How do I summarize such an amazing opportunity that turned into the ultimate internship? I’m talking about a summer filled with fast paced organization, creative thinking and execution of detailed marketing plans. This journey started at one of the most successful College of Agriculture and Life Science’s programs at Iowa State University, the Bacon Expo. At the Bacon Expo ’14 two friendly and approachable professionals from Iowa Select Farms greeted me as I passed their booth. Without any intentions of landing an interview, I attended the Bacon Expo ’14 to photograph the day for my job at the time. I ended up discussing the details of their Marketing and Communications Internship and agreed to apply. After proudly accepting the Marketing and Communications Intern position, I finished the spring semester and prepared for a summer in Iowa Falls, Iowa.On May 18th I kicked off my internship by meeting the other Marketing/Communications intern Francesca, who became a life long friend, discussed the list of projects and events I’d be a part of and met a handful of the Iowa Select Farms employees and soon to be “workfamily”.

Before I knew it, the adventures of Francesca and Melissa had begun.Early mornings were worth it when we got to experience the production side of Iowa Select Farms, the leading pork production company in Iowa. For the first time ever, I experienced showering in and out and oversaw the “day one” employees. I also documented farm employee’s every day life through photography and hands on involvement by starting the “Day In The Life” program.I spent endless amounts of hours on the road “Big Rigging” in the gorgeous wrapped semi where I helped deliver 22 tons of pork to over 66 food pantries and food banks throughout Iowa. This experience allowed me to really appreciate Iowa Select as I was completely involved in The Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation’s great efforts to “Do the right thing” for the state of Iowa and Iowa Select’s employee’s communities. While traveling from corner to corner of Iowa I pushed posts about our journey to those involved in the social media world.

Being involved in foundation work was the most rewarding part of the internship. I was included in the efforts to oversee the creation of the 2016 efforts to thank every Iowa member of the Armed Services through coupons and a 100 paged cookbook filled with pork recipes from ISF employees. I finished the execution of sponsorship marketing plan through promotional items for McKenna Haase, Iowa Select Farm’s sponsored sprint car racer. And finally, I was honored to be involved in non-profit organizations such as the Children’s Cancer Connection and The Backpack Program where I created a 3-5 minute video capturing the story of the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation, Blank Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Cancer Connection, and ultimately the Hansen Hope for Home. These responsibilities included a field trip to tour Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Children’s Cancer Connection and Hansen Home for Hope and attending an oncology camp.On top of these great efforts to support families in Iowa, I spent “office days” writing articles, working with a freelance designer, putting together care packages for Iowa Select Farms employees, organizing apparel, planning Iowa State Fair, Ice Cream Social, RAGBRAI and Adventureland events, and attending the World Pork Expo.

On top of all the work experience I gained, ultimately the best part about my internship with Iowa Select Farms were the memories made, laughs shared and happy tears shed with my boss, the other interns and the Iowa Select Farm family. I am truly thankful to have shared my college adventure with Iowa Select Farms.E-mail: Password:   Sign in with Facebook Forgot password? keana backpackCreating a new account is quick and easy.patagonia backpack fuego saleHow to Recognize Heat Exhaustion While Hikingwsu backpack journalism Here are five things to ask yourself to help you recognize and avoid overexertion and heat illness, with a personal story of how it happened to me.lexon backpack with laptop compartment

On a recent hike, I encountered a scary situation. Overexertion complicated by heat exhaustion. This is something of which every hiker must be aware. My brother and I decided to take a hike on Bear Mountain in Connecticut on a very hot day (the heat index was near 100˚). I’m an avid hiker, used to moderate to long distance day hikes and backpacking, but about a mile-and-a-half into the steep hike, I was gassed. czech backpack dayz modI was well hydrated to start the hike, but I needed to stop and sit down. abrasus backpackI was profusely sweating (a waterfall was coming from the brim of my hat), started to get tunnel vision, a headache, nausea, and had weakness in my legs. These were all the signs of overexertion complicated by the heat. My perspiration wasn’t cooling me down. The high heat and humidity of the day were making my body less efficient and effective at cooling

I’ve pushed myself to the limits in the past, but this was a frightening moment. My brother didn’t realize I had stopped and continued hiking. I tried to shout for him but couldn’t muster much of any sound. I felt like I was going to throw up and faint. So let my experience be a lesson to you. Here are some tips for recognizing overexertion and heat exhaustion: 1) Are you sweating profusely? If the humidity is high, perspiration isn’t as efficient and effective at cooling our bodies. This means our core temperature is rising and we’re losing a lot of water fast. Slow down and drink cool water. Stop in the shade or use local streams to cool off if necessary. 2) Do you have any nausea? Your body will pull blood from the stomach and digestive track to fuel the large muscles, hence why your stomach starts to churn. This is common with endurance athletes who push themselves to the limit. 3) Is your heart rate really high, faint, and/or irregular?

A quick rule to determine your maximum heart rate is 220 – your age. If you are working for extended periods of time at 85% of maximum or higher you are really pushing yourself. Take a break to let your heart rate recover and slow down the pace. 4) Does your skin suddenly feel cool with goose bumps? Do you feel dizzy, faint, or have tunnel vision or a headache? Heed these warning signs. Sit down in the shade and cool off. Electrolyte mixes can help recovery. When standing back up, do so slowly. 5) Are you thirsty? Your body needs fluids. Thirst is your bodies way of telling you the tank is running low. I usually hike with a hydration bladder in my backpack, so I try to sip a few ounces every 15-20 minutes. When I stop for a quick break I like to stretch the legs (calves, quadriceps, and hamstrings) to prevent cramping. If you suffer these symptoms on the trail, especially if they don’t go away after a rest, it is highly advisable to get off the trail. Remember, as famous mountaineer Ed Viesturs says, “Getting to the top is optional.