Living the Dream

On the outside Owen Zechman appears as a man among boys; a giant who bench presses mountains, but on the inside he is merely just a teenager who wants to play high school football his senior year. Owen attends Midd-West High School whose football program risked being discontinued last year when the Juniata County School District decided to end the 16-year co-op football program with Midd-West. This decision would force over 100 disappointed students to cease playing the sport they loved, but it mattered the most to their star player and captain Owen Zechman. After a marvelous junior season last year, the coaches honored him by selecting him to the Tri-Valley League All-Star 2nd team as both a tight end and defensive end. Not only did Owen receive this grand award, but he also earned a scholarship to play football for the Division 1 college, the University of Delaware. Disappointment coursed through Owen's veins when the thought of not playing football engulfed his mind, but who could blame him? Football is Owen's addiction and all he wanted in life was a chance to play it.

Owen stares gallantly before the game

I've never seen such a prominent display of joy than on March 8, 2018 when the glorious news dropped stating the NFL chose Midd-West as one of the selected high schools by the NFL's Kick Start Program. Hugs, high-fives, chest bumps, and ear-to-ear grins filled up the football players like water in a fish bowl. Once the news of getting a football team escaped, it spread like a wildfire. "Did you hear that we are getting a football team?" was being exclaimed more than the ever-famous "Kiki, do you love me?" Drake line. The NFL uses the Kick Start Program to help selected high schools commence their football programs. The NFL will pay coaches, provide uniforms from Nike, and supply equipment such as Riddell helmets, all for three years. When Owen found out the news he was as ecstatic as a kid in a candy store and raved about the exciting news, "It was like a dream come true and I couldn't believe it. Wow, just wow!" Instead of wondering if Midd-West would have a football team, Owen could finally think about the team itself and the upcoming season, "I'm so excited and so ready to go," Zechman shares. For someone who wants to continue their playing career after high school, this placed Owen in a literal heaven and he gratefully confesses, "I started playing football as a Midd-West Mustang and being able to end it as one is pretty amazing. God is truly good." Owen's excitement meter brimmed when Midd-West finally had a team, but what he found out later made the meter overflow. 

Owen sprints up the field with the ball after making a catch

All of the seniors at the Steelers train

As part of the NFL's Kick Start Program, the Midd-West football program received the chance to meet their sponsor team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers invited the team to the NFL team's training camp. The Midd-West players not only watched their idols train, but they also listened to speeches and meet their idols too. Owen especially wanted to meet wide receivers, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Antonio Brown, who led the team through a cheer at the end of the visit. "It was an amazing experience because I'm a die-hard Steelers fan." Owen explains ensuing the breathtaking visit. A question arose concerning motivation after the Steelers visit for Owen and he reports enthusiastically that his motivation has grown exponentially, "Yeah for sure, one part that stuck out to me was a speech about Hines Ward that made me think, I need to be better then good, I need to be great!" Seeing all of the dedication, time, and hard work the players put in made Owen want to succeed, but as Owen reveals later, having motivation doesn't automatically make you great, but the hard work and endless training you put in does.

When talking about hard work with Owen, he emphasizes the general perception of hard work by acknowledging it does suck, but that it is necessary if you want to reach greatness. Owen has played football for his entire life and can recall many late nights of practice and the countless hours spent in the weight-room. He hasn't gained his body-builder, 245lbs of muscle physique by eating chips and watching television all day. Owen praises watching game film and accredits his advanced football techniques to it. Aside from game film, he spends much of his time at the weight room, or what he likes to call his second home, "Watching game film improved my technique, but a lot of the magic occurred in the weight room just getting stronger." If you could put a bed and a refrigerator in the weight room, I'm 100% positive Owen could make living there work. Talking with Owen, you get a sense that only the beginning of his illustrious football career has begun. The fact that dedication flows through him like water in a stream at this young of age, rockets him on a b-line towards greatness. Oh, and did I mention he's already a whopping six foot, four inches!!! If you compare Owen's size to a pro defensive end's of six feet, four inches and 250lbs, you can see he already matches with an NFL player's size. Excellence and Owen go to together like peanut butter and jelly and I can't wait to see what his life has in store.

