Column: Staff Notes

I come from a place where Harley-Davidson’s roam.

A land not far from where the sweet and sultry smell of rich Hershey’s chocolate fills the air.

Where the weekends are filled by family and the raging noise of Pennsylvania Posse sprint cars.

Not far from the city of brotherly love, you’ll find my home in York, Pa.

I will be joining the staff here as an intern for the summer as I complete my bachelor of science degree in sport management from the York College of Pennsylvania.

It was from then on that I fell in love with the small-town life.

Driving down the back dirt roads with the windows down, listening to the best that country music can provide.

I felt most welcomed from the beginning by how kind and courteous people from the Midwest are toward one another. It is mind-boggling how much that changes going back East.

This town has been nothing but inviting since I made my first trip to visit my aunt, Lyz Dobberstein, in 2008.

I returned again multiple times that year, but it was for the sole purpose of being with the love of my life, Cami Bergeson, whom on May 21, 2011, I made my wife.

This place that I will call home for the summer is not something that I despise, but rather I welcome it. Albert Lea, as I have discovered, has its many bright spots.

For instance, the famous Plaza Fajitas at Plaza Morena. Or the wonders that abound Albert Lea Lake.

Life in a small town shouldn’t be taken for granted.

I’ve made my beginnings in journalism as the sports editor at my high school publication The Paw Print. From there I have grown to write for the Athletic Communications Department under the tutelage of Scott Guise and Brent Duffy.

On a professional level, I was first published as a sports stringer for The York Dispatch, where I “cut my teeth,” if you will.

An introduction wouldn’t be complete without thanking the people who have allowed me to get to this point.

Whether it be the wonderful professors in my life like Dr. Tim Newman, or the people you only meet once in a lifetime such as Trevor Girling, the people who sacrifice the most are family. So here is to you — Donna Small, T.R. Wampler, Tammy Wampler, Charles Small, Daryl Gemmill, Betty Emminger and the many others.

I may have spent more time thanking those who got me here than telling you about myself, but that is just who I am.

If you see me at a game, event or even on a casual run through the outdoors, please don’t shy away from saying hello.

Garrett Wampler is an intern at the Albert Lea Tribune for the summer.