I Choose Emporia

Why I Choose Emporia

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Lindsey Bartlett

Why I Choose Emporia: I have a confession to make. I used to hate Emporia. That's right for my first two years as an undergraduate at Emporia State I was hard pressed to say anything good about the Emporia community or Emporia State. I felt it was just another college town with bars on every street corner and nothing to do.

The reason I originally chose Emporia was pretty simple. I had originally intended to go to college at K-State. However, ESU was cheaper and the program I was planning to major in at the time was nationally recognized at ESU (The Teacher's College). Emporia was also three hours from my hometown which was as far as I could get without going out of state, and after high school all I wanted to do was run as far away as I could.

However, after two years at ESU I almost transferred to another college and was pretty much just fed up with the college, my major, and the town of Emporia. Then through a bizarre twist of fate and the changing of my major (to English) I began to see things at Emporia and ESU differently. In something akin to a religious awaking I started to see that if you look close enough Emporia has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. Things only got better from there.

The biggest reason why I choose Emporia is Emporia State. The same college I about transferred from is now the college I never want to leave. ESU is literally my favorite place in the world. It was here that I found a community in the English department in which I could belong. There aren't many other colleges that can brag of the student centered atmosphere that is promoted at ESU. Here the professors really care about their students and will go above and beyond to see their students succeed and it shows. I value the relationships I have with the professors and ESU over almost everything. They are my biggest fans and my strongest mentors. The chances you get to be involved and really make a difference are also part of the unique environment at ESU. For all five of my undergraduate years at Emporia State I played clarinet in Wind Ensemble. I was definitely not the best musician, but I made tons of friends and have lots of amazing memories. The friends I made at ESU are my friends for life.

After ESU, there is Emporia's focus on the arts. I kind of want to wash the feet of the Emporia Arts Council members for making sure Emporia is an advocate for the arts. We may not have the entertainment that one can find in a bigger city, but thanks to the EAC, as well as the university, the arts are alive and well in Emporia. There is always something to do in Emporia from music concerts at ESU, live music at joints around town, theatre performances, and guest speakers. Emporia is constantly bringing it to the table when it comes to the arts and the people who believe passionately in them.

Then there is the inspiring story of the Granada theatre. Saved from the wrecking ball and years of deterioration by a group of dedicated Emporia citizens; what was about to be destroyed is now a celebrated and beautiful part of the Emporia community. The strong history and culture of this town lives on through its citizens who tirelessly promote all that Emporia has to offer.

In 2009 I graduated from Emporia State; proud but broken hearted to leave the little city with such a big place in my heart. The place I once tried so hard to leave is now the place I've spent the last year fighting to go back to (I'm proud to say I will be a graduate student at ESU in the fall). Some people probably think my love of Emporia and ESU is more than a bit weird, but personally I believe it's all in how you look at a place.

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Essays

Alfonso S. Rascon

I did not choose Emporia, Emporia chose me when it offered me a job at one of its many national recognized employers, it welcomed me with hospitality and open arms and gave me affordable housing.

Emporia provided me big city convenience within a ten minute drive ratio. Emporia taught me that a small community can be safer to enjoy being outdoors in its many parks.

Emporia showed me that I can be proud to call it my hometown being the founder city for Veterans Day and hometown of honorable people. Emporia chose me to work, live, play, start and raise my family, and I am glad it did.

Brandy Nance

From the first time I laid eyes on the city at night as you come over that last hill on the Kansas Turnpike headed north, it was my Emerald City. The city lights twinkled in the night reminding me of the great Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz. I still, to this day, get that warm feeling when I see those lights welcoming me home as I head over that last hill.

Before moving to Emporia in 2000, I would travel to Emporia with my dog, Jade, nearly every weekend to visit a friend. As I came up that last hill my dog always knew we were close to our second home because I’d say “look Jade, there’s the Emerald City.” She would perk right up from her slumber she had settled into since leaving our home in Wichita.

Emporia is near and dear to my heart. Emporia sits next to the most stunning landscape I’ve ever seen — the Flint Hills. The first time I drove through the Flint Hills it was during the spring and they were burning the hills. I was hooked as I saw the long line of fire that extended into the horizon.

