Energized

June 10, 2013
Intern's picture

I have decided to take a little different approach to this week’s blog. As I have been here for over two months now, I am getting a better feel for what the Iowa State Fair is all about. It is one, big, happy camaraderie that I feel extremely lucky to be a part of for just a short amount of time. And along with that, I have been exposed to so many different aspects of the state of Iowa that I honestly did not know much about before. I always say that people are the nicest in the Midwest (especially Iowa- and Nebraska since I’m from there!). Let’s just say that being able to run the Iowan of the Day program has locked in that philosophy completely. Although I am unable to meet the many nominees that I have been reviewing for the past week, it is evident how many people truly make an impact in their communities- and of all ages.

I think if you were to ask any of my Drake teammates, they’d tell you I’m a pretty energetic and passionate player. I will be just as excited to play the 100th game of my collegiate career as I was my first game as a fourth grader. I know this might sound crazy, but reading through the hundreds of nominations gives me this same type of excitement. I didn’t think it was possible to get an adrenaline rush working a full-time internship, ha! The bottom line is that I have seen first-hand how many people in Iowa go above and beyond for others, and thus make my job even more enjoyable. I owe it all to IOWA and the Blue Ribbon Foundation for giving me such a unique opportunity.

I have told myself from the get-go that I will choose a profession where going to "work" is one of the best parts of my day. While there are certain parts of a career we may not necessarily love, we simply cannot function without it. Thankfully, before I decided to play basketball at Drake, I knew that no college athlete can survive without loving what they do. It is such a demanding environment that without enjoyment, it is next to impossible to stick it out. I’m convinced that the same goes for the workplace. And let me be the first to tell you that I definitely love my job here. While Spalding was my first true love, the State Fair comes in a close second :)

PS- don’t forget to nominate a deserving friend or colleague for Iowan of the Day!!

Until next time

CG