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Tara Gouldey

Major: Professional Writing

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Semester: Fall 2015

Graduating: Fall 2015

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Statement of Purpose

There is something about writing that I just cannot sweat out. No matter what I put down,

whether it is assigned to me to write or I am inspired, it never leaves me. Like a birthmark, I look

to myself for the ideas to pour out from me. At the keyboard, my hands create the shapes of the

words I can visualize but not form in my mind. This portfolio showcases my best work of both

my internship and professional writing, during my college career at Kutztown University of

Pennsylvania. Through providing examples of my work, you are able to see the various styles

with which I choose to write. I am thankful that I was exposed to many types of writing, and

look forward to growing further in the future and developing the craft. You may notice that there

are both similarities and differences between my internship work and my professional writing,

and that is because my professional writing is more creative fiction or opinion pieces, while my

internship work is strictly creative magazine writing. Through my internship, I realized how

much I loved having the ability to blend the two styles. I was incredibly thankful for the

opportunity for the internship at Berks County Living Magazine because of how much it allowed

me to learn about both writing and myself at the same time.

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Table of Contents

Chapter Page

Statement of Purpose………………………………………………………………….2

Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………..3

Resume………………………………………………………………………………..4

Internship work……………………………………………………………………….6-17

Bowman’s Stove and Patio Berks Bits article for December 2015 Issue…….6-7

December 2015 “This Month” for December 2015 Issue……………………8-15

That’s What She Said Berks Bits article for December 2015 Issue………….16-17

Professional Writing work…………………………………………………………...18-33

Out of the shadows, into the dumpsters……………………………………...18-22

Waiting out in the cold……………………………………………………… 23-26

The Two Seasons……………………………………………………………..27-33

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Tara Gouldey

Objective: Career to gain experience in writing and editing as staff writer.

Education: B.A Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA

Major: English/Professional Writing December 2015

Reading Area Community College Reading, PA

Major: Liberal Arts 52 credits

Related Courses:

Magazine Writing, Advanced Magazine Writing, Travel Writing, Copy and Line Editing,

Creative Writing: Forms, Writing for the Workplace, Contemporary Issues, Journalism

Work Experience:

Berks County Living Magazine Reading, PA

Intern August 2015-Present

Writes web exclusives, and Berks Bits articles. Compiles

events to create This Month section in magazine. Fact checks

articles, and gathers information for listings and articles

from contacts. Posts on Pinterest and develops Facebook

captions.

Mixx Boutique West Reading, PA

Sales Associate March 2014 – May 2015

Aided in posting to social media and created a blog.

Helped owner by selling items, stocking clothing,

dressing mannequins, cleaning, and creating outfit

options for customers.

A.G. Artisan Designer Finishes West Reading, PA

Assistant Painter May 2012- 2015

Assisted owner by painting multiple surfaces and

helping to prepare worksites. Has experience in

painting apartments and resident homes.

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Babysitter West Reading, West Lawn, PA

2010-2013

Created a safe yet fun environment for children.

Spent quality time, played interesting activities, and

prepared snacks.

Skills/Qualifications:

Creative, hardworking, friendly, optimistic, inspired

Knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, InDesign

Honors/Awards:

Reading Area Community College Dean’s list Summer 2011

Published in Shoofly Literary Magazine Spring 2014

Opinions Staff Writer at The Keystone Spring 2014

DIY blog 2014 - Present

(http://thebestdiys.tumblr.com/).

Interests:

Writing

Reading Fiction

Enjoying music

Watching foreign films and television shows

DIY projects

References: Available upon request.

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For this Bowman’s Stove and Patio article for the December 2015 issue of Berks County

Living Magazine, my objective was to interest our readers in hearths and fireplaces during the

winter. I had to describe what Bowman’s has to offer, but make it interesting so it enticed the

reader to read the entire Berks Bits article and possibly be tempted to contact the business. My

absolute favorite aspect of writing is the descriptions and creating mental imagery, so I loved

writing the beginning of this article. The target audience for the article was homeowners who

would possibly be making a winter purchase for their home. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking to the

contact through email. The exchange of information was really easy. In order to complete the

article, I imagined that I was a homeowner. What would I want to read that would make me want

to heat my home differently this year? This is how I approached writing the article. It helped me

to look from the reader’s perspective rather than my own. This was the first article I wrote for

Berks County Living during the semester, and I applied this tactic as I moved on in the semester

and wrote more articles.

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Tara Gouldey

Bowman’s Stove and Patio Berks Bits article

Nothing is better than listening to a fire crackle as the flames consume and crush the

wooden logs within under the pressure. You can experience this comforting sound within your

own home this winter thanks to the products at Bowman’s Stove & Patio, Ephrata. Dustin

Bowman states, “A new stove or fireplace adds warmth and beauty to your home and can save

you a lot of money on your heating bill.” They also add radiant heat that central heating systems

cannot supply. For more information, call 717-733-4973 or go to www.bowmansstove.com.

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For the December “This Month” for Berks County Living Magazine, my objective was to

scour the internet and find a fun variety of events in Berks County for the month. The events are

divided into sections based on what they are or what they include. This meant that I searched

many different types of websites to find events for each section. The audience that the “This

Month” is directed to is all the readers of Berks County Living Magazine. Since every reader has

a different general set of interests, it is important to cast a wide net with the “This Month”

listings in order to find something that every reader would be interested in. I enjoyed finding the

information for these listings every month because it really opened up my eyes to how many

great activities we have in our area, and once again I found myself writing my assignment as the

readers, instead of the writer. Also, it taught me how to get into a rigid format with my writing,

and as I learned the format and process to gathering the information, I became faster with my

work which is something I always need to improve on.