The Mustangs stampede into their first home game ever!

Football has helped mold Owen into the person he is today and it will continue to mold him even after high school. Owen, a senior in high school, plans on playing Division 1 football at the University of Delaware after he graduates, but does not completely know yet. Other colleges on Owen's list include Liberty University and Temple University, who both have a Division 1 football program. Although Owen does not yet have a college decided, he attends on majoring in lower education. In life, not only does Owen want to succeed, but he wants to help those around him succeed as well, which sparked his inspiration of becoming a teacher. I have personally known Owen for many years and can say without a doubt, he would make a great teacher because he is a great person. If Midd-West High School did not receive help from the NFL through the Kick Start Program, they would not have a football team and no football team would have limited Owen's chance of living his dream.

National Broadcasting Society - Bloomsburg University Chapter

The bulletin board for NBS, located in the hallway to studio a.

The 4 story, red brick building faces the northeast side of the Bloomsburg University campus. Nearing the four doors on the low side of the building the damp, crisp air carries the sound of the campus radio station, WBUQ. Walking down the brightly lit hallway to studio a, the feeling of entering an important area comes to mind. Each door has a black scanning pad, that only those in the mass communications major can unlock, but today the door to studio a stands wide open. Welcoming those who decided to join the national broadcasting society. Crossing the threshold from the control room, filled with buzzing computers and recording devices, to studio a the first thing you notice is the lime green paint covering two of the four walls of the rectangular room. Although the choice of paint may be questionable to those not in the world of production, it serves a very important purpose.  

Every Monday, at four o'clock, NBS  members gather in studio a. The student executives of NBS lounge beyond a crescent-shaped news desk located front and center in the brightly illuminated room. Behind them sits a wall of wooden paneling, and the signature maroon and gold Bloomsburg University logo.  The final students meander in, and the meeting comes to order. With vigor, the president gives a few announcements and everyone shuffles off into their groups. Each of the five different groups in NBS creates their own segment for the show.

Bloomsburg NBS logo.

Prior to any filming, certain processes must be completed by anyone interested in being on the show. “People don’t know how independent each person is, or how much a small group can do.” Says Kieran, the co-producer of Hotspot. The group huddles around Kieran and Sarah and begins to spout off ideas for this weeks segment.  Once some worthwhile ideas have been discussed, each individual member who thought of them must create a script.  Producers then review and make any changes they find necessary, to the completed script. As a group, during the weekly NBS meetings, the Hotspot team, set up a recording date. When that day arrives those who will be in front of the camera are sure to dress accordingly. Each person involved in NBS has their own responsibility, and it is up to them to take it on.

NBS members always seem to know what they are doing. Even some of the newest members with very little to no experience, carry themselves with pride. Knowing they are able to create anything they want. New members do not receive very much direction. This lack of direction can ultimately help each member become all the more creative. The national broadcasting society has a lot of different opportunities, and the choice of what to do is up to each individual person.  

The culture of NBS is different than most clubs or organizations on campus. "I think seeing others excel, and meeting passionate people [is one of the biggest rewards of my position]," exclaims Kieran. While you may think that a television show would be something very collaborative, at NBS it doesn't seem so. Each member can choose to participate in any segment, doing any role they feel comfortable with. 

Kappa Sigma Fraternity

The Letters of Kappa Sigma

"I will support Greek Life for the rest of my life!" This claim comes from a good friend of mine, Derek, who is involved here at Bloomsburg University. Whether you like Greek Life or not, it exists at almost every college around the country, besides catholic schools. Many students at Bloomsburg are affiliated with Greek Life, either a social fraternity/sorority or a co-ed fraternity. While speaking with me, Derek showed the ability to give me good information on what it means to be a brother of Kappa Sigma, and how brotherhood brings people together. Specifically, Kappa Sigma focuses on four important pillars, Fellowship, Leadership, Scholarship and Service. He exudes all these qualities, and that display proves the type of brother he is. There is a fine line between knowing what social Fraternities really do and what people think they do. Most people think it involves just partying and drinking, which proves they don't know the true meaning of a Fraternity. These young men make it a focus to do charitable work and take great pride in achieving good grades. These qualities make it possible to be a brother of Kappa Sigma, thus what makes Derek and the Fraternity unique.

