Hometown Hungry

Uniquely enough, I come from a town in Pennsylvania called Hanover. It may be rather small, but it carries the title of “Snack Food Capital of the US.” Within its tight borders lies eight snack food companies, each popular among residents and visitors alike. Their products range from potato chips to pretzels to chocolate.

One of the most well-known companies is Utz Quality Foods, a local potato chip company turned snack food giant. They source potato chips nationally but still do mostly all their manufacturing in our small town. From the ever-popular crab chips to the originals, they have something for everyone.

In high school, many students held part-time jobs in the factories. Many Hanover families are employed by Utz; it is a local staple. I held an internship in their accounting department and am grateful for all the opportunities it gave me. I learned more about a business that summer than in any college class.

Even more importantly, Utz holds a strong community presence. They hold a Summer Bash each year that provides free games and entertainment for local children in a safe environment. It is an annual tradition that draws a huge crowd and is led entirely by volunteers. They hold a breast cancer fundraising event each year. They even sponsor children’s sports teams throughout the community.

Whenever I’m asked in class for a fun fact, I will often talk about my snack food roots. And while it might seem silly to some, the company holds a huge role in our town. I grew up looking out my bedroom window at the huge red and blue neon sign that lit up the factory building. I have tried tons of flavors of potato chips in my life; some good, some not my favorite. And, after 21 years, I’m still not tired of them.

For a small town in the middle of Pennsylvania, snack food is the leading product and the pride of the town. I can proudly say potato chips have greatly impacted my life, for the better!

The Key to Surviving a Busy Schedule

If there is one thing that college teaches you, it is how to multi-task. You are encouraged to get involved in organizations, do community service, take lots of classes, and network both on and off campus. Soon enough, you are overwhelmed by the number of commitments you have each week.

There is nothing worse than forgetting an important activity and letting people down. When your schedule starts to get full, you are more likely to miss something. Accidents happen, but there are ways you can get organized and prevent them.

My college must-have, second to only my laptop, is my planner. I have tried to use online calendar sites, but nothing proves to be as helpful as my physical paper planner. Any kind will work, although I have my favorite brand and size.

At the beginning of the semester, I write down all my assignments, due dates and even times. Any events that I know of at that time are added too. This has saved me so many times from double-booking or missing assignments. Soon, the practice of writing things in your planner becomes second nature.

Tips for first-time planners include:

Color-code your responsibilities
Write things down as soon as you find out
Write down dates, times, and locations

Using a planner leads to better time management skills, more organization, and increased efficiency. These skills are essential in most all careers and are often looked for by recruiters.

Get one that best suits you! Make it fun, pretty, and practical, too. Add pictures and stickers if that makes you more likely to use it. Soon enough, your planner will become your best friend too.

Emotional Support or Struggle?

In my junior year of college, I decided to adopt a dog and register her as my emotional support animal.

I did a lot of research before I made this choice. That’s how I do most things: research, and often times too much. I have always been anxious and overly stressed, but I wanted to make sure that having an animal would truly help and not cause me more stress.

My decision was affirmed after talking with my doctor. And, when I look at my dog everyday, I know I made the right choice. But, in full transparency, my choice has had its struggles, too. Dogs are a lot of work and cost a lot of money. I am solely financially responsible for my dog. She requires lots of walks and attention. When she was a puppy, we both had a learning curve on training. Every now and then, she causes trouble and chews something up.

This does not, and never will, overshadow how much joy she has brought me. On even my most stressful days, she is happy to see me. She encourages me to take breaks from work and go for a walk or play fetch. Her tail wags endlessly every time I walk in the door. She motivates me to get out of bed when I feel like sleeping the day away. My dog has caused me to focus on something other than myself, to be more responsible and caring.

While we have our struggles, I am overwhelmingly filled with happiness every time I come home from a long day of class and see her curled up on my bed, anxiously awaiting my return.