The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 3/10/08 Section: Vignettes

Media Credit: Google Images [Click to enlarge]

Behind a corner desk at the William Paterson Bookstore, Starr Lighty answers her phone and talks to customers as if they were family.

Eight years ago, Lighty began working at the Student Center, serving Starbucks Coffee. There she would discuss topics with students and faculty, ranging from music and movies, to the most popular subject matter: Sex.

"My Starbucks was like a nightclub," Lighty said. "Students would sit and talk about anything from A to Z."

Buzz about Lighty quickly ventured around the campus. After serving coffee for two years, Lighty met John Carbona, district manager of Follett, the company that operates the campus bookstore. Impressed by her kindness and customer service, Carbona offered Lighty a job at the bookstore as customer care coordinator, a position created just for her.

And the rest is history. Lighty has worked at the bookstore for six years, ordering textbooks and helping students find what they need.

"It's been a good six years," Lighty smiles. "I've met so many wonderful people that keep me coming back."

Lighty sports on her left arm a yin and yang tattoo, representing the philosophy by which she lives. She's always believed that you get what you give, calling herself a "new age hippie."

At 39, Lighty is still shooting for the stars, wishing she could one day work for herself teaching companies the essence on customer care. But for now, a Starr shines brightly at the student center--- serving smiles, not coffee.

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