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December This Month

Compiled by Tara Gouldey

Art Exhibits & Galleries

Through Jan. 3

GERBERICH’S GADGETRY : ART THAT MOVES

North Museum of Nature and Science, Lancaster.

Experience Steve Gerberich’s sculptures involving objects like plastic parts, old furniture and

machine pieces that prove that household items can be used for more than just their purpose.

This exhibit catches everyone’s interest with its stunning visuals and connection to Math, Art

and Science. For info call 717.291.3941 or visit northmuseum.org.

Through Jan. 10

CURIOUS GEORGE TM: LET’S GET CURIOUS!

Reading Public Museum, Reading.

Monkey around with Curious George as your family helps him with obstacles! Children will be

able to experience locations they know from the show, including his apartment, the produce

stand, and a construction site, as well as participate in hands on projects that involve Math,

Science, Engineering and technology. For more info call 610.371.5850 or visit

readingpublicmuseum.org.

Through Jan. 17

FAT DOGS AND COUGHING HORSES.

Reading Public Museum, Reading.

Learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits with friends Hot Dog

and Holly Horse! The duo discusses the similarities of asthma and diabetes in both animals and

humans and the exhibit is completed by the energetic Hot Dog’s Fitness Challenge! Get ready

for learning and fun for the entire family! For info call 610.371.5850 or visit

readingpublicmuseum.org.

Dec. 13

GOGGLEWORKS

11-4pm, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading.

Visit the GoggleWorks to learn about the inner workings of the artist community and enjoy live

music, walk-in workshops, demonstrations and make-and-take projects. For more info call

610.374.4600 or visit goggleworks.org.

Benefits

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Dec.14

BERKS WOMEN IN CRISIS’ CELEBRATION OF PEACE

6-9pm, Yashek Social Hall-Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Wyomissing.

Join Berks Women in Crisis in support as they present their Voices of Change awards to State

Senator Judith Schwank, Chief William Heim and the Reading Police Department. Tickets: $75.

For more info call 610.370.7604 or visit berkswomenincrisis.org.

Classical Music

Dec.13

READING SYMPHONY POPS ORCHESTRA - A POPS HOLIDAY WITH SPECIAL

GUEST ELLIOTT YAMIN

4-6pm, Miller Center for the Arts, Reading.

Get into the Holiday spirit with this annual concert featuring Elliott Yamin! After making third

place on American Idol in its fifth season, Yamin is partnered with the Pops to perform some

songs from his Holiday collections. Tickets: $40, are available at the Miller Center Box Office.

For more info call 610.607.6205 or visit racc.edu/MillerCenter.

Dec. 19

READING SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS - HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

3-5pm, Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading.

The entire family will enjoy singing along, visiting the petting zoo, and seeing a jolly man in red

if the audience is lucky! Tickets: $15, are available through the VF Outlet Box Office, or

ticketmaster.com. For more info or to charge by phone call 800.745.3000.

Dec. 31

READING SYMPHONY POPS ORCHESTRA CONCERT- NEW YEARS EVE SIMON &

GARFUNKEL RETROSPECTIVE

7:30pm, Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading.

Have a soulful New Years Eve night out on the town with this concert featuring A.J. Swearingen

and Jonathan Beedle. After performing for over a decade, they will continue to ensnare their

audience with voices that mimic a classic duo. Tickets: $20-75, are available through the VF

Outlet Box Office, or ticketmaster.com. For more info or to charge by phone call 800.745.3000.

Holiday Events

Weekends in December & Dec. 21-23

SANTA TRAIN

Times vary, Colebrookdale Railroad, Boyertown.

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Santa trades in his sleigh for vintage vehicles, covered with thousands of breathtaking lights.

Passengers join carolers in the singing holiday favorites. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies that

are available for sale. Children are encouraged to deliver their Christmas letter to Santa. Prices

vary. For more info visit colebrookdalerailroad.com.

Dec. 4-27

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT GRING’S MILL 6-9pm, Wednesday through Sunday, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, Wyomissing.

Enjoy Santa Claus as a nightly guest while walking through fantastic holiday light displays until

Dec. 23. Live music and a model train display will add to the wintery atmosphere. $5 for

parking. For more info call 610.374.8839 or visit countyofberks.com/parks.

Dec. 1

WEST READING’S HOLIDAY GLOW CELEBRATION

8-5pm every day, Penn Avenue, West Reading.

Kick off your holiday festivities with this celebration which includes the 85th annual Tree

Lighting on Dec. 4 and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides all month along with Ladies and Men’s

special shopping nights, Mrs. Claus competition and the Run Santa Run 5K. For more info visit

lovewestreading.org.

Dec. 3

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR 7:30-4pm, Reading Hospital, West Reading.

The Reading Hospital Annual Craft Fair is free and open to the public. All proceeds assist

programs funded by The Friends of Reading Hospital. For more info visit

readinghealth.org/holidayhappening.

Dec. 5

IRON PLANTATION CHRISTMAS 10-4pm, Hopewell Furnace, Elverson.

Visit to experience the beauty of Christmas past as volunteers sing songs from the 19th century

as the park celebrates “Christmas at the furnace”. Beware the Belsnickel! Free. For more info

call 610.582.8773.

