Passionate, empathetic faculty and staff serve as the backbone for a vibrant college community. De De Soper—a recent addition to the Books and Bytes team—has already made her mark as a genuine and caring soul. Her presence cannot be missed, and her optimism radiates far beyond the walls of Milne Library.
Students know Soper as a caring, uplifting and efficient worker who has the ability to instantly turn a stressful day around—despite the masses of homework or studying that students have each week. She is found Monday through Friday working at the cash register of Books and Bytes and always has a smile on her face.
“It’s not so much Geneseo as it is the students—I mean they are awesome. You guys really are awesome,” Soper said. “You have changed my outlook on a lot of people. You really have. You are all so friendly, so kind, so considerate. You guys are so darn lovable, you really are.”
Prior to working at Geneseo, Soper worked at Mount Morris High School and in Livingston County as a certified nursing assistant. She joined the Geneseo community this August and loves everything about it—especially the students and her Books and Bytes coworkers.
“I live in Mount Morris with my husband and we’ve been married for 30 years,” Soper said. “I’ve adopted a lot of you guys as my kids.”
On-campus, Soper is known as a personable woman who is always happy and more than willing to serve students with whatever they need. She is known to personally ask students about their day and is always showering them with genuine compliments.
When asked about how she maintains such a positive outlook and upbeat attitude, Soper laughed and then teared up a little bit.
“I’m crazy. That’s the only way I can describe it, that’s just the way I am,” she said. “My husband always asks me why I’m so happy in the morning and I tell him I wake up this way! This is just who I am.”
Beyond Geneseo, Soper enjoys spending time outdoors and sewing. She also loves spending time with her husband and her two cats and has passions for crafting and baking.
“I love to bake. You can ask the students who work here,” Soper said. “I bring them brownies and all kinds of stuff.”
Soper’s coworkers enjoy her presence as much as the students do, and commend her for being a diligent worker who always makes sure things are stocked and ready to go. Specifically, Millie Aten—another worker at Books and Bytes—praised Soper for her work ethic and character.
“As coworkers, we think she is great, very enjoyable and [she] makes us all happy to come to work,” Aten said. “We absolutely love her—she is definitely an awesome part of our team.”
Students have even expressed their appreciation for Soper directly to her. She recounted one situation in which a group of freshmen girls approached her during her shift with a card thanking her for her service and kindness.
In her short time on the Geneseo campus, Soper has clearly already made a significant impact.u
Books and Bytes cashier De De Soper joined the Geneseo community in the summer of 2017 and has already made a notable impression. Students and coworkers alike praise Soper’s energetic, warmhearted personality and strong work ethic. (Annalee Bainnson/photo editor)