The Lounge Strategy – What I Do to Lock In

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Midterms, tests, and the spring semester is rough.

Recently, I’ve had a hard time focusing or doing work in my room. Rather than doing things for a grade, I’d much rather reorganize my desk, clean the room, doomscroll, you name it. I mean- cleaning rather than working? That’s how bad it’s getting. So, to actually do my work, I’ve been doing what I call the “lounge time out.”

Every residence hall on campus had floor lounges and main lounges. They’re accessible to everyone, and depending on where you are, you can get your own room or a really comfy chair. I live in Stanley Hall, which has floor lounges overlooking Hancher Auditorium and the river, along with a conference room for each lounge. I love studying on my floor lounge, as sometimes my friends come in, and the lighting is really great. During the day or at sunset, the lighting is all natural yet bright and surprisingly cozy.

Somehow, whenever I do this, I can get nearly everything that I need done. I’m currently in my lounge as I write this. Sometimes, when you correlate a location with productivity, your brain goes into hyperdrive and has the urge to do things when you’re in that location. I highly recommend finding your “lock-in” space, whether that’s your dorm room, a lounge, coffee shop, etc. More study tips to come, so stay tuned!

Happy studying,
Harper

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Being Gluten Free On Campus

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Hi everyone!

During this spring semester, I’ve started going fully gluten-free due to celiac disease.

This was a rough transition, and I applaud anyone else who’s gone through the same thing. If you’re a prospective student looking at the University of Iowa, do not fret, this campus is very gluten-friendly!

I jumped headfirst into the water, so I think I know where to eat food around here.

Firstly, I eat primarily on the east side (where Catlett and Burge Dining Hall are located). I’ve started eating mainly at Burge, because they have their “Thrive Allergy Station,” where all major allergens are absent, so you can take anything from there safely without any worry. They have great steak fries, good gluten-free chicken tenders, gluten-free breads and bagels, and even spaghetti. I always get most of my food there, but you can also find me getting a salad or taco with a corn shell most days. They even have a self-serve fridge, where you can grab brownies, cookies, muffins- all gluten-free!

Catlett Marketplace is pretty good as well. Instead of a station, you can request gluten-free food by area. At the grill, you can get your own nuggets and fries cooked for you. Then at the Italian section, you can get your own personal pizza (which I love, by the way). Although I mainly go to Burge because of the ease of use for Thrive, Catlett still has great options (and a great salad bar).

There are also gluten-free options at all marketplaces throughout campus, including Clinton Street Market. It seems scary at first, but I promise it’s not. The ease of use is great, and I am so glad our campus has a lot of options, or else I’d go crazy.

Happy Eating!
Harper

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How To Defend Yourself – Iowa’s Theatre Dept Main Stage

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This semester, the Department of Theatre Arts at Iowa put on a production of How to Defend Yourself. A play focused on a class created after a student was assaulted on campus.

I went in knowing little to no context, only that my friend was in it, where it was, and the stage. The stage itself was gorgeous and looked like a workout room. I was honestly shocked at the level of detail. For example, there’s a storage closet in the back, and I never thought they’d open it. However, when they did, it was a fully stocked storage closet! I mean the classic mats, dodgeballs, storage, etc. I was in shock and looked at my friend like, “Are you seeing this?!”

But to the actual play: wow. All the actors were phenomenal and brilliant. They were so real, and their characters were so beautifully delivered, and every action was just gorgeous and captivating to watch. Serious props to all of them. Every single one of them was amazing and took the character and made it theirs. The writing itself was amazing, and the story of the play was breathtaking and oh so very real. I felt seen and heard, and even though it wasn’t the most comforting story or ending, it still felt good knowing a play was created with experience and knowledge of the topic at hand. Some of the witty comments, serious monologues, etc., were gorgeous, captivating, and funny. I went through all different types of emotions and was having the time of my life. The seats themselves were amazing, and it was super accessible.

I really enjoyed all of it, and can’t wait for the next mainstage! If you ever want a local entertainment idea, I highly recommend the theatre department.

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Concerts at Hancher – Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

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This February, I went to see Wynton Marsalis with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra!

I LOVED this performance. It wasn’t too chilly, so my roommate and I decided to wear leather jackets and get dressed up a bit (to which we regretted afterwards). She and I never have an excuse to get dressed up, so using that night to dress up was an amazing time. It was so easy to get in and find our seats, and we saw a few friends spread about as well!

