MY STORIES ARE FEATURED
Exploration and interviews: Two of my favorite things
But there's nothing better than seeing your words in print. Follow along as I engage with Waco and beyond.
FEATURE ON CREATIVE WACO
Baylor Journalism Department, Fall 2016
Creative Waco, a local nonprofit, has spearheaded the process of recognizing Waco as a Cultural Arts District and connects different creative organizations to grow the cultural and creative community in Waco. But this organization has done more than just cultivate the arts in the community, Creative Waco’s efforts have brought beauty and attention to all parts of the city.
Part of Creative Waco’s job now is to amplify Waco’s offerings to ensure that when people come to Magnolia, the find the other unique opportunities in the city.
“I don’t think people come to Waco to buy expensive candles,” Bond said. “I think they’re coming to Waco to experience a little of the magic they see when Chip and Joanna create real places for other people to gather and create community. Our community is becoming known as a place that people want to gather in real time and a place that has a unique expertise in taking broken things and making them useful.”
HOLY SMOKES
Baylor University's Focus Magazine, Spring 2017
Anyone who knows good barbecue knows to look for smoke, the mark of the time required to create quality barbecue. At Schoepf’s Bar-B-Que in Belton, not only can you see the smoke, you can literally feel the heat of freshly made barbecue. More evidence lies in the stacks of mesquite wood outside.
Walk into “the pit” to order your barbecue, see it taken out of their steel box warmers and watch as it is cut and weighed in front of you. Enter the next room to choose between a multitude of homemade sides, everything from macaroni and cheese to cucumber salad.
SILO DISTRICT DOWNTOWN TROLLEY
The Grackle, WACOAN's Blog, Fall 2017
Monday through Saturday, Waco’s own trolley traverses the Silo District picking up tourists and Wacoans alike. At any moment, the trolley becomes a meeting place for people from across the country. Portland meets New York City and Florida greets Kansas. Guests find common ground as they compare weather differences, sports teams and, of course, the all-present question, “Have you been to Magnolia?” Despite their contrasting accents and geographical differences, they hold one thing in common: Waco, Texas.
At the sight of the bright green exterior rounding the corner, the trolley is reminiscent of the vintage feel of San Francisco. However, stepping inside and observing the attention to detail in the polished brass finishing and the hardwood accents, it’s fitting for the enchanting charm of Waco.
TRANSFORMING SKILLS
Our Stories Matter, Family Scholar House Blog, Summer 2017
When asked if the job shadowing program confirmed her original goals, Megan said that her experience did not show her what she wanted to do. Instead, it showed her a new opportunity. After shadowing, Megan changed her career path from immigration law to industrial engineering. Something she had not previously been exposed to but found to be the perfect fit for her skills and passion.
As part of our mission for participants to achieve self-sufficiency, we piloted a job shadowing program this fall. Now on our third semester, students are able to see what day-to-day life looks like by observing different professionals in the career of their choice. “There is the idea or dream of the career path we want and then there is job shadowing. I [now] live in a reality of what my future can hold with my desired job position,” one participant said.
Often participants are unsure of all the possibilities for future career choices because they have had little previous interaction with professional environments. Being able to experience these agencies firsthand gives participants insight into what their future could look like.