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM 10-4pm, PA German Cultural Heritage Center, Kutztown.

Come visit the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University to enjoy a

“Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas on the Farm”. Get in the spirit by children’s activities, vendors,

wagon rides, music, folk life demonstrations, purchasing Christmas trees and much more! For

more info call 610.683.1589.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE 10-4pm, Rodale Institute, Kutztown.

Browse through organically-grown Christmas trees, and wreaths while enjoying holiday fun at

the Rodale Institute! Delight in local craft vendors, organic foods, and activities for children

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including complimentary pictures with Santa on his vintage sleigh! No admission fee. For more

info visit rodaleinstitute.org.

KUTZTOWN CHRISTMAS ON MAIN 12-6pm, Main Street, Downtown Kutztown.

Celebrate the holidays in Kutztown and revel in this year’s theme of “I’ll Be Home for

Christmas.” The shops will be joined by the man in red, street vendors, musicians, children’s art,

train rides, fire pits, annual tree lighting and more! Free. For more info call 484.646.9069 or visit

keepinitkutztown.com.

Dec 5 & 6

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS Dec. 5, 7:30 pm; Dec. 6, 2:30pm, Albright College Memorial Chapel, Reading.

Berks Opera Company presents a concert version of this classic holiday opera, with the help of

the Albright Angels and Mane Men. Tickets: $5 students, $10 for public. For more info visit

albright.edu/centerforthearts.

Dec. 6

A HOMESTEAD CHRISTMAS 12-4pm, Daniel Boone Homestead, Birdsboro.

Celebrate the holidays with the Homestead and learn the history of Christmas. The holiday

traditions of the English and Pennsylvania Germans is not something to miss! For more info visit

danielboonehomestead.org.

DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN? 1-4pm, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, Reading.

The whole family will enjoy learning together about snowflakes, animals in winter, how to build

a snowman that feeds the birds, ice cutting history, and the difference between a white tailed deer

and reindeer at winter themed stations. Wear your favorite FROZEN shirt or costume for fun!

Free. There are activities indoors and outdoors. For more info call 610.796.3699 or visit

stateparks.com.

A PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS FEATURING MINDI ABAIR AND RICK BRAUN

3 pm & 7pm, Miller Center for the Arts, Reading.

Peter White’s Christmas show is a dose of holiday fun! Enjoy both their greatest hits and new

pieces. Peter White and friends start the holidays off right! Tickets: $42. For more info visit

racc.edu/millercenter.

Dec. 12

CANDLELIGHT OPEN HOUSE

1-6pm, Beidler House, Gibralter.

Come celebrate in the fashion of German colonials of early Berks County in this holiday open

house. This includes festive decorations, music, dancing, and seasonal treats to enjoy. Holiday

reception will follow until 6pm. For more info visit countyofberks.com/parks.

Dec. 13

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CHRISTMAS HOUSE TOUR & CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

Brunch: 10:30-1:30pm; Tour: 11-5pm, Centre Park Historic District, Reading.

Enjoy a champagne brunch at the Stirling Guest Hotel and tour several Centre Park Historic

District properties decorated for the holidays. Make sure to notice the architectural designs and

craftsmanship of the Victorian and early 20th century buildings. Park at FirstEnergy Stadium

and ride the free shuttle. Brunch only: $35; Tour only: $18; Combo: $48. For more info visit

centrepark.org.

Dec. 19

WINTER SOLSTICE WITH KING WINTER

5:30pm, Angora Fruit Farm Park, Reading.

Come spend the longest night of the year around a blazing bonfire, then stroll the candlelit path

to the main event at at cottage in the woods . Listen to a storyteller around the fire, and meet

King Winter. Ideal for families with kids ages 3-12. Make sure to bring a flashlight! To register

and for more info call 484.509.2667.

DEC. 27-31

HOLIDAY CAMP

Check-in: Dec. 27, 4-6pm; Check-out: Dec. 31, 4-6pm, South Mountain YMCA Camp,

Wernersville.

Come back to check out all the fun things to do in the winter for ages 6-15! Stay in heated cabins

and have delicious meals in Bynden Wood Lodge. Sledding, snow fort building, snow creatures,

along with experiments, exploration, and other goodies are planned for this retreat. Cost: $180.

For more info contact Amanda at 610.670.2267 or agriffith@smymca.org.

Concerts & Nightlife

Dec. 3

LEWIS BLACK

7:30pm, Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading.

Grammy Award-winning stand-up comedian, actor and author Lewis Black is coming to

Reading! Black performs over 200 nights a year to sell out audiences throughout Europe, New

Zealand, Canada and United States. Tickets: $49.75, 59.75. For more info visit santander-

arena.com.

STRAIGHT NO CHASER

7:30pm, Santander Arena, Reading.

Atlantic Records recording group Straight No Chaser has announced the release of their much-

anticipated new album in October as well as details of a major North American tour. Tickets:

$29.50-91. For more info visit santander-arena.com.

Dec. 5

JOHN PRINE

8pm, Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading.

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Long considered a “songwriter’s songwriter,” JOHN PRINE is an exceptional talent. The list of

songwriters who have recorded his songs include Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, the Everly

Brothers, John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Carly Simon, Ben Harper, Joan Baez, and many

others. Prine holds two Grammys and has been honored by the Library of Congress and US Poet

Laureate. Tickets: $46.50-91.50. For more info visit santander-arena.com.