Emporia, my Emerald City has become my home. After months of driving up every weekend and visiting, I decided to move to Emporia in December 2000. I left my hometown of Wichita, changed my career, my school and my life to come to Emporia. I came to Emporia with only what was in a small U-haul truck, my dog and a lot of hope for my future.

For me Emporia is home. Emporia is where I grew my wings. Where I found a new career and a new lease on life. I was welcomed with open arms to the community from day one. Emporia is a beautiful, rich and growing community, one that I am proud to have been a part of for nearly 10 years now.

I chose Emporia. I literally packed my bags one day and moved here. It was a snap decision — one I didn’t have to think twice about. But as I think back, Emporia chose me. She attracted me with her beauty, her open arms and her opportunities. She gave me my life as it is today. She gave me happiness, hope and a bright future.

So to Emporia, my Emerald City, I say thank you. Thank you for choosing me.

Erin Reece

In 2003 my husband was offered a job with a small company in Allen. Part of his job requirements involved us moving to that area. So we packed up and moved from Topeka to Allen. So basically we went from having hundreds of restaurants to choose from to a quaint little town with no stop lights and no convenience stores. When we made the move to the peaceful country I had to decide if I wanted to work in Topeka or Emporia. I had friends and some family in the capital city and I knew very little about Emporia. One thing I did like about Emporia was that it reminded me of the town I grew up in Southwest Kansas. I opted to go and work in Emporia.

My instincts were right. I loved the feel of the town. Everyone went out of their way to be nice and welcoming. It felt like home.

During the next two years I really became involved in the community. I joined the Chamber of Commerce, became an Ambassador for the city, etc. In 2007 I was lucky to be picked for Leadership Emporia. Through that program I learned the history of this incredible town. I also met some of the future leaders and worked with them on what we wanted Emporia to be in the future.

I was offered a job where I would still live in Admire, but travel to Topeka and Kansas City for work. It was with one of the top companies in the world. When I accepted this position I knew that I would miss working in Emporia. Above all I knew I would miss the people.

However, I didn’t realize how much I would miss that, until it was too late.

A few years later I started looking for a new opportunity to start working once again in Emporia. I was offered a position that would enable me to work in Topeka again; the same time I was offered a job in Emporia. There was no doubt in my mind – I took the offer in Emporia. I started working for The Flint Hills Community Health Center in Emporia in the fall of 2009. Once again, right away I felt like I was home.

I especially love working at a place that is very committed to helping people in the Emporia area. I enjoy speaking to local service groups and organizations reminding them that if they have insurance, by coming to Flint Hills Community Health Center, they are helping those who are underinsured or uninsured. So not only do they get quality health care from a top notch staff, they are also truly helping their fellow community members.

In December 2009 I ventured to work on slick roads. I slid on black ice and flipped my car end over end twice off of a 15 foot culvert. Every single person who drove by risked their own safety by stopping and making sure I was okay. One woman even offered to tell me where her spare key was so I could go to her house and wait for the police. These were complete strangers offering me to go into their house. I know from first-hand experience this would not have happened in a larger city.

Since I have started my new career I have had a few phone calls offering me to go and work in the larger cities again. But I am staying put. I learned my lesson. I refuse to go and work in a town that on the surface may seem to offer more than Emporia, but in reality does not.

Emporia has so many components. There are so many opportunities for people to learn here – through Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College. When someone is sick or needs financial help, this area pulls together and helps with whatever they can. Most Emporians would give you the shirt off of their back. I have never seen a more generous group of people than those who live in this area.

Most of the business owners I have worked with go out of their way to help their community. They see the importance of giving back. And the Chamber of Commerce goes out of their way to get new businesses in town. In Leadership Emporia I learned how much work can go into getting businesses and /or manufacturers to set up shop here.

Since I work closely with the media here – I am impressed with how much they try to help the community. KVOE and The Emporia Gazette do not just publish what happened in Emporia, but instead they make it a point to promote what is happening in Emporia. They also remind people to “Shop Emporia First.” This reminds people of what a vital part they play in the local economy. The Wave and Kiss 103.1 have also helped us run Public Service Announcements. The Shopper has helped us by adding our events to the community calendar. And the list goes on.

All of these are pieces of the puzzle that help make Emporia the city that it is. I was foolish to have ever left such a caring city. However, by leaving it made me realize what I had taken for granted and I don’t want to ever make that mistake again.

