Manichanh Naonady had a unique path to get to Iowa State. Her family first came to the US when she was just 10 months old, settling in the Des Moines area. When she was still a teenager, Naonady had 2 children, causing her to drop out of school so she could work and support her family. Not content to just work in jobs she wasn't passionate about, though, Naonady went back to school, getting her GED, then going to community college before making her way to Iowa State. Once on campus, Naonady discovered a passion for food journalism. The stress of school, work, and raising children has been difficult, but Naonady says she wouldn't have it any other way.
