I could be the poster child for the newly formed Generation Iowa Commission's campaign to retain Iowa's college educated. Originally from Alaska, I came to Iowa to go to Coe College. After graduating, I wanted to stay here. I looked high and low and couldn't find a job at a paper in Eastern Iowa, though. So I moved back to Alaska for a job up there.
I only lasted 11 months. I came back to Iowa for a friend's wedding, realized how much I missed this community, went back to Alaska, put in my two week notice and started packing.
When I tell that story to the high school students I'm frequently invited to speak to about a career in journalism, they look at me in disbelief. Adults too, always want to know why I'm here of all places. I guess they don't know what they have.
Participants at the Generation Iowa Commission's open forum at the University of Iowa Wednesday had a better idea. Asked to name Iowa's pros, they filled a white board with all sorts of kudos for the state. Asked to name the cons, though, they could do the same. Namely Iowa struggles to retain its young college educated work force. Because Iowa's employers pay less than other states in the region and nation, young professionals don't always stick around.
I did. And I love it. I have no plans to leave. But, since I'm the exception and not the rule it will be interesting to see what the commission comes up with for their report to the governor and legislature in January.