Harrison George

For four years Emporia has been my home away from home. Though I was raised in Wichita and lived there for over 15 years, I feel just as strong of a connection to Emporia as anywhere else. The people, culture, and history of this town have made it one of my favorite places in the world. I am blessed for all the experiences and memories that have been cultivated during my time at ESU. I feel I owe this university and town so much for all it has given me. The least I can do is put my thoughts into an essay expressing my love for Emporia and its people.

The answer to why I chose Emporia is really not that interesting, or even inspiring. It is what made me stay that has mattered to me. After graduating high school, I had only one goal in mind- go to film school. I wanted to attend KU or the Kansas City Art Institute to further my passion for film. But once I realized I was financially unable to attend either of those expensive schools, I had to start looking at other options. My next choice was Emporia State, for a variety of reasons. The tuition was affordable, it was in good distance from my home (not too far away from my folks but far enough to feel like college), and I knew some people who were already there. With a disappointed heart I set out for ESU. My original plan was to attend for a year, get my general classes out of the way, and then transfer to a “real college”. I thought Emporia would be merely a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

My first semester was a challenging transition from the life I had known before. Away from my parents and all that I was comfortable with, I retreated socially, and became introverted. I didn’t see the need of becoming invested in a town I would only be living in for a year. Then, through a series of fortunate events, I began to recognize that important opportunities were presenting themselves to me. I discovered three or four interesting clubs on campus that I was passionate about, and started meeting people with interests similar to my own. I branched out and started to explore the community around me. I soon realized that ESU had a lot to offer their students, if they were willing to look for them.

The rest of my freshman year flew by, and before I realized it, it was time to think about transferring. By this time I had already made a handful of close friends and I was an active participant in my classes and organizations. Suddenly, my plan of skipping town for Lawrence didn’t hold the same appeal. I was happy where I was because I had taken the time to seek out entertainment. Unlike a lot of the other students around me, I didn’t let Emporia’s reputation of being a “slow town with nothing to do” discourage me for long. So I decided to stay in Emporia and haven’t looked back sense.

Things have only gotten better since then. I am now actively involved in over six groups on campus, many of which I helped found. I am happy to say I am making changes for the better in my university, and I know I will look back with pride on the work I am doing.

But, just as important as my motivation to get involved is the fact that these opportunities were available in the first place. Emporia is a town rife with chances for its citizens to become directly involved in the workings of the town or the campus. In Wichita I always felt like I was just a faceless number in a sea of the half a million people who live there. In Emporia, I feel like I have the chance to have my voice heard, and I know the paths necessary to make it happen.

The reason I know where to go and how to make the things I want to see happen reflects another strong attribute of Emporia- the kind and helpful mindset that is homogeneous among its people. Never have I met a town full of such kind, empathetic, patient people who are willing to help one another out at the drop of a hat. Before moving here I had never fully grasped the idea of the “small town values”, but now I can say it’s evident that Emporia has it in spades.

My work with the group Program to Improve Emporia has really opened my eyes to the wide variety of advantages Emporia has to offer. Through the hundreds of conversations I have with students and community members, I am constantly reminded why Emporia is such a great place to live. It’s a town that fosters creativity and welcomes artists of all flavors. Our affordable cost of living makes it ideal for any artist to maintain a studio, and the community has always been ardent patrons of art, be it theater, musical, or fine art in nature. Our town is filled with a thick ethnic diversity that offers us all a chance to widen our perspectives and interact with individuals from all over the world. Above all else, we share a common Midwestern mindset: we are modest, hardworking people that will do whatever we can to help our neighbors. That, above all other Emporia traits, is what makes this such a great place to live.

These are just some of the many reasons I am proud to call myself an Emporian. The list could go on for days, but I fear I’ve already reached my word limit. Thank you for this opportunity to express my love for Emporia and Emporia State University.

