If someone asked me four years ago whether or not I liked Newton, I would’ve rolled my eyes and said I cannot wait to get out of this town. I had my heart set on being anywhere but here. I would never admit that I liked the school district, or even liked the people here. It wasn’t until recently that I started to mature, as well as understand and appreciate Newton.
My parents worked for the Maytag Corporation before it was bought out by Whirlpool and left Newton. Both my mom and stepdad lost their jobs. I was impressionable, and affected by everyone saying that Maytag ruined this town. Growing up, kids were always saying how Newton “sucks” and that there is nothing to do here. I’ve learned over the past few years that the City of Newton is as great as you make it. I gave Newton a chance and found many opportunities that helped to make me the person I am today.
In August 2013, I started my first real job at Mr. Dan’s Maid-Rite, the classic restaurant that has been a staple of Newton since the 1920s. For two years, I have learned customer service skills and gained confidence as well as patience. I love meeting customers from out of town and seeing regular customers every day. The best skill I think I’ve learned is understanding and interpreting people’s personalities; I have definitely met all types of people. My favorite time of year is when all the Newton alum come back for alumni weekend, eat a sandwich and write their name and graduation year on the chalkboard. I have also learned to work with co-workers I would otherwise not have known. I challenge myself to learn something from every experience, and I will remember Maid-Rite as not just a high school job, but an aspect of my life that changed my character and taught me a lesson or two about hard work.
When I started high school, I wasn’t sure how much I liked it — there was a lot of drama, I didn’t feel like I fit in, and I really didn’t know what my interests were. By my sophomore and junior year, I once again learned that my situation was as good (or bad) as I made it. I found genuine friends and learned that I’d rather surround myself with a few good friends than a lot of mediocre friends. I joined activities that I discovered I really enjoyed, such as the school newspaper, speech team and book clubs. I realized the teachers at NHS are very approachable and willing to help. With the help of NHS and its connection with DMACC, I am going to graduate with about a year’s worth of college credit. Through the school newspaper, I also made connections in the community and got to know teachers, students and administration in my school. I learned everyone has a story to tell, and I wanted to be the person to tell their story.
I am still new to the professional world, and I have a lot to learn, but I’m pretty sure that in most places one cannot just walk into the office of a newspaper wearing a sweatshirt and jeans and expect to be accepted for an internship. I’m not sure what I was thinking the morning I walked into Newton Daily News except it was on my to-do list. I didn’t even know exactly what interns do. But, Abigail Pelzer gave me a chance. I told her that I wrote for the school newspaper, could operate a camera, was interested in journalism and willing to do whatever task they asked me to do. Instead, I was surprised to be given the opportunity to write stories and take pictures for the Newton Daily News. I get to spend at least 10 hours a week working on things I actually enjoy. Not a lot of teenagers are able to say that. Through the Newton Daily News, I officially became a published writer. I am making a name for myself before I even enter the real world. And on the plus side, this internship will look fantastic on college applications.
For the people that say there is nothing to do in Newton — I beg to differ. Newton is a community that has provided me with so many connections. Newton is a foundation for the rest of my life. I cannot wait to see what my last year of high school has to provide, the people I will meet and adventures I will have. And someday, I will be proud to come back to town and write my name on that chalkboard at Maid-Rite: Savannah Eadens, Class of 2016.
Contact Savannah Eadens at
newsroom@newtondailynews.com