges in life, and OTC is a great place to start.

Know Your Bookstore Employees- McKenzie Morrow

First of all, tell us a little about yourself.
I’m tough, sassy, honest almost to a fault, hardworking, can be serious, but enjoy joking around. I like reading books a lot, which is why I wanted to work at a bookstore. I like learning about European history, particularly Eastern Europe, and I hope to travel all over Europe at some point in my life. Maybe eventually live there, too.

How long have you been working for the bookstore?
I started as a seasonal employee in July 2012, and then became a regular in January 2013.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?
I worked as a cashier/customer service representative at Bass Pro Shops, then at Mediacom Ice Park as a party hostess, cashier, and customer service rep. And as of last Thursday, I'm now an employee of Great Southern Bank.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?
I enjoy working with textbooks and helping people find them. I also enjoy working with other employees; they’re easygoing, fun to hang out with, and take a lot of school-induced stress off of my life.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
A writer of science fiction/fantasy books, preferably with some historical aspects because that’s my major. But aside from being a writer, I’d like to do something in international politics, since my interests are in Europe and European culture.

What are your favorite hobbies?
My main hobbies are playing softball and reading. Like a nerd, I enjoy doing research on historical subjects. As for my more girly side, I like to go shopping for clothing and makeup. Friendly get-togethers are always fun, too!

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
Food items, particularly the Planters Nut and Chocolate Trail Mix [Blogger’s note- only $3.99!]. I’m very hungry when I get to work [Blogger’s note- Of course, she eats it before clocking in for work].

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
Controlling the weather. Tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, lightning…those would be cool things to control. Oh, telekinesis would also be neat. And shapeshifting. Actually, it would be hard to choose just one super power, so maybe all? [Blogger’s note- No.]

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
Don’t forget to bring your Smart Card whenever you come to buy your books!

Know Your Bookstore Employees: Matthew Reichert

First of all, tell us a little about yourself.
I am a sophomore at OTC with plans to transfer to Missouri State soon. I'm currently stuck in between majors, Music Education and…I don’t know the other one yet.

How long have you been working for the bookstore?
About 1 year and 2 months, off and on.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?
I’ve had a lot. Subway (the restaurant), various pools as a lifeguard/swimming lessons instructor, and a call center job at Brookstone, to name a few.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?
I really like not having to sit down in a cubicle. I’m forced to remain active. I particularly enjoy visiting the other OTC campuses.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
To play in a really good orchestra, maybe perform music for a movie score.

Any kind of movie in particular?
Something like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. As a whole, I feel those kind of movies have way better scores.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
Good question. There are so many options! I most often buy candy (of which we have many varieties- Blogger), but I think that all of our flash drives (starting at $14.99) are pretty neat.

Any kind of flash drive in particular?
Darth Vader! ($24.99!)

What sort of hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I like to go to the gym, play piano, and listen to music.

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
Invisibility. It’d be interesting to see how people act when no one is around them.

As a music major, what one song would you say perfectly encapsulates your bookstore experience thus far?
Space Jam! In Text Res we played that song over and over again.

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
S’up, y'all? Go Eagles!

(I don't care what it's Rotten Tomatoes rating is; Space Jam was a great movie.)

Know Your Bookstore Employees- Amy Page

First of all, tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up around this area, graduated from OTC in 1999 with an Associate's degree in Elementary Education, then went on to get my Master's degree with emphasis on reading. I was really eager to come back and work for OTC after graduating.

You're acquainted with OTC besides working for the bookstore. Can you go into detail?
I also teach Developmental Reading (RDG-050). It helps students who may have missed out on some key reading skills (main ideas, supporting details, context clues, etc).

How long have you been working for the bookstore?
On-and-off for about 2 years.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?
I worked as a reporter at the KRZK radio station in Branson, a 4^th grade teacher, girl scout summer camp counselor, and a Sunday school teacher.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?
Helping people, especially working with students who are either coming back after being out of school for a long time, or those just getting into college who are a little overwhelmed by the whole experience and helping them ease into things.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
To be paid to sit around, read, and critique books.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
I love the clothes. I enjoy looking at the new and upcoming fashion trends and applying them to how we present our clothes in the bookstore. My personal favorite is the white OTC hoodies with iridescent animal print .

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
The power of flight. Then I wouldn’t have to find a parking spot at OTC! Oh, and since I wouldn’t have to deal with traffic, I could sleep in later.

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
OTC has so many opportunities and so many different programs. Whatever you’re looking to do with your life, there’s a way OTC can help you achieve it!

Know Your Bookstore Employees- Jeff

First of all, tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I’m 26 years old and have been going to OTC on and off since 2007. I’ve also done just about every job at the bookstore at one time or another.

It takes a lot of time to have done every job the bookstore has. How long have you been working here?

Since it opened 3 years ago.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?

Oh lordy…I’ve worked in bookstores, gas stations, banks, a dog kennel, a backpacking camp, JC Penney’s Home Store…

As one of the longest-lasting bookstore employees, what job has been your favorite?

Actually handling and talking about the books, as well as spending time with students.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?