Dec. 10

JAZZ UNDER THE STARS

5:30pm, Neag Planetarium at Reading Public Museum, Reading.

The group Cartoon Christmas Trio will perform at Neag Planetarium’s monthly jazz

performance. VIVÁ Bistro & Tapas Lounge will offer refreshments for purchase. Tickets: $20.

For more info call 610.371.5850 or visit readingpublicmuseum.org.

Dec. 11

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER

7:30pm, Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading.

The Mannheim Steamroller tour, now in its 30th year, has Grammy Award® winner Chip Davis

to direct and co-produce the performances with MagicSpace Entertainment. The shows will

feature the favorite Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with state-of-the-art

multimedia effects. Tickets: $46.75-69.75. For more info visit santander-arena.com.

Dec. 12

SINATRA FOREVER

7pm, Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading.

Rick Michel will be joined by a 14 piece orchestra to celebrate on Frank Sinatra’s 100th

birthday. This concert pays homage to possibly one of the greatest singers of all time. This is not

an impersonation show, but rather a tribute. Tickets: $25-45. For more info visit santander-

arena.com.

Sports

Dec. 18 & 19

READING ROYALS

7pm, Santander Arena, Reading.

Come Cheer on your home hockey team! For more info and tickets visit royalshockey.com.

Theatre & Dance

Dec. 4-13

9 TO 5 Genesius Theatre, Reading.

Based on the 20th Century Fox motion picture, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get

even with the man they despise to call their boss. Directed by Christopher Sperat. Tickets:

$17.50-28.50. For more info visit genesiusdifference.org.

Dec. 4

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PEPPA PIG’S BIG SPLASH 6pm, Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading.

Don’t miss this family event starring Peppa Pig, character of Entertainment One’s (eOne) top-

rated TV series on Nick Jr. Peppa is hitting the road for her first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa

Pig’s Big Splash. Tickets: $29.50-46.50. For more info visit santander-arena.com.

Dec. 19 & 20

NUTCRACKER 2015 PRESENTED BY BERKS BALLET THEATRE

Dec. 19, 2 & 7pm, Dec. 20, 2pm, Scottish Rite Cathedral, West Reading.

Enjoy the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. Fun for all ages; watch Clara as she takes a magical

journey as she sleeps. For more info and pricing, call 610.373.7577 or visit

berksballettheatre.com.

What Else

Dec. 11

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT, KIDS AT CAMP

6-9pm, Bynden Wood Lodge, Wernersville.

Involve your children ages 6-12 in fun camp activities from 6-9pm! Enjoy some down time or a

night on the town as your children have a blast with classic camp crafts and games! This

program is $10 per child, per evening. Contact Amanda for information and registration at 610-

670-2267 or smymca.org

Dec.18

KIDS' NIGHT OUT: WINTER MAGIC

6:30-10pm, Reading Public Museum, Reading.

Let your children age 6-12 explore The Museum after dark! They’ll have a yummy pizza dinner,

and an evening snack. The evening starts with a planetarium show where they’ll learn about the

winter skies, and will follow with experimentation with ice paintings, snowflake art and more!

Registration required by Dec.11. Tickets for Members: $20 for the first child, 15 for each sibling;

Tickets for Non-Members: $30 for the first child, 25 for each sibling. All activities are included.

For more info visit readingpublicmuseum.org.

Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE LOCK-IN

Drop-off: 5-6pm on Dec. 31; Pick-up: 12pm on Jan. 1, South Mountain YMCA, Wernersville.

Have a night out as your children have the time of their lives! This includes Night Zip-Lining,

Games, Prizes, and of course a Ball Drop, SMYMCA style. Parents can enjoy a night out with

friends and partners while YMCA gives their children a memory they’ll never forget. Cost: $45.

For more info call Amanda at 610.670.2267 or visit smymca.org.

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The objective of this Berks Bits article for Berks County Living Magazine for the

December 2015 issue was to highlight a talk show on BCTV. I was excited to get this assignment

because the show itself is creative and unique all on its own. I knew that I would enjoy writing

about the show. I believe that the audience for this article would be anyone that is looking for

funny, cool entertainment but does not normally watch BCTV or is unaware of its existence.

Also, the majority of viewers would probably be women, but I could see men watching it as well.

This is why I was so focused on writing the article so that it would be exciting to many people

and pique their interest. Again, I really loved that I could be creative and bring in the article

visually, rather than just stating information. This was the second article that I wrote for the

magazine, and I liked interacting with the contact. I had a better time asking questions this time

because I learned from the last article.

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Tara Gouldey

That’s What She Said Berks Bits article

Have a case of the Mondays? Grab your favorite wine and snacks and settle in to watch

the vivacious That’s What She Said on BCTV! TWSS is a creative and fun talk show in its 5th

year that is known as Berks County’s call in version of The View! It is shown and streamed live

every 4th

Monday of each month from 9:00 pm. to 10 pm. on BCTV and www.bctv.org. The cast

which consists of Jane Street (a.k.a Kirk Lawrence-Howard), Martha Richardson, Sheila

Harrington, and Nicole Weaver discusses a variety of topics, and even take field trips! Martha

Richardson said, “We always have something with alcohol to drink because we aren’t on family

time!” Tune in to experience the “mixture of conversation, issues and silly things” that occur

each episode! For more information, go to www.thatswhatshesaidonline.com.

