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Mifflin County, the place I call home, is where my story begins because that is where you will find the people and places that I love the most. It is the reason my husband Seth and I wanted to move back home to Lewistown. It will forever be our "home."
My name is Alyssa Brown (Henry). You might not know me, but I am sure if I told you my grandparents' names, Mel and Kay Parker or Ron and Stella Henry, or even my parents or sister, Doug, Deb, and Ashley Henry, you may not know me per say, but you could figure it out. I probably wouldn't even have to tell you my mom's name, you can just look at me and see the resemblance.
I was born and raised in Lewistown. I attended Sacred Heart from pre-school to fifth grade and this is where I made a forever friend and created some of my first memories. I then went on to attend Lewistown Middle School until eighth grade. Though the transition was easy, middle school was filled with many awkward days and times, especially coming from a small Catholic school. Then came the combination of Lewistown and Indian Valley schools. I graduated from Mifflin County High School in 2015. Although I can't say I would ever want to return to high school, it was a huge part of my "story." Mifflin County High School is where I made friends that I am sure I will have throughout my life. Most importantly, it is where I met my husband, Seth.
After graduation, I went on to attend Lock Haven University, another small piece of my story, and graduated with both my bachelor's and master's degrees in sports management. I went into this experience as a shy girl from a small town and left as an outgoing woman who was more involved than I ever thought possible. I was a member, and at one point president, of multiple clubs and organizations. I worked many on-campus jobs that brought me many wonderful opportunities both on and off campus. My time at LHU helped shape me into the person I am today and gave me the opportunity to sharpen my skills that I hope to utilize in my new position with the Chamber. The experience also deepened my appreciation for my hometown.
In the fall of 2020, Seth and I got married on Oct. 3, and directly after I made the move to be with him in Waynesboro. We moved in to our first home together and I started my first full-time job as a social media specialist in Hagerstown, Md. In May 2021, our family grew after we adopted our first pup, Sydney. We tried making Waynesboro feel as "homey" as we could, but it just did not seem like the right place for us because we knew where we wanted to be -- Mifflin County.
Moving away from home was a huge eye opener. It is, however, one thing I suggest everyone try at least once, because it truly made me appreciate where I came from.
Fast forward to today. I have accepted a position as administrative coordinator with the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce. This brings new experiences and surprises every day as I work with the awesome staff of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau.
We are closer to our families and friends and can see them without having to figure out a schedule for events and gatherings. We can go to our favorite local restaurants and shops whenever we want and be part of the community we love and not just be weekend visitors. Long story short, we are "home" to finish our stories and we could not be happier.
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You can contact Alyssa Brown, administrative coordinator, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, at abrown@juniatarivervalley.org.