When the show started, I realized it was my first major jazz concert, and I had no idea how it worked. The stage was gorgeous, and the big band was immediately insane. It was so casual, and honestly, really interesting that they were so chill. Throughout the set, they were up there laughing and yelling at their players, and it honestly helped me realize not everything is that serious. Some of my favorite moments weren’t even the music, but the interaction between the players, and the overall sportsmanship and love they have for one another. Hearing them hype each other up during solos, or laugh and talk DURING songs, was so interesting and inspiring.

Now, the main part was insane. Phenomenal. They’re one of the best jazz ensembles in the nation, and that is very evident in the way they play. It was phenomenal to watch them perform, and my breath was constantly taken away watching them. Even if it wasn’t a big solo, watching everyone blend and merge was insane, and as a musician myself, I was in awe. I’m trying to find more words to describe the amazing performance, but I’m at a loss. Overall, it was insane.

Luckily, if you weren’t there, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has a long-standing relationship with Hancher, and I guarantee they’ll be back soon. I really hope they are, as this concert was one of my favorites at Hancher.

See you next time!

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Employment During College and How it Works

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Hi everyone, I hope you’re staying warm during this cold time.

I was recently allowed to work with the Performing Arts at Iowa as a Digital Media Content Creator as an on-campus job! I was really nervous to try to find a job on campus, especially one I know I would enjoy. It was really stressful and confusing at first to try to find a job through websites, databases, etc. In this blog, I’ll provide guidance on where to start and what to prepare if you’re looking for an on-campus job!

Job Finders & Websites

Firstly, the University of Iowa uses Handshake as its main job-finder. You’ll find on-campus jobs along with jobs matched to your preferences. For me, I put in that I wanted a part-time job in Iowa City, and was matched with recent openings in small businesses and on campus. It’s also a great place to find internships, either over the summer or during the semester. When using Handshake, I recommend setting up a good profile with traits, previous job experience, and a photo of yourself. Employers want to see who you are at a quick glance, and I noticed I got more interviews after setting up a good Handshake profile.

I also recommend making a LinkedIn when you’re interested in more professional work and/or internships. When it comes to getting a coffee shop or smaller job, your LinkedIn isn’t super important, but when you want to start finding more intense or directed jobs, employers want to see professionalism and will likely look you up on LinkedIn. Once you’re at UIowa, I guarantee one of your classes will go over how to make a LinkedIn Profile, so don’t worry about it too much.

For on-campus jobs, Uiowa has a student employment website to go directly into applying. This is where you’ll find housing and dining positions, administrator jobs, Cambus, etc. This website also has all the answers to what employment on campus looks like. From payment to scheduling, the website has it all. Click on this link to go to the website: https://hr.uiowa.edu/careers/employment-categories-and-classifications/student-employment

What to Prepare

Almost every job will ask for your resume. My resume is formatted in different categories: my contact info & college info (like my major and minors), previous internship experience, previous job experience, skills & traits, and Campus involvement (like clubs, groups, programs). Some tips I have to build your resume are, firstly, try to put all your information on one page. This makes the employer stay on your resume longer, and doesn’t overload them with information. Secondly, keep it simple. Don’t go crazy with colors, designs, etc. Just share your experience and information. Lastly, add some keywords to make it easy to show your skills. Things like “taught, led, designed, interacted with, etc” are all words that can catch the eye of the employer to see if you have what they need.

Most jobs will also ask for a cover letter. When I started applying for jobs, I had no idea what this meant. A cover letter is basically a letter to the job explaining why you’re interested in this position and why you’d be a good fit. When I write a cover letter, I put in my first paragraph who I am, where I found this job opening, and why I’m interested. In the second paragraph, I go into my experience and certain jobs that gave me experience that would be beneficial to this job. This is where you’re modest but also confident in your abilities. Lastly, you end your letter with a re-emphasis on how interested you are in this position and that you’re excited to hear from them in the future. Then you sign it off with your name and information! There are a lot of good examples of cover letters online, and I still reference them to this day.

Lastly…

Be confident! Employers love to see you as you, and sometimes your personality is what gets you the job. You want to find a job that wants to hire you for who you are, rather than who you’re pretending to be. It also sets the standard for you at a height you’re comfortable with, rather than the standard set that’s unrealistic. It’s okay if you never hear from a job or get denied. It’ll happen, regardless of your ability or who you are, and that’s okay! There are so many more opportunities; not getting one job doesn’t forecast your entire future. Also, take time to understand college life before committing to a job on top of classes. Your studies should be a priority. I didn’t get a part-time job till I knew I was able to put that on my plate comfortably. Lastly, you got this!! I hope this helped you a bit, and don’t hesitate to comment and let me know if you have any questions. Get to applying!

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Resetting During Break – What I did to Bounce Back

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Hi everyone!