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This profile long article was written for my Magazine Writing class that I took at

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania for my Professional Writing major. Our objective as

students was to find someone that we found interesting, then interviews them, and expose the

things about themselves that they wouldn’t normally share. I made a few revisions after I first

wrote about Melissa, more so working to create more of a flow. I really enjoyed interviewing

Melissa, as she was a no bones, out in the open type of person who was in no way ashamed of

her hobby. What I did not think I would discover about her as a character is that she would

downplay things about herself that she wasn’t used to be admired for. I loved looking into her

body language while I was interviewing her, rather than what she was actually telling me. I

learned a lot from this assignment. This is one of the reasons that I started looking into magazine

writing as a vein to plunge into for my career. I found it so inspiring to be able to look into

someone’s life as if they were a character of my own, and mold how they are portrayed.

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Tara Gouldey

Profile Long Article

March 14, 2014

Out of the shadows, into the dumpsters

Amongst the dim lit living room, Melissa Visconti sits uncomfortably on the chocolate

brown suede couch. Dark wash jeans and a black velvet zip up hoodie cloak her form and secede

into the shadows. Blonde tresses frame her petite face and she tightly smiles as if waiting for

noises to explode from the basement in order to relieve the tension. Moments before, Melissa’s

family consisting of her boyfriend Nate, son Landon, and honorary step-son Dylan, scurried the

perimeter of the now still room before retreating downstairs to build catapults. The two cats,

Booger and Monkey look on with steel cut gazes of distrust and affection while Tootsie Roll, the

dog, whines from her cage. Melissa looks to the TV and mentions about turning off Sanford and

Son so its not a distraction. She clasps her hands together multiple times and fidgets until the

interview begins.

Despite having a cleaning position at a local, big – time management apartment complex,

Melissa has the same issues that many other mothers with young children do. A substantial

wooden coffee table is covered with Landon’s toy cars and pencil-shaped construction paper

cutouts earned from good behavior. The boy’s fragile trophies reflect Melissa’s true passion for

dumpster diving and flea markets. Out of something so simple can profit grow. Messing around

with found computer parts, thrown-away jewelry and good as new soap dishes is her thing.

She leans forward and smiles again. “It started with when I was a little girl. I lived with

my grandparents and they were fairly poor, you know. My grandfather would drive around in his

pickup truck and bring home scrap metal from any cars that were going to be junked,” she said.

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“Back then all cars were made out of steel, so it was like, you know, it was a lot of money.”

Melissa’s smile stretches as she laughs again, seemingly more comfortable than a few minutes

before. “I grew up seeing that, and my grandfather would come home with a trash bag full of

copper or aluminum or steel and I’d be amazed from the fact that, like, he could make money

from this. This was all free stuff he’d pull out from the trash and the cars.”

After growing up in that environment, Melissa gained a further interest in appreciating

the potential of used items after she started to live with her mother. “My mom started taking me

around the neighborhoods on the trash days, and we would bring home lawnmowers, air hockey

machines, or all kinds of neat, little goodies like Oriental rugs that were still good. I kind of got

fascinated by that.” She places her hands together again, a smile interweaving between her

words as she nods to herself in slow motion. The memory crosses over her eyes and her mouth

becomes a firm line as she retraces the steps which brought her to the person she is today.

Dumpster diving in her childhood led to her adoration of the activity. Not only could she

have fun, but she could also make a fantastic profit. “Taking the stuff out of the trash and

pawning it,” she states, “It’s not just a junk to jazz thing. It’s not just a trinket or a knickknack

that you have. You could just turn it into cash.” She loved that she could acquire something that

wasn’t broken that belonged to someone richer than she was. In the present, she is allowed to

dive at her work. . “Yeah, cleaning can suck sometimes.” she said, “You get tired and it can be

repetitive because your always cleaning an apartment but then you find those finds there because

the tenants are so rich. It keeps you going because you know there’s going to be something in the

trash downstairs.” Finding money, jewelry, and recently a fur coat would coax anyone into trying

this hobby.

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She gained a curiosity about used items from yard sales and flea markets and what she

could find there. “It started when I lived with my grandma. She would take me out yard sailing

every Saturday morning, even in the summer.” Another deep chuckle escaped her, showing her

love of this memory. “Being a kid, you wanted to sleep in. She’d come in my bedroom at five

thirty, six o’ clock. She’d say, “Okay, Honey, time to get up. Early bird catches the worm.” and

she’d drag me out of bed.” Both of her grandparents fully influenced her to be interested in

finding items cheaply and making a return. She didn’t enjoy it at the time, and would have rather

played with Barbies at home but recognizes now that she is emotionally tied to her hobby.

Melissa jokes that now that she’s older, she sees the reason why they brought along a little kid to

go through other people’s discarded items. “I learned the value of it over the years,” she said, “It

is actually cool. It follows the family history. It’s in my blood; I have to do it. I have to. I can’t

control myself.” Her voice is a mix of caramel and bass as she heartily laughs at her lack of self-

control.

Melissa leaves the couch and goes toward the radiator. Within the room, she seems small

enough to fit like a china doll on a shelf. Her rented home dates back to the 1920s, and like the

items she collects, it has an acute time limit within her grasp and evokes a sense of charm and

antiquity. She gestures to a dark, slightly rusted lantern that is now hanging from her fingertips

and silently gauges my reaction. “This thing. This is one of my favorite ultimate things. This is

actually off of a ship,” she said, “It still has all the glass intact. Some of its kind of messed up but

this is a good find. You can see the story behind it, because its got the dents, and the

imperfections. This piece has got history and someone just threw it out. It was just sitting there

out in the trash.”

