I started about a month ago on July 15th. I was offered the job the first few days in July, so waiting until the 15th was a struggle for me – I was VERY ready to start working. I just recently graduated from Buena Vista University in May with a degree in marketing, keeping myself busier than all get out. I had planned on moving to Des Moines after graduation (where I’m originally from) but had a change of heart (because of that handsome boy in the photo below) at the last minute and decided to stay in Storm Lake, well, Lakeside to be exact.
Dez & Me
I LOVED everything about BVU and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Storm Lake is a great community and I have so many connections in the area from my 4 years at college. My professor and advisor, Scott Anderson, suggested I contact Kathy as I had to completely redirect my job search. Kathy is a saint in my eyes. She took a gamble on a recent college grad and was gracious enough to give me the opportunity to work for the Corridor. Most employers would not do the same – it felt like an eternity before I found a position that was a good fit for me. I think working for a company that has a corporate culture that matches your values and objectives is incredibly important. After my interviews and research, I found the Corridor to be that exact place. I’m extremely blessed and thankful that everything has finally fallen into place.
My parents & I after BV’s graduation ceremony
Many of you are probably thinking, “Wow! That’s quite the jaunt each day from Storm Lake to Spencer,” and you would be correct; 47 minutes to be exact. Of course, starting a new job is extremely intimidating, especially starting my first “real” job. And then learning that I would have to drive almost an hour to work and back each day to an unfamiliar area was even scarier, to say the least. Little did I know that the Corridor was preparing for OEI and I was in for quite the ride once aboard.
OEI, for those of you who don’t know, is the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute. 32 students from five different colleges come to the area for a week in early August to participate in numerous activities that mirror those of a business. This is also the biggest event for the Corridor. As you could imagine, my first few weeks on the job consisted of OEI, OEI & more OEI. Nothing like diving head first into all the planning and implementing of events. Looking back at that hectic time, I’m thankful I started then. I was able to put my skills to work and actually help out as best I could, instead of being the “new girl” who twiddles her thumbs waiting to be told what to do.
Carrie & I at Okoboji Classic Cars during this year’s OEI
What an experience for those 32 students. I’m definitely jealous I didn’t take advantage of OEI when I was a student.
Life at the Corridor calmed down for about a day. We just had Mark Lautman, author of “When the Boomers Bail,” in the region this past Monday and Tuesday, so we’ve been promoting and scheduling events for his discussions all day, every day. And things aren’t looking to slow down any time soon. We have the Innovation Pavilion coming up September 7-14 at the Clay County Fair and we’re also in the middle of redoing our website – ahh!
Anyway, I just wanted to give you all a quick inside glimpse of what I’ve been doing during my short time so far with the Corridor. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead and getting to know the region better. Please don’t hesitate to stop in and say “hi” or shoot me an email (aguessford@lakescorridor.com) with any questions you may have. I would love to get to know each and every one of you.
Fun Facts about me (well, I think they’re fun)
Favorite food: Cheese! It’s a weird food to have as a favorite, but I can’t help myself.
Favorite T.V. show: Friends – nothing better.
Favorite Movie: Ladder 49, Big Daddy or Pitch Perfect – depending on the day.
Hobbies: I “enjoy” running (take that with a grain of salt), catching up on educational television (The Bachelor and Grey’s Anatomy are my weaknesses), painting my nails, volunteering, babysitting, crafting & spending time with my family and friends.
My friends and I before the Glow Run in Des Moines
Interesting fact: I have 3…First, I’m an only child (boo!). Secondly, I played softball all throughout high school and for two years in college. We won state in 2009, which was my senior year, and it was the greatest feeling ever! Go Dragons! Lastly, I’m obsessed with the number 27…it’s a long story.
My sweet & loving cousins: Michael, Me, Matt, Rachel
Favorite sports teams: Now, don’t judge me by these picks – I have very detailed criteria that allows these teams to be my favorites. I’m a HUGE New York Mets Fan; basically, I’m in love with David Wright (3rd baseman). I love the Seattle Seahawks; Russell Wilson is a stud! And finally, I’m a die-hard Cyclone, through and through (sorry to all you Hawk and Husker fans out there).
My future husband
Thanks for reading! I’m excited for what’s about to unfold.
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- Alexa Guessford
