Before my first day of college, I ended up with a second job. Sounds like the perfect way to start the next three and a half years in a new town, right? Little did I expect writing my email on an interest sheet in Plemmons Student Union would lead up to this moment.
Sales and customer service are second nature to me, but starting out I didn’t know the region well. I was fortunate to be welcomed to Boone by my coworkers and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The greatest advisor ever, Dr. Allison Bennett Dyche, taught me how to navigate the small-town and university networks during a revolutionary time. Along with my supportive network of professors, she pushed me to keep learning and take every opportunity even after a rough day.
As someone who is passionate about helping others, I see this work as a service to my community. Every person and business has a story to tell and that’s why we’re here doing business the right way. Seeing folks and firms improve their lives and work by reaching their goals is the best part of this job.
Thank you to my family, friends, peers, and staff for motivating me to keep going. A special thank you former editor-in-chief Jenna Guzman for supporting the business office innovations over the past couple of years. Another special thank you to Vivian Parks for being a great friend and providing an excellent editorial perspective for business decisions. Thank you to our clients, community members, and donors for your generous support.
It has been an honor working with you all and I will cherish these years forever. While this is the end of my time at The Appalachian and as an undergraduate student, it’s not a farewell. Until our paths cross again, take care.