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Melissa Visconti sees the value in things where others cannot. In the dim light, she smiles

and it seems to brighten the whole room. Then, she pushes her nose up in the air with her finger,

mimicking a snooty look. “That’s why I get the free stuff because these people have their noses

stuck to the ceiling! They throw out working machinery, too. A paper shredder. There’s nothing

wrong with it. It’s not even jammed up and they throw it out.”

23

For this reported long article, the objective for the students in my Magazine Writing class

was to find something on campus that they wanted to discuss and have a hand in changing, but

had to find information and quotes to back it up. I remembered trying to go on a university free

mall trip, only to have the shuttle bus never show up after I had waited for over a half hour past

the time it should have been there. I knew that this angered me enough to want to write about it.

This article was more difficult to write for me, as I had to find others that had either had issues

with the mall shuttle like I had, or at least heard of it. After searching, I came across a woman

who was also angered, and a few others who had never tried going on the trip in the first place.

They agreed that they would be upset over this happening as well. When I revised, my professor

said to try to get more quotes so I searched for people who had the same feelings as the mall

shuttle and found others.

24

Tara Gouldey

Reported Long Article

April 13, 2014

Waiting out in the cold

At the McFarland Student Union Building at Kutztown University, dim twilight poured

across the sky in a gentle flush. Freezing temperatures caused the numb faces and raw hands of

many students to reflect the hue of the sky. In two uneven lines, huddled bodies convulsed

against each other as each gust of wind slammed torrentially down upon them. Some laughed

bitterly about how they could not feel their feet, while others retreated from the cold to sit inside

near a saving grace in the form of a heat lamp. One young woman offered a friend her gloves,

and gestured toward the diminishing line of students, which 40 minutes before had garnered a

sense of excitement. The bus for the advertised Wednesday Night Mall Trip was late.

The promoted Bieber bus trip for the Lehigh Valley Mall on Wednesday, March 5, 2014

was scheduled to depart from the McFarland Student Union building promptly at 6:00p.m. The

bus would then stop at various other locations on campus including Dixon and Golden Bear

Village South before transporting students to the mall. At 9:00p.m., the bus would retrieve the

students and transfer them safety back to campus. The school’s plan sounded appealing and easy

enough for students, except that not only was the bus late, but it also never showed up to the

MSU that night.

Mai Nguyen, a senior at KU, discussed the poor experience three weeks later. “It was

pretty cold. It was below freezing. I checked the temperature before I left my apartment. We

walked over there 10 to 15 minutes early just to make sure we’d have seats. We waited 40

25

minutes after 6 p.m. and the bus didn’t show up at all.” Uncomfortable with her voice being

recorded for the interview, Mai blankly started out at the various food vendors in South Dining

Hall and placed strands of jet black hair behind her ears. “There were a lot of people waiting

outside, too. I felt numb.”

Coincidentally, this was not the first time that the Bieber bus left students hanging after

the promise of the scheduled Wednesday night mall trip by KU. “It was last semester when we

went to the Berkshire Mall. I went there (MSU) with my roommate to catch the bus,” said

Nguyen, “When we got there, the bus wasn’t there. We waited 40 minutes. There was a lot of

people there, also. It was cold. I think it was also below freezing outside, and you shouldn’t be

outside when its - for that long.” Mai gave a determined look and shook her head, crossing her

arms against her. “I would say I wouldn’t want to (go on a Wednesday night trip again) because

I’ve had other bad experiences with the bus trips to the mall.”

The lack of transportation for the Wednesday night bus trips also leads some students to

make questionable decisions that they normally wouldn’t have to if the bus was there to pick

them up. “It was like hitchhiking. There were other people that were also waiting for the bus and

we lost faith in the bus coming. They said, “Okay, let’s just go in my own car if you guys want to

come.” So we ended up going to the mall with them and then they also gave us a ride back.”

Many students have not heard enough about the Wednesday night trips to even try

attending them. It would be a loss of a potentially fun experience if these issues didn’t occur with

the bus, but in turn it saves those same students from wasting precious time in their schedules

because they don’t attempt to to ride the bus which doesn’t show up. Lindsey S. Huh, a

sophomore at KU, stated, “I never heard of the Wednesday night busses. I never see posters

26

going around. If I would hear stuff like that, I would have gone on the trips but again, I just never

heard of it. Plus, I never see any stops or anything. I don’t see a schedule. Another thing is, if

they are going to not bother showing up, why even have them at all?” Lindsey moved her hands

in vast motions, emphasizing her point. Stefiny Thomas, sophomore, added in a silly voice, “I’ve

never heard of them either!” Brianna Bennett, a sophomore, interjected her thought between

Stefiny’s words with a half grin, “I knew they were there.”

Bennett then made a valid point against KU for not taking the responsibility for the lack

of the busses not being present when the trip is advertised on the University’s website. “They say

that these things are offered, like I’ve seen the advertisements on the screens in the SUB, but if

they’re not there, then that’s just-.” Thomas interrupts, saying, “Posters aren’t even there. You

know what I mean? Posters aren’t up, readily available for the people to look at.”

Kutztown University can turn the Wednesday night bus trips into a fun experience that

more students pay attention to by making sure that the vehicle transportation is available at the

scheduled time. Nguyen believes that KU can fix the problem. “They should communicate with

the bus company better so we know whether they are going to show up or not because it’s also a

waste of time to be waiting. We could be doing something else.”