(You can read more of my thoughts on life in the Midwest on my weekly blog, A Midwestern Mindset, found on the ESU Bulletin website)

Sharon McGill

I moved here with my family in 1976, and right after I got settled, I went out to find a job. Started at IBP and boy did it ever smell. All I could think of was why do people live with this smell? Money and jobs was why, but why would they stay? This was the big question. I planned on staying a short while, not but a year or so, then on to a bigger city. Well as you can see I am still here and there are lots of reasons. For me first and most important was it was a good place to raise my children. I really liked the school they went to and when a problem came up they contacted me and we worked on it together!!! Next was the people of Emporia. I found I really did like them. Once you got to know people it sure did make a difference. The people make this town better!!! Next I had everything I needed right here. I had a doctor who I like and took wonderful care of my family. A lot of places to shop and very good places to eat. I really don’t remember when I decided to stay, it doesn’t matter anyway, the thing was it was a good town to raise my family and live in. I didn’t need anything else. I love it here and I raised my kids and guess what? They joined the service and left, but they came back to Emporia once their jobs in the service were done. Now not only do I live here, but my kids live here also. What more could a person want. I have watched IBP change to Tyson and then close down the slaughter side. I have watched as the town grew with the building of the Wolf Creek plant in Burlington. Then watched as they slowly left. I have watched the building of the new dog food plant and saw them through some rough times. I now watch as Hill’s is built and hope for more jobs there. This town lasts because of its people and their never give up attitude. Emporia suits me just fine. I like Emporia.

Vernon McKinzie

After graduating from the University of Kansas in June 1959 with a degree in Entomology, I began working for a Pest Management company in Topeka. My wife, Nancy, was employed by the Department of Agriculture Marketing Division. Late in the year of 1959 I was given an opportunity to establish a branch office of the Topeka Company, possible locations were; Manhattan, Chanute, Parsons, Pittsburg, Ft. Scott or Emporia. Following visits to each of the communities we chose Emporia. The reasons were; the quality of the local public school system, the presence of both Emporia State and C of E, and a stable economy supported by the ATSF Railway Division offices and other local manufacturing businesses. A population of sixteen to seventeen thousand situated midway between Wichita and Kansas City on both US-50 and the turnpike only fifty miles from Topeka, the geographic location seemed ideal for us as a place to live. Since we had relatives in Topeka and near Ottawa and Osawatomie, Emporia was neither too far nor too close. Not too small or not too big and situated in a location that could promise growth. The beauty and serenity of the Flint Hills was a strong attraction for us. We moved into Emporia on Saturday, March 12, 1960, and remember a major snowfall over the weekend that resulted in the telephone installer getting stuck in our driveway the following Monday.

We continued to grow the business from our home until we purchased the building at 209 Commercial in the summer of 1963. Later in the 1960’s we were asked to consider relocating to Wichita to establish a new office location for the company. By that time both our sons were attending William Allen White elementary school. The school provided a great cultural opportunity for our family to learn to work with and love parents and children of different ethnic and economic backgrounds. We evaluated the impact moving to Wichita might have on our sons and even though the potential for greater growth existed in Wichita, we declined the offer choosing to remain in Emporia. January 1979 we became full owners of the business and changed the name to McKinzie Pest Control.

Our two sons are both Eagle Scouts, participated in sports, and both graduated from EHS and ESU. Our older son, Steve, completed a degree in Biology and Business Administration and was active in Student Government on campus. He began to work in the business in Junior High sweeping out the floor of the office. He operated a branch office we had purchased in Parsons following his graduation in 1980 and in 1990 moved to Manhattan to manage a Pest Management business we had purchased there. We sold the Parsons location to Doug Brinkman, a longtime employee. Upon our retirement at the end of 2001, Steve purchased the entire business including both Emporia and Manhattan locations.

Our younger son, Phil, completed his degree in Business Administration at ESU in 1986 and his MBA in December 1989. Phil was a part of the ESU Baseball team during his college career earning Academic All American honors. He began a career in Topeka with the ATSF Railway in early 1990. He continues to work in the BNSF Railway corporate headquarters in Ft. Worth where he has been since 1996.

My wife, Nancy, and I have been active members of Grace United Methodist Church since March 1960. I have had the opportunity to be involved with the Chamber of Commerce since 1960, and over the years the Emporia Kiwanis club, Boy Scouting, and privileged to serve as a County Commissioner from 1998-2002, during the construction of the new courthouse.

Emporia has much to offer. Nancy and I now enjoy retirement and have chosen to remain in Emporia, which allows us convenient travel in any direction. We enjoy following the ESU baseball and basketball programs. We appreciate the cultural and recreational opportunities including ESU Summer Theatre, Emporia Arts Council, Granada Theatre, David Traylor Zoo, Emporia Public Library, Lyon County Historical Museum, Flint Hills Technical College and outstanding health care facilities, just to name a few.

