After the holidays have come and gone, the world is faced once again with the reality of a new year: a clean slate filled with an abundance of opportunities.
And that is just what we have experienced here at Insite Brazos Valley Magazine! This issue, unlike others we have created in the past, was carefully crafted with the help of journalism students at Texas A&M University. In collaboration with Insite Brazos Valley Magazine, the 14 reporters enrolled in the Journalism 303 Media Writing II course were given the task to construct the articles in this issue with the assistance of Aubrey Vogel, Insite’s Editor-in-Chief.
The students were given the opportunity to brainstorm, research, write and photograph all the stories in this issue, giving you a look at all things Brazos Valley and its history and new comings including new businesses, special anniversaries and a deep dive into some information about the new year.
The new year always brings about a time to think, set goals and look ahead to what the future holds. New year’s resolutions can be daunting, and sometimes we set goals too big to accomplish. But there’s no need to worry! A wellness advisor at Baylor Scott & White Health walks us through creating realistic goals and how to keep them (page 8).
Start the new year strong by refreshing your mind on what it takes to successfully navigate the job market in the technology-driven world we live in today with expert tips on finding your dream job on page 47. Plus, a baseball player turned business owner and now a local, published author shares his advice from his new book on how to be an effective manager on page 22.
Looking to see what’s new around town? Look no further than the 2024 Forecast on page 42, which offers insight into the up and coming developments around the Brazos Valley from Brenham to Navasota. Also, check out the Q&A on page 24 to learn more about Social Rise, a company dedicated to helping Gen Z CEO’s find success as they start their businesses.
Speaking of businesses, the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Economic Outlook Conference on Wednesday, January 24. Turn to page 10 to take a peek at this year’s speakers and learn how you can get involved
Want to find a new, peaceful spot to hang out in? Sweat it out on the lawn at Lake Walk with a Pure Barre session, treat yourself to a day at the Woodhouse spa or dine-in at Chef Tai Lee’s Kanji Sushi, where Korean and French cuisines are intertwined to create a unique menu with bursting flavors (page 27).
Hush & Whisper Distilling Co. is one of Bryan’s newest one-of-a-kind experience destinations that walks guests through the meticulous process of the fermentation of whiskey. Located at a site with a rich history that dates back to 1948, learn more about the famous Varisco Building, the family behind it, the secrets that lie within it and the concoctions being made inside it on page 17.
Want to learn more about one of the driving industries in the great state of Texas? Look no further than page 50, where a few Brazos Valley farmers and ranchers give their take on how agriculture has impacted their lives and how the industry is rapidly changing in the Lone Star State.
Looking to incorporate a reptile or critter at your next birthday party? Are you in the market to purchase custom art of every kind? Young entrepreneurs take the spotlight on page 30, featuring 22 entrepreneurs under the age of 22 in the Brazos Valley.
There’s no better way to jump into the new year than with fresh insight on what’s happening around the Brazos Valley. Digging a little deeper into the people and places that reside in this beautiful place that we call home is just one of the many things we are grateful for here at Insite, and we hope you enjoy learning more about the incredible things transpiring here.
As always, thank you for your unwavering support and have a happy new year. Let’s make 2024 the best one yet!
Cheers!
— The Insite Team & JOUR 303 Staff