I hope everyone’s winter break was fulfilling and great. During my first college winter break, I was able to figure out things that would benefit my health and the upcoming semester.

Having a break that’s a month long gives you a lot of time to improve, sleep, rest, and reset. Firstly, I know I slept for hours the first few days. You don’t realize how sleepy you get until you’re back home and comfortable, without the stress of finals, and no classwork on your mind. My parents got a bit concerned with how much I was sleeping, but then realized I’m a college kid after finals. I was a bit concerned myself; I wanted to do things and spend time with family, but I could barely keep my eyes open! That’s when I realized it’s okay to rest. If your body is asking to sleep, then you should let it. That’s what break is for!

I also hung out with family. I spent the dinners, lunches, and time in between cherishing my family, and I truly realized how much I missed it. Even the times that seem boring were the times I missed the most. I babysat my cousins more, saw my grandparents more than ever, and prioritized family time versus alone/friends. To be fair, whatever you need during break is what YOU need, you don’t have to listen to my favorite things of break. If you want to be alone more, then do it! If you want to see your friends every single day, then I’ll be so glad you are. I moved from my hometown to a new town for me, so I didn’t know anyone else but my family in town, which was isolating, but when I made it purposeful it was amazing.

Overall, my break was filled with relaxation and enjoying every second. Even if there were times I wanted to do something, or not be as tired, I still would try and appreciate the moment and how relaxing break should be (unless you don’t want it to be). Break can be whatever you make it and what you want to do. Regardless of what everyone else is doing, this time is designed to benefit you and your health. I’m glad to be back on campus, and can’t wait to update when this semester starts!

Happy new semester,
Harper

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Concerts at Hancher – The Minnesota Orchestra

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This week, I went to Hancher again to watch the Minnesota Orchestra!

On November 15, 2025, the Minnesota Orchestra performed Tōru TAKEMITSU: Night Signal (from Signals from Heaven), Karol SZYMANOWSKI: Violin Concerto No. 1 , and Hector BERLIOZ: Symphonie fantastique. As someone who grew up in the orchestra world, it was a phenomenal performance. The music itself was radiating in the hall, and the auditorium was doing its magic of resonating sound.

My roommate and I got tickets through Hawkeyes for Hancher, which is offered to students at the beginning of the year for about two days. Through the program, we got our tickets for $5, and sat in the student section (which was very obvious when we sat down, tons of students haha). In total, we got four tickets for four different events, so we’re looking forward to more concerts.

The Minnesota Orchestra has performed in Iowa City since 1909, making the connection between the city and orchestra very strong, which was obvious when the conductors/speakers were speaking, and while the musicians were performing. This was their first performance back in Iowa City in 43 years, so it was also amazing to be there for the first performance in a while. It was super easy to get to our seats and navigate as well. At each entrance, there’s a student usher to help you find your seat, and once you’re there, it’s super easy to navigate. Hancher itself is amazing to be in, and being in the main auditorium is always breathtaking. I will always recommend a concert at Hancher for its easy atmosphere, amazing views, and breathtaking events.

Till next time!

Harper

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The Before-Break Scaries

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As we near Thanksgiving Break, the general consensus on campus is one thing: we’re all stressed, and we’re all ready to be done with classes. Midterms seem like a lifetime of tests, with a new one appearing every week, and with the weather changing, the sickness of the seasons takes over. Here are some things I’ve done to maintain some sort of normal human function during high-stress season.

Firstly, I treat myself. Granted, I’ve probably hit my quota by now. Over the past few weeks, I’ve let myself spend a few extra dollars on things that can keep me going throughout the day. I’ve gotten coffee a bit more often, got a new shirt that I’ve been eyeballing for a while, or just splurged on new things like highlighters or pens. Each time I do that, the sense of doom goes away, and the need to study or focus before break comes back stronger, because you know you’ve got it.

Secondly, I tell myself that it’s okay. I think when you get into the spiral of negativity, everything looks worse than it is. I caught myself doing that this semester, and noticed I wasn’t focusing on the happy parts of my day (even if it was small), and the good parts were being swallowed by negativity. I know it’s harder said than done, but if you frame your mindset into positivity, and always go into something with a positive mindset, you’ll feel less drained, see better results, and have the ability to keep walking. I always say to my friends, “I know this sucks, but if I keep walking, it’ll go into the horizon soon.”

Thirdly, I let myself breathe. Sometimes when we’re idle, we feel like we’re being lazy or unproductive, but you NEED to have those feelings in order to be productive later. Sit and breathe for a bit; your entire day doesn’t have to be busy all the time. Your type of relaxing can be different from mine, but I personally love to read a book, or color in a coloring book, or even just watch the sunset and breathe. I never pick up my phone during lazy/unproductive times. Your brain needs a moment to take in one source of information, and if you doomscroll, then your brain will never shut off from the large input of information being fed.

