Antar Robinson

Clerk, Georgetown University Bookstore
Age: 22
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Time at Georgetown: 3 years

What drew you to the job?
First, my family works here. We have history up here. It’s just a good place. The people are very nice and there are a lot of activities that go on. I just like the community and the environment here.

What’s the family history you referenced?
My family actually used to live by the Exorcist Stairs. They used to come up here and play basketball. My grandma actually went to school here. My grandma and my uncle were born at the Georgetown hospital, so it’s a whole family thing.

Did you root for the basketball team growing up?
Yeah, I worked for a couple of games at the arena. I went to a couple of games as a kid. Every time I went in there the whole stadium was shaking. I remember seeing Allen Iverson. I went down there sometime because my aunt had some tickets. I saw this short guy playing and I was like, “Iverson, that name sounds familiar.” When I saw him get to the NBA I was like, “Oh, wow. I know exactly who that is now.”

How do you think the D.C. community looks at Georgetown?
From my point of view, they look at Georgetown as basketball. A lot of drug dealers where I’m from would wear Georgetown gear a lot. The first John Thompson would actually go out to the streets and pick players up. Now that I work here, it’s so much more than basketball.

Do you like the office environment in the bookstore?
Yeah, I work with my uncle and cousin. A lot of the staff in here are like a big family. 

Any funny stories of customers?
I was in the back room and I came out and saw two customers trying to take the accounting books. They saw me so they put them back, but I have no idea what they were trying to do with that. Another time two customers had a poster board and were trying to put pictures on the board without paying for it. Both of them were standing on each side and holding each other’s hands, so I asked them what they were trying to do. “We’re trying to see if the board can weigh us,” they said. “You ever try to do that?” And I was like, “Um, no?” I just didn’t get it. 

How would you describe Georgetown now to someone who knew nothing about it?
I would just tell them that if you come work here, don’t think it’s going to be a piece of cake because you’re going to have to do some hard work. You’re going to have fun, but you’re going to find yourself. I found myself here. I really like being up here.

Interview by Danny Funt