Week 1 at Penn State

I absolutely cannot believe our first week here at Penn State University is already over! My first thought while flying in was: Wow…this place is beautiful! My second thought while driving toward the campus was: WOW…this place is beautiful! And my third thought while getting settled into my new home for the next 8 weeks was: WOW…THIS PLACE IS BEAUTIFUL! It is so green and lush with gorgeous rolling hills in every direction and (identical) brick buildings everywhere you look. Coming from Chico, California, where we are currently experiencing a drought, University Park is a site for sore eyes.

 

So far we have gotten to meet some of the chefs and assistant managers of Redifer, Pollock, and Findlay, as well as Mr. Hopey, Mr. Pierce, and, of course, Mamma Maria. Everyone is very friendly and has given us a very warm welcome into this department on campus. We are all looking forward to working with each other, picking each other’s brains, and learning foodservice skills and values from each others' different backgrounds and abilities.



Marisa and I serving at Findlay

This past weekend we worked at Findlay Commons from 5am-2pm for a high school girl’s volleyball camp. This was such an amazing experience for me, being able to finally put to use the skills and knowledge I have acquired in school and at home. Working in such as fast paced environment with so many different types of people is a true test of team work. I really enjoy working in this large scale food service facility, even though it was grueling work at times.

 

Cutting hundreds of rice crispy treats!

During the weekend, Marisa and I cooked up a few hundred pieces of Texas toast, cleaned the grills, sliced probably 50 bell peppers, minced at least 50 jalapeños, cored and sliced a case of tomatoes, separated a bazillion bunches of grapes, cut and stacked hundreds of rice crispy treats, re-trayed sticky doughnuts, sauted spinach, and the list goes on and on. It’s difficult to work 3+ hours before breakfast, stand for hours in the same position while slicing veggies, then have the energy smile and be inviting to every person you serve food to, but it’s all part of the job.



Dishroom: after my broken glass mess was cleaned up...sorry :(

Then we worked in the dish room. This is a huge conveyer belt/car wash that washes the dishes for you, and all you have to do is grab the dishes as they come around and put them on their appropriate cart. I shouldn't say "only" because the dishes are piping hot, there are many different types of dishes on the trays, and sometimes it feels like you'll never get a chance to catch your breath! We all loved it though, and we each had a particular area we liked best. I liked sorting the big and small bowls, small plates, and the glassware. 



Hula-hooping at the Arboretum

At first when we arrived the weather was warm and sunny, then the next day it was cold, then cold and raining, then cold and windy, then warm and windy. We all crossed our fingers that it would get warm and stay warm! The weather is gdefinitely getting warmer, and we’re enjoying spending time in the sun after our shifts. There are new adventures and opportunities around every corner in this town! On Friday we walked to a farmers market where they were giving away $5 bills to anyone who would complete their survey about your knowledge of food safety. After getting our easy $5, Aimme and I bought macaroons and kombucha. They were selling unpasteurized, non-homogenized raw milk for $4.50/half gallon (a steal compared to California)!



We have started discussing our special project in July in which we will be planning, organizing, and executing a farewell luncheon. This includes: deciding who we shall invite, creating and sending invitations, preparing a menu and a theme, planning the budget, setting up/breaking down the event, etc. This will be my first time helping plan and execute such an important meal. Looking forward to it!

P.S. Don’t wait in line at the creamery, get hard-packed icecream in your to-go cup during dinner for free!!!!! This is going to be a great summer.