27

For this Fiction piece I wrote for my Creative Writing class my first semester, I wanted to

relate back to pain that I have witnessed in my life through others, but prove that sometimes

there is light on the other side that is waiting for you. When I initially started writing this, I

channeled the dead of my Grandmother to cancer, and the lack of secure funds growing up. After

my first draft, I realized that I wasn’t being honest enough with myself. Pain is pain. It’s not

easy, and it’s not pretty. I was glazing over emotions I had felt in order to make what I thought

would be a “nicer” story. My second draft, I ripped it apart and tore out the sugar coated scenes. I

wanted the father to have had a troubled past with addiction. I wanted his son to have seen him

for who he really was, and not who he perceived him to be. It was my third draft that I was pretty

happy about, and decided to submit to Shoofly, the literary magazine at Kutztown University of

Pennsylvania. It was accepted, and I was thrilled.

28

Tara Gouldey

Spring 2014

The Two Seasons

Spring. In Spring, the trees jumped to life and shook from their brown, tough bark the

cold shoulders of Winter. The two seasons did not get along; they were in constant battle over

ideals of how the world should be. Winter wanted to silence nature, and create its own frozen

image on the earth’s landscape. Each year, Low temperatures, hail, sharp winds and snow would

shake the little house on the tree orchard and threatened to collapse it, entirely. Spring would

catch winter by surprise in April and knock the weather to the softened ground. The snow melted

into mossy slush, and the roots of the trees and stems of tulips flooded over winter and

suffocated the chill. Gone for another year, spring would rejoice in its victory and make plans for

winter’s next inevitable attack.

A small home was nestled on an orchard in Pennsylvania. It was protected by the

branches which blocked the sun from reaching down upon the shingles and through the

windowpanes. Shadows like tentacles puckered themselves against the paint and muddled the

blue siding into a muted gray. The home was blanketed in mid- April air. The sweet scent of

ruby tinted apples bloomed on the gentle gusts of wind and permeated through the crevices in the

cedar walls. Inside, a family held their breaths as they waited for the final answer. Daniel Hufftin

sat in the kitchen with his mother, Mary, and tightly wrung his work shirt in his hands. She

snaked her fingers through her gray locks and tugged gently as she paced in a loop from the

wooden table, to the stove, to her chair in the corner. Mary stared at the Nokia cell phone on the

table, and brushed her foot against the floorboards.

“Mom, don’t worry about this. It will all work out. Why don’t you start lunch while we

29

wait?” said Daniel. “Really, what I could use right now is your famous beef stew.” He smiled

a wide grin that he hoped would raise her spirit. Daniel fixed the loose ball cap on his head,

and adjusted it so it was straight.

“How can I not worry,” said Mary. “You are all I have left. With your father gone-oh,

and all that you do with the orchard! I can’t lose my baby. I just can’t.”

“I’m hardly a baby anymore,” said Daniel. “I’m 27. We’ll just have to wait for the

call. There’s not much sense in worrying about the outcome until then.”

Mary walked over to the wooden chair where Daniel sat, and placed her soft palms on his

face.

“You look so much like your father,” said Mary. “He would be proud.” Her eyes

waivered as she dropped her arms and turned away from him.

To Daniel, her hands felt like the buttery soft leather of his father’s bomber jacket and he

remembered from his childhood that the family ran together under the apple trees. His father

laughed with them, and would jump out from behind the thin trunks that barely concealed his

body. Daniel would grin at his mother and giggle in delight as his father caught Mary by the

waist. In mock terror, she would shriek to Daniel to run away. He picked up his speed and bolted

through the thick branches, out into the brilliant sunshine. That was his Spring.

“Daniel,” said Mary. “The phone! The phone is ringing! Who is it?”

Daniel shook himself out of the memory. He looked at the screen and saw the words,

Unknown Caller. He figured it would be a bill collector. The apple orchard wasn’t making the

profits it once had. When his dad died, everything went downhill. One check came in each

month instead of two, and Daniel had to move back home from Cincinnati to be with his mother.

Now when he felt he had everything settled in his life, a new problem erupted in his face.

“It’s not Dr. Reynolds,” said Daniel. “It’s just another bill collector.”

“Oh,” said Mary. “I should start lunch.”

30

Mary chewed on the fingernails of her left hand as she paced another loop around the

kitchen. She pulled them out of her mouth to admire her bare fingers, then wiped her eyes and

grabbed a package of beef from the fridge. A cool drift coasted over Daniel and raised goose

bumps on his neck. The drop in temperature slapped at his senses and made him think of

wintertime. Daniel recalled the day he found out his father died and he gripped his work shirt

even tighter against his fists. It didn’t take a call from Dr. Reynolds to know that his dad was

gone. His memory of that day was as sharp as his father’s tongue. It formed words that as a child

he couldn’t understand. Later, he realized the words were strings of angry sentences, spewed

venom laid across the cabin. It was December 22nd

, and Daniel was 15 years old. He raced

through the front door to the kitchen, and admired his mother near the delicious foods placed on

the table. Each meal was valuable to Daniel because it brought his family together. His

mother’s apple pie and custard wafted sensually towards him and increased his eagerness to take

a bite.

“Don’t you dare,” said Mary. “You need to wait for your father.”

“Can’t I just have one piece?” said Daniel. “Just one!”

