The Homeschool View
My Other Job
By Hunter Fell

November 18, 2010

As I told you last week, there are many opportunities for homeschoolers to get a “business ed” through life experiences. I also told you about my experience in Virginia with Smart Cookies presenting the product, but that is not what I normally do for the Dick and Jane Baking Company (creator of Smart Cookies).

Most of the time I am the photographer/videographer (and occasional water boy) at food shows across the country. Food shows are conventions where dozens of food vendors come to display and sell their products to school representatives, such as food directors and lunch ladies that attend. These products are then ordered for and used in the cafeterias at your schools. While at these shows, my responsibilities are to film the reactions of everyone who taste our cookies, taking pictures of whoever is manning the booth as they interact with the customers, and (occasionally) running to get someone a drink/snack from one of the other vendors.

The schedule for these food shows is pretty basic. Upon arrival, we set up the booth and then scout around to see what other products are being presented at the show. Once it begins, I rotate shifts of filming, taking photos, and enjoying free time; usually working for an hour, then taking half-hour breaks - which I generally spend walking around, making friends with all the other vendors. This routine provides me with three distinct advantages: one, I get to review some great products (some, before they are introduced to the public); two, I get to make friends who I enjoy seeing over and over again at other food shows; and three (and quite possibly my favorite perk), is that at the end of the show, when no one wants to pack their samples up to take back home with them, they load their best friend at the food show up with goodies … ME! So, I usually pack our truck fuller than it was upon arrival; and end up hauling a large variety of YUMMY foods home with me which I am then forced to share with my brothers.

Here’s hoping your “view” is as delicious as mine and, once again, thanks for reading “The Homeschool View”.