Being that Kappa Sigma remains one of the best fraternities on campus, it is important for Derek to take great pride in being a brother. In doing so, he follows a certain set of rules that only members of Kappa Sigma know. In a low mannered voice, he reiterates, "Written and unwritten rules that we need to follow as gentlemen." He wouldn't elaborate as to what those rules are because of secrecy within the fraternity. But the low mannered voice he talks in does not show the way Derek speaks. Always upbeat and a big smile on his face, "Shap," his nickname, also known for being a class act, and definitely a truly funny individual. Derek appreciates being in the fraternity because of these rules that nobody but the brothers of Kappa Sigma understand. He rambles on, saying "The rules make you respect and acknowledge what being in such a great fraternity really means." Understanding the rules as a brother makes it important in being successful during your time at college.

Brothers of Kappa Sigma doing community service

There are important positions one has to take when in a Fraternity. Specifically, there is Rush Chair. Derek is the Rush Chair for Kappa Sigma and he constantly speaks on the phone. The clicking of the keyboard goes non stop because of the importance of the position. When explaining the position to me, Derek exclaims in a deliberate tone, "You are the one who controls who comes into the Fraternity... each kid who comes in holds the future of the Fraternity." The business-like tone in Derek's voice shows significance in his role. Each year the Fraternity picks a new Rush Chair, and this year Derek was voted in and has taken the bull by the horns with it. While always writing something down in his Kappa Sigma notebook, he references a mood of distress knowing that the decision lies in his hands. The pressure mounts more so now than ever because of rush season. He needs to make his presence known on campus and make sure he recruits the right kids to be apart of Kappa Sigma.

Derek will always want to be part of something, and choosing a Fraternity was the best way possible. He now has built a brotherhood that will last forever, with young men who will always be there for him. It didn't all start at Bloomsburg, though. As a young kid, Derek was regularly involved in clubs and sports, most notably, Football and Wrestling. He understood what it took to be part of a brotherhood, and wanted that to translate to college. A few times I brought up a common question kids in Greek Life are asked: What made you join? His response, "Ive been apart of something my entire life, clubs sports etc...when that ended I wanted it to continue in college." He clearly grasps the concept of brotherhood, and it goes back a long time from when he was young. And when asked why somebody should join the brotherhood of Kappa Sigma, Derek suggests, "Because college only comes around once, so live it up and find your home for life."

He hails from Metuchen New Jersey, yet it seems Bloomsburg has been Derek's home all along. Kappa Sigma flags fill the walls of his room in his apartment. Pictures of him and his brothers litter his paper-filled desk. On a regular Tuesday evening, Derek can be just a student, a Rush Chair, a friend and a brother of a prestigious Fraternity that runs all around the United States. Following the rules of this chapter, being apart of a family and "living the college dream" are all items that Derek has checked off. So when you come to Bloomsburg University, look for Kappa Sigma to be a topic of discussion when Greek Life comes up.

Chester County Family Dentistry

Mint or Bubblegum?

Pam at the front desk

"I have to go again already?" most children will say after they realize their six months from their last cleaning has flown by. Kids and adults alike do not particularly enjoy going to the dentist, but my time being at Chester County Family Dentistry has shown differently. The employees treat you like family as soon as you walk in the door. Chester County Family Dentistry focuses very much on the doctor-patient relationship to make coming to the dentist that much easier.

Room where patients
get their cleanings

As I walk in I am greeted by a woman named Pam, at the front desk, whom I've known since I was a child due to my mother working at the dentistry for over 20 years now. "Oh my goodness look how much you've grown Dillon, I remember when you were this tall" Pam comments as she raises her hand at a height to show how small I used to be. Pam always has a friendly and warm demeanor which makes her perfect for working at the front desk to greet people. My mother already informed Pam of my arrival to talk to one of the employees as well as my interview with Dr. Dave, so she acknowledges the staff of my presence and tells me, "Becky will be right with you". I tell Pam to pose for my picture before I leave so she picks up the phone and smiles, seen in the picture. As I wait for Becky to come out, I take a seat in the lobby's blue chairs. The room has a fish tank next to a chalk board and a small desk obviously meant to be a children's play area. There is also a large island with a variety of magazines on it which is clearly for the adults. I see Becky enter the room, so I stand up and greet her and she gives me a quick run down of what happens throughout the day.