The employees here are probably the most personable of any place I’ve worked.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?

Owning my own rare antique bookstore. I’d throw in some fiction/nonfiction, as well. It combines two of my three favorite things: books and history. It also gives me an opportunity to deal exclusively with people who love books, delving into the history of not only books in general, but also the history of individual works, such as the period in which a certain book was written.

I suppose the next question is obvious: what’s your third favorite thing besides fiction and history?

The third is science, which unfortunately doesn’t come into play owning an antique bookstore. I can’t think of a job that involves all three, really.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?

The most intriguing, useful, and cost-efficient: our Microsoft Office Suite [BLOGGER’S NOTE: Available at the OTC Bookstore for only $99.99. Pluggity Plug].

For Mac or PC?

PC [BLOGGER’S NOTE: Mac version also available! Yeah, I’m shameless]. Nine times out of ten, customers say they enjoy the cost.

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?

The power of flight. I wouldn’t have to limit myself to Springfield; I could go anywhere.

Inquiring minds want to know: what shampoo do you use for your long, luxurious hair?

The sad thing is I know this off the top of my head because people always ask: Pantene Anti-Frizz [BLOGGER’S NOTE: Not available at the OTC Bookstore. Sorry].

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?

One should fully learn and familiarize themselves with all benefits and obligations of being a student before attempting to utilize them.

Know Your Bookstore Employees- Livia

A lot of neat people and things have come from Germany: cuckoo clocks, Ludwig van Beethoven, Porche cars, Wienerschnitzel, Oktoberfest, and my personal favorite, German chocolate cake (mmm mmm)!

Also notable is Livia. If you're having a lousy day at school, come to the bookstore on a day she's cashiering. Her bubbly, chipper attitude will cheer you right up.

                                                                 
First of all, tell us a little about yourself.

Well, I'm originally from Berlin, Germany and came to America about 3 years ago. I've been happily married 5 years and started going to OTC in 2010, with plans to transfer next semester to MSU and get a bachelors degree in psychology.

How long have you been working for the bookstore?

About one year now.

What other, non-OTC jobs have you had in addition to this one?

I've worked at Build-A-Bear, as a pharmacist, hair dresser, photographer, daycare center attendant (with 15 two-year-olds who made the job very interesting), and currently, besides this job, as a makeup consultant.

What's your favorite aspect of working at the bookstore?

My co-workers. We’ve become really good friends. I've had more laughs at this job than any other.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?

I’ve always liked so many different things that it’s really hard to narrow it down. When I was younger, I enjoyed drawing portraits and wanted to become an artist. Later I went to cosmetology school, then studied photography, but still wasn’t satisfied. I've always wanted a job where I could constantly be learning new things, so for now, I've decided to be an eternal student, always finding more things to try and learn. =)

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?

Riesen candies, chewy chocolate caramel covered in rich European chocolate [BLOGGER'S NOTE- available for a meager $1.59 at the OTC Bookstore!]. They're the best product we carry because they’re made in Germany (not that I’m biased)!

If you could have any super power, what would it be?

Shapeshifting. Since I can’t decide on a profession, I could shapeshift into anyone I wanted with any career I wanted!

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?

It’s easiest for students to get your books before or after the first week of class. That way you avoid the lines.

Now tell everyone reading the blog something in German that they’ll likely have to look up to understand.

Besucht uns im Buchladen! Wir freuen uns auf euch!

Know Your Bookstore Employees

We've been pretty serious as of late, what with the semester starting and all, so let's take things down a notch with a brand new feature on the Bookstore Blog: Know Your Bookstore Employees. Let's get to know some of the cool dudes and dudettes in our employ who help make your book-buying purchases a pleasant experience.

We kick things off with an interview featuring the man, the myth, the legend (among our staff, at least). I'm speaking, of course, of employee Alex Yocum.

During the busy season you'll often see this fellow manning the stations of the Richwood Valley campus bookstore. During the slower times, you'll often see him cashiering or running the bookstore's Game Day event. Just look for the guy wearing the trademark hat along with his OTC Bookstore staff shirt.

How long have you been working for the OTC Bookstore?
About a year now.

What's your favorite aspect of the job?
My fellow employees, the managers…everyone I work with! I like cracking jokes. I’m kinda the jokester of the bookstore.

Working at the bookstore is cool and all, but what's your dream job?
I have two: one, to work at ESPN as a reporter. My second one, to be a part of the Secret Service.

If you could have any super power in the world, what would it be?
To create food with my mind. You know, just thinking about it being on the table, and bam, biscuits and gravy!

Oh, and bacon. Because everyone loves bacon.

What’s your favorite item that the bookstore carries, and why?
I really like the Arnold Palmer Lemonade. I can’t find it anywhere else. The half lemonade/half tea combo is pretty awesome.

Being a music major, what song would you use to describe working at the bookstore?
“What Is Love?” by Haddaway. [Blogger's note- The fact that we were blaring this song while I asked him this question had absolutely no bearing on his answer]

Finally, what would you like to say to all the people reading this blog right now?
Pound it.

                                                                     Baby, don't hurt me! No 'mo!