This season is scary, stressful, and for a Texan like me, cold. Everything is happening all at once, but I promise the clouds will fade and the sun will come out. Everything happens for a reason, even if we can’t figure out why in the moment. Take the time for yourself; breathe, relax, focus, and enjoy the experience. After all, we’re all living our own lives, and each day is a new one to take on.

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How to Stay Afloat during Midterms

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Midterm season is upon us. It came way too quickly and seems never-ending. I didn’t feel ready at the beginning of midterms, but now, as I get into the swing of things, I’ve learned a lot of techniques and the best ways to study/remember things to do. Everyone is different in how they study or focus on productivity, but I thought I could share some of my habits to see if they could work for you.

Writing Down Everything to Do

This was something I had a hard time figuring out: which method works best for me. You can use task apps like Google Tasks, write them in your notes app, etc. However, every time I tried to go digital in writing my to-do lists or homework lists, I’d forget about it and soon would rush to finish homework. I finally found what was best for me through a physical list. I have a small notebook-shaped list that allows you to add tasks on specific days. It’s completely undated and small enough to take around with you without taking up too much room. With my list being physical, it reminded me, since I’d see it and it took up space, allowing me to remember it easier.

Study Spot vs. Relaxing Spot

I found myself doing homework in the dorm, which made my studying less productive and my sleep more stressful. When your wind-down area and studying area are so close, I was in constant “I need to be doing something” when I was trying to go to sleep. In the same sitting, when I’d be doing homework, I’d rather sleep than focus.

Whenever I wanted to study in the dorm and didn’t want to move, I started studying in the lounges, which provided me the difference of cozy vs. productive while still being “at home.” Once I started doing my productivity in the lounge, it was easier to do things faster and go to sleep with no anxiety.

Rewarding Yourself

A lot of times, I want to do something fun rather than do microeconomics homework. Who doesn’t? I’d find myself procrastinating homework and playing my instrument or reading without finishing my work.

So to stop that, I would purposely put a Post-it note or a reminder that I can do this after I finish assignments. For example, I would put a Post-it note on my desk saying, “Finish these two assignments to play your bass!” By having something that reminded me of my fun thing to do, I would focus more on my assignments rather than have the urge to go play bass. When someone (or something) points it out in front of you, it takes up less room in your mind if you don’t.

Those are some of my new habits that seem a little silly, or aren’t usually recommended, but have worked wonders. See if it would help you, or see if you have the same issues I did, and figure out how to adapt and change habits. Thanks for reading!

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Concerts at Hancher – Kurt Elling and Christian Sands

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Hi everyone!

Being a student at the University of Iowa comes with a lot of perks- entertainment included. Hancher Auditorium is on the west side of campus and hosts many different types of performances, from mainstream artists to local musicians.

Recently, on October 3rd, I went to see Christian Sands and Kurt Elling at Club Hancher. Club Hancher is a smaller room and stage, and is built more for entertainment with food and drinks. I personally love seeing performances here, as it’s a lot more intimate and cozy. We got the tickets through a friend, who got them due to his being in the University Jazz Band, which got free tickets to this concert.

I came in knowing about Kurt Elling. He’s a jazz vocalist, and a very talented one at that. His knowledge of how to use his voice as an instrument and overall technique is mind-blowing. I knew of him through his covers of classic jazz songs, and his recent Broadway Debut as Hermes in Hadestown (that’s crazy, right?). Throughout the hour set, he was phenomenal, and I was in a constant state of shock and mesmerization by his talent. If he is ever performing at a place near you, get tickets immediately. His performance was amazing, and I can’t believe I got to see it for free.

However, I didn’t know who Christian Sands was. I knew he was a more recent and up-and-coming jazz pianist, but I didn’t know how he played. After two seconds of hearing him, I knew he knew what he was doing. His sound and overall performance were breathtaking. I don’t know much about piano, but he can move so quickly, and play chords and notes like he has five hands. I was in awe of his ability to play and was more interested in what he was doing than watching Elling.

This was all super accessible as well. The walk to Hancher was about three minutes in total, as it has a pedestrian bridge that runs right to it from the east side. It’s so close to the east side residence halls that you can see it in my view in my dorm room at Stanley Hall. Overall, this experience was way more entertaining and easily available than I was expecting. I had no trouble going into the venue or leaving. Ten out of ten, would recommend going to a show in Hancher when you get the chance.

 Photo of Club Hancher stage with Kurt Elling & Christian Sands performing

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