Annette Campbell, Clinton, MD

Initially, I was drawn to the Indiana Foodways Alliance project because of the reputation and the work experience I had heard about Business Fellows. I thought it was a good opportunity for learning, working with others, experiencing new things and getting paid to do it. What attracted me specifically to this project was the focus on food products and processes. I am a hospitality management minor so this is good experience working with food-related issues outside of the classroom. I also love to experience food, especially through my senses.

I have a lot of favorite foods because I love to eat! I narrowed my favorites to chicken and all kinds of meat, pasta and pasta dishes, fruits and vegetables, chocolate, Chinese food, seafood, mushrooms, cheese, garlic and herbs and bacon. Many of these foods are considered or connected to "comfort foods," which is probably my attraction to them. Most of these items are pretty general and can be fixed a number of ways, which I love to explore through cooking.

I love to watch the Food Network. The ones I watch the most are "30 minute meals," "Everyday Italian," "Drive-ins, Diners, and Dives," "Barefoot Contessa," "Food Network Challenge," "Ace of Cakes," "Simply Delicioso," "Throwdown with Bobby Flay," "Boy Meets Grill," "Tyler’s Ultimate, Dinner: Impossible," and "Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller." I watch these shows on a regular basis.

Other shows that I enjoy watching a little less often or they are shown less often include “Essence of Emeril," "Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee," "Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello," "Behind the Bash," "Guy’s Big Bite," "Inside Dish," "Iron Chef America," "Restaurant Makeover," and "Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger." I enjoy all of these shows from the recipes to the hosts to the feel of the shows.

Last but not least, I love to eat and cook. I want to attend culinary school and open and run my own restaurant or catering business in the future. I love learning new things, whether it is about food, cooking technique, the world or business. I am also hard working, ambitious and determined. I am excited and look forward to working on the Indiana Foodways Alliance project this year.