“Go wake him up,” said Mary. “We’ll have supper, and afterwards you can have

some!”

Daniel shot a defeated glance towards Mary and walked out of the kitchen towards

his parents’ bedroom. He mumbled to himself the importance of one missing piece of

apple pie. His mother always made him wait for his father to eat. It was a constant fight in the

house. Daniel was just as much of a man as his father was. He was tall with strong arms

that could lift two barrels of apples at once. During the winter, Daniel would go out into the

snow and gather fire logs from the shed to burn. His father gave him the chore when he was 9,

and told him it would make him a better man. Laid next to the wood, his gloves smelled of

charcoal and cider. He always lifted them to his face and breathed in the warmth that lingered

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before he returned to the house.

He shook his head at the memory as he ran his hand down the faded floral hallway. In

the dim light, the paper peeled off the walls in patches like the scales of a fish. He crushed the

shredded pieces within his fists as he entered the bedroom. His father was always awake

by dinner time; Daniel could not remember him ever missing a meal. Even after his parents

finished screaming and throwing the ceramic plates and porcelain mugs, his father always

emerged from their bedroom for supper with his lips pursed tightly against his face. Daniel

would squeeze his mother’s waist tightly and press his tear stained cheeks against her stomach.

He planned to be more of a man that his father ever though he could be.

Daniel opened the door and was instantly shocked by the lack of fragrance. It didn’t

smell like anything. His father wore the same pungent, heavy musk every day and it was absent

from the room. Daniel walked deeper into the dark, towards the bed.

“Mom,” said Daniel. “You need to come here.” A untold, sinking feeling crept up into his

stomach and over his chest. The window was open on the other side of the room. The bed was

dusted in snowflakes that escaped from the wind and a heavy blanket enclosed a large mass

hidden inside the dim lighting. His mother had not heard him. He touched the mass protruding

from the bed, and from his fingers an electric shiver traveled over his body. Daniel couldn’t bear

to remove the quilt.

“Mom! Mom!” said Daniel. “Come here!”

She didn’t reply. Daniel fled from the bedroom and felt worse with each moment. His

pace quickened as his stomach heaved. The realization dawned on him faster than he had

wanted. Daniel pushed the thought of his father out of his mind so he could function. When he

reached the kitchen, his mother sat at the table and started to hum a Christmas song.

“Mom!” said Daniel. “What happened to Dad?”

Mary watched her fingers shake beneath her stack of plates as they roughly clanged

32

against each other like echoing church bells.

“What do you mean?” said Mary. “Isn’t he up yet? My God, that man never misses

dinner. What’s taking him so long? Do you need me to get him up?”

Her smile faded.

“You, you haven’t seen him?” said Daniel. “At all?”

Mary paused, and her eyes pooled in their fresh sorrow.

“I just couldn’t touch him,” said Mary. “He came back late from work last night, and

slept until late this morning. I thought he was exhausted, so I let him alone. Later on, I called his

name while I was baking the pies. I thought he would come out like he always does, but he

didn’t. I, I cannot picture his face in that way. I can’t.” Mary’s mouth quivered and her

shoulders followed.

All of the suppressed emotions flooded from him as he ran barefoot from the kitchen into

the weather. He sprinted into the thick of the orchard, and let the snow pelt his face, arms and

feet. He didn’t fathom the sting of the ice or frigid air against his body. On his back, the apple

trees which were once so welcoming and warm seemed to point at him with their jagged,

malformed branches. Daniel felt the pain that his father should have felt. He dug his fingertips

into the winter and pulled at the frozen emerald blades beneath. After a few minutes, Daniel

knew he was numb because of his father and not the cold.

His father’s death changed the family forever. Daniel blocked out the memory of his

father in the winter because of the pain. He only ever imagined his childhood in the spring; He

happily smiled at Daniel’s mother as they chased each other through the orchard. His father’s

caramel eyes bright in the sunlight, and Daniel’s grin, spread across his face.

Daniel’s mother shouted, but he didn’t understand her. She flailed her arms in circular

motions and shook a chair from the table.

“The phone!” said Mary. “Who is calling? It better not be another damn bill collector.”

33

Daniel woke from his memories, and answered the call.

“Listen to me,” said Daniel. “If this is another person wanting money, we don’t have any!

Go find someone to pay what you overcharge everyone else for. If I knew who you were

I’d-.”

“Is this Mr. Hufftin?” said Dr. Reynolds. “I have some important test results for you that

I am sure I didn’t overcharge you for.”

“Dr. Reynolds! Sorry about that,” said Daniel. “I thought you were someone else.”

Mary looked intently at Daniel’s face.

“Yes. Okay,” said Daniel. “Yes, I understand. I will call you soon for a follow up.

Thanks again, Dr. Reynolds.”

“What do you understand?” said Mary. “Why didn’t you put it on speakerphone?”

Daniel peered at his mother’s face, and his smile slowly crept into his signature grin.

“Mom,” said Daniel. “I’m cancer free. I’m in remission, but for now its gone. The chemo

worked.”

Mary placed her hands against Daniel’s face and smiled as she took off his hat, and

patted his bald head.

“Did I ever tell you how much you look like your father?” said Mary. “He would be so

proud.”

Outside the house, the ground flourished with thick green grass. Vibrant tulips

surrounded the cabin’s foundation and a sweet wind full of floral perfume carried happier

memories through the branches of the apple orchard. Winter always returned, but in that

moment, spring prevailed.