Utensil cleaning room

They start every morning with a chart review which provides the information needed for all patients to be seen that given day. From then on the employees wait for scheduled cleanings and appointments with their patients as well as clean utensils used from each appointments. The lunch breaks are from 12:00 to 1:30 every Monday, Thursday, and Friday while on Tuesday and Wednesday they are from 2:30 to 4:00. Before I finish my chat with Becky and begin my interview with Dr. Dave I ask her "Is there something you look forward to doing every year at the office?". Becky quickly replies "Well I always love our Halloween parties at the office where we all collectively decide a theme and dress up in costumes. Last year our theme was board games so I dressed up as Candyland". I laugh at the silliness and thanked Becky for her time and go to Dr. Dave's office.

I greet Dr. Dave and sit down and he seems as light-hearted as ever. "Making the patient smile is almost as important to me as improving their smile. It is very gratifying when we can turn our patients into friends who enjoy coming in for a visit" Dr. Dave shares. Dr. Dave grew up in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington D.C. dreaming of becoming a dentist. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 1990 as well as The Medical College of Virginia in 1994. Dr. Dave's goal is to assure the best possible service to his patients who "place their faith and trust into us". He does not take this responsibility lightly. Dr. Dave uses a modern approach to dental care and uses the latest technologies available for the best performance.

Dr. Dave's office

Despite the common emotions of nervousness and distaste associated with going to the dentist, Chester County Family Dentistry is a prime example on how these feelings can be the opposite when the staff is filled with such genuine people. The dentistry makes the patient feel at home which is exactly what patients need when they are stressed about coming.  

Berrigan's Hoagies

When you walk down Main Street in Bloomsburg you are overwhelmed with the sight of restaurants and other food establishments. However, in my eyes, the big green sign over Berrigan’s is what first catches my eye. It is there inviting you inside to taste their delicious food. When you walk in you are greeted by excellent service, and exceptional smells of the food you are about to purchase.

 Outside Berrigan's Sub Shop. Bloomsburg, PA.

Berrigan’s is known to have the some of the best hoagies around Bloomsburg. This made me want to interview them to find out the best part about their establishment. The main attractions are their “Husky” Subs. These are personalized Subs specifically for certain palettes. One of their “Husky” Subs is called “What Da Keck” Sub. In this Hoagie is Grilled Chicken, Provolone cheese, Honey Mustard, Mozzarella Sticks, Curly Fries, Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Onions. This is a link to see what Berrigan’s has to offer https://www.berriganssubs.net/menu. These Hoagies are what makes Berrigan’s so popular because of their unconventional ingredients such as Mozzarella sticks and Curly Fries.

One of the many subs Berrigan's has to offer.

I walked into Berrigan’s with 2 friends of mine on a Wednesday night around 8:30 pm. We were greeted by a woman at the counter and sat down at the counter while she took our orders. I ordered the Veggie cold Hoagie and then I realized I would not be able to try one of the “Husky” Subs because I am a vegetarian. However, my friend, Caitlyn, ordered the “Long John Husky”. When our food arrived the first thing you could smell was the cheeseburger and mozzarella sticks that were on Caitlyn’s hoagie.

When I asked Caitlyn how she would describe her hoagie she went into full detail about how good her hoagie really was. “This was one of the best hoagies I have ever had! Putting Mozzarella Sticks in with a cheeseburger in the form of a hoagie is such a good idea!” When I asked if she would recommend the hoagie or Berrigan’s to her friends she told me that she would and she “would definitely order this again”.  My hoagie was very good as well all of the vegetables were fresh and very good tasting. The hoagies arrived very quickly and we were very delighted by the customer service.

Inside of Berrigan's.

As I was researching Berrigan’s I looked on Yelp at some of the reviews. While most good I saw a good few reviews talking about the vegetables not being fresh, and very rude customer service. This was not the case for me and my friends. We experienced very good food and excellent service from the woman at the counter. Berrigan’s seems like a very nice family friendly spot to go for a very good hoagie.