In our opinion, no other place could have allowed a couple of kids who graduated from a small high school in Eastern Kansas with an enrollment of under 40 students the opportunities and rewards we have enjoyed in Emporia, and in retrospect we would make the same choice again!

EVERY day it’s a GREAT day in Emporia!

Win an ipod or Flip Video Camera!

Tell us why YOU CHOOSE EMPORIA by writing an essay (up to 1,000 words) or submitting a video (up to 3 minutes). We want to hear your story on why you chose Emporia.

Submit your entry to:
Emporia Building Futures contest
719 Commercial
Emporia, KS 66801

Entries due no later than 5 p.m., Friday, February 26. Winners will be announced at a town hall meeting on Monday, March 8 and Tuesday, March 9. Official contest runs February 1 – 26, and early submissions are encouraged. E

ntrant’s name, age, address and phone number must be clearly printed on the submission essay or video. Contestants may enter contest more than once, and all entries submitted for judging will become the exclusive property of Building Futures, and not returned to the entrants.

Essay Contest Rules and Regulations:
All entries must be original, one-thousand words or less, and submitted in written form on paper or as a Microsoft Word document and mailed to Building Futures, 719 Commercial, Emporia KS 66801, or emailed to chamber@emporiakschamber.org. Entrant's name, address, and phone number must be included with the story. Contestants may enter contest more than once. Void where prohibited by law.

All entries must be postmarked, or delivered to the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce located at 719 Commercial no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 26, 2010. All entries submitted for judging will become the exclusive property of the Building Futures and will not be returned to entrants. To determine the winner, all entries submitted will be judged on impact of message and originality. An independent panel will conduct judging. Judging will take place March 1-5, 2010. Decisions of judges are final. Winner will be notified, by phone or mail, no later than March 12, 2010.

The winner will receive an Apple iPod. Winner need not be present to win. All taxes and any expenses not indicated herein are the sole responsibility of the winner. Parental approval is needed before prize is awarded to a minor. Any prize returned as undeliverable will be awarded to an alternate winner. Entry and acceptance of prize constitutes permission (except where prohibited by law) for sponsor and anyone it may authorize to use winners' names, photographs or other likenesses, biographical information, hometowns and statements concerning the contest for purposes of advertising and promotion without compensation to the winner.

The Leadership Team of Building Futures and their respective advertising, promotion and production agencies and their immediate families are not eligible. Not responsible for lost, late, illegible, mutilated, postage-due, misdirected mail, typographical or other errors. All prizes are guaranteed to be awarded.

Video Contest Rules and Regulations:
All entries must be original, no longer than three minutes, and submitted on VHS or DVD and mailed to Building Futures, 719 Commercial, Emporia KS 66801, or emailed to chamber@emporiakschamber.org. Entrant's name, address, and phone number must be clearly printed on the label or inserted into the Video or DVD sleeve. Names of people in your film must be listed, and must a release form stating they have agreed to be filmed. Contestants may enter contest more than once. Void where prohibited by law.

All entries must be postmarked, or delivered to the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce located at 719 Commercial no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 26, 2010. All entries submitted for judging will become the exclusive property of the Building Futures and will not be returned to entrants. To determine the winner, all entries submitted will be judged on impact of message and originality. An independent panel will conduct judging. Judging will take place March 1-5, 2010. Decisions of judges are final. Winner will be notified, by phone or mail, no later than March 12, 2010. The winner will receive a Flip Digital video camera. Winner need not be present to win. All taxes and any expenses not indicated herein are the sole responsibility of the winner. Parental approval is needed before prize is awarded to a minor.

Any prize returned as undeliverable will be awarded to an alternate winner. Entry and acceptance of prize constitutes permission (except where prohibited by law) for sponsor and anyone it may authorize to use winners' names, photographs or other likenesses, biographical information, hometowns and statements concerning the contest for purposes of advertising and promotion without compensation to the winner. The Leadership Team of Building Futures and their respective advertising, promotion and production agencies and their immediate families are not eligible. Not responsible for lost, late, illegible, mutilated, postage-due, misdirected mail, typographical or other errors. All prizes are guaranteed to be awarded.