Written by: Abby Klostermann, Bergland + Cram Architects
Growing up in Northeastern Iowa, my future vision was already drawn. I always assumed I would call that corner of the state home forever. When I first moved to North Central Iowa, I’ll admit I saw the area as a temporary stop—a mere stepping stone in my career path rather than a place to build a life.
My whole trajectory didn’t just change; it was completely rewritten. The Cause? College Connections.
College Connections is designed with a specific mission: to promote progressive community and economic development by connecting young workers to the community—and to each other. On paper, it’s a series of social activities, networking opportunities, and “Lunch and Learns”. In practice, it is the bridge that turns a workplace into a home.
For a young professional, the hardest part of moving to a new area is often the “after-hours” experience. College Connections bridged that gap by providing me with several opportunities to meet peers and establish a true local identity. Through networking events and shared social experiences, I didn’t just make professional contacts; I made the kind of friends who make a city feel like a community.
College Connections transformed my perspective, evolving my summer internship into a second summer the following year, and ultimately, into a full-time career. Beyond the office, the program integrated me into the fabric of Mason City. From joining various city rec leagues to participating in Leadership North Iowa, I’ve moved from an outsider to an active community member. Now, serving as the Marketing Chair for “Growing Up Local,” I am dedicated to expanding those horizons for others, proving that Mason City is a place where young professionals can truly thrive.
The program was the key to unlocking the true potential of Mason City. It helped me visualize this area not as a brief chapter in my resume, but as a place where I could truly prosper and grow.
In a world where young workers are constantly looking for the “next big thing,” College Connections taught me the value of planting roots right here. I no longer see Mason City as a temporary place to work—I see it as the place where I am building my future.