How One Reconnection Led to a Career of Impact at Milton Hershey School

At Milton Hershey School, the next generation of leaders isn’t waiting; it’s preparing. Adam Swenson is helping aspiring young leaders take the first step. As a Transitional Living Assistant (TLA), he is a steady presence for more than 20 male seniors living in an apartment-style setting designed to prepare them for life beyond MHS. Here, Swenson and his fellow TLAs mentor students as they develop essential life skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, and managing responsibilities, which build confidence and independence. For Swenson, this work is his passion. His professional career has been marked by a commitment to youth development, and joining MHS has only deepened his ambition to empower students to thrive as leaders in the real world.

However, if not for a timely reconnection, Swenson’s journey to MHS might have taken a very different path. Years earlier, he became friends with MHS Admissions Counselor Rylan Good while they were both students at Shippensburg University. After graduation, Swenson moved to Michigan, where he built a diverse career—serving as a camp retreat program director, working in the nonprofit sector, and becoming an English teacher. When Swenson felt the pull to return to Pennsylvania to be closer to family, he began noticing Good’s impact at MHS through social media. The stories of student success and transformation resonated with him. As a Central Pennsylvania native, he had heard of MHS before, but it wasn’t until he reconnected with Good that he truly understood the school’s mission—and realized how deeply he wanted to be part of it.

“When we take time to get to know people, their passions, motivations, and strengths, we open doors that might not have been opened otherwise,” Swenson said. “Having someone like Rylan not only refer me but actively support me has made this experience especially rewarding.”

After conversations with Good about the TLA role at MHS, Swenson saw an opportunity to use the skills and experiences he cultivated over the years to help high school seniors not only cross the stage at GIANT Center on graduation day, but step confidently into life. That vision fueled his application, led him through the interview process, and ultimately secured him a role where he is making a lasting impact.  

Life in TL is about more than routines—it’s about being present and inspiring growth every single day. As a TLA who is on campus alongside his students, Swenson has the privilege of walking with them through one of the most pivotal seasons of their lives. He remembers the mentors who believed in his potential when he was in high school, and now he’s grateful to pay that forward.

“Building relationships with the students and being a presence for them is what makes our building grow stronger as a whole,” Swenson said.

Each morning begins with setting a positive tone, and each evening ends with conversations that build trust and confidence. Along the way, he finds points of connection—like his students’ shared passion for Visual and Performing Arts. He helps them refine their gifts and talents and takes pride in cheering them on during performances and activities where they showcase their hard work and skill. These daily moments aren’t just part of the job; they’re opportunities to guide, encourage, and help students discover the strength and independence they’ll carry into the future. And when Swenson needs time to recharge or handle personal matters, he uses the students’ school hours, known as unscheduled time, to refocus and ensure he can show up as his best self for those he supports. 

“When I reflect on my professional journey, nearly every opportunity I’ve had has come through a meaningful connection with someone,” he said. “Having individuals who advocate for me, encourage me, and help me navigate new spaces has been foundational to my career growth.”

The TL program at MHS is driven by dedicated individuals who not only guide students toward independence but also support each other along the way. Swenson is grateful for the community he’s found at MHS. They have welcomed him, invested in his growth, and now feel like family as they work together to shape tomorrow’s leaders.