Category: Photos

photographs

A Few Things I Had To Remind Myself About Iowan Winters

It is December 15th and its 45 degrees outside.

Not too bad for Iowa right?

Except for tomorrow it is supposed to snow and drop into the twenties.

I spent a lot of the winter season last year just like this…
1505043_10151817375586109_1112344674_n

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh and like this…

1379791_10151679916966109_597476561_n

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To my surprise, my brain was conditioned into thinking that was going to be the norm.

So I’m writing this as a reminder to myself, but also as a little note to all of those preparing for your first Iowa Winter.

ONE. Pick Out Your Clothes The Night Before

This may sound silly, but it is the perfect solution. In the winter you may find it harder to get yourself out of the bed. Your bed just seems more warm, than the howling cold that awaits you. So if you are anything like me you will hit snooze a few more times than you should, and find yourself rushing minutes before the last bus comes. Do yourself a favor, have your clothes waiting for you when you jump up, you won’t regret it!

TWO. Dress In Layers

For some reason my millennial digital age self can’t understand this, but apparently big buildings are difficult to heat properly and evenly.  Which means that if you dress like it’s negative 10 outside (which it probably will be), only to arrive to class where it feels like it’s 80 degrees… you will melt. I know what you are thinking, but no this is not a valid excuse for not participating fully in class discussions. Wear layers of clothing so that you can survive outside, and thrive inside. I usually wear a tank top, long sleeve shirt, with a hoodie or sweatshirt, and a Columbia coat. So if one of my classes turns out to be a sauna room, I just shed off what’s not needed. GENIUS! I know.

THREE. MOVE TO THE BACK OF THE CAMBUS

This one should totally be number 1, but I’m too lazy to go and change my blog post order. Have you ever waited outside for what seemed like forever in the freezing cold for a bus to pick you up and finally take you back to your dorm? How much of a relief do you feel once you finally get on the warm bus? Well what if that was stolen from you? It HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. How? Well, the bus shows up and it’s at “capacity” and so they can’t let you on. However, that isn’t always true. Students often get on the bus, and don’t fill the back of the bus, but instead hover near the exit doors (in the center of the bus) and near the front. To the driver, this makes the bus look full. People are all smooshed near the front, when in reality there is space and open seats up the stairs on the back of the bus. Please do everyone a favor, and move all the way to the back. It’s the Iowan thing to do. Plus you don’t want to be that kid that doesn’t make more space for others when I’m on the bus, I will shout at you. Its not fair, and its too cold for all of that.

FOUR. UGG Boots/Snow Boots

When I first arrived on campus I noticed UGG boots were all the rage. In the four and half years that I’ve been here, that has not changed come November weather. They are a little pricey, so go ahead and get your knock-off versions because I understand the struggle and nobody gets that close to your feet in the winter anyways!

Just as a heads up, most UGG boots are super comfy but are NOT waterproof. So by the end of the winter, all the water and salt (most widely used de-icing mechanism on campus) really messes ’em up. They’ll be almost unrecognizable. So you can do what my gma does for me spray ’em with water-proof spray ($10 at Walmart), it doesn’t do much to protect them from the salt but you can be sure your tootsies won’t get wet. Fun Fact: Did you know its perfectly normal and encouraged that you don’t wear socks with your UGGs?  UGGs are designed to be worn without socks. With continued use, the wool will mold to the shape of your feet, creating a perfect fit. Sheepskin is a natural product which breathes, absorbs moisture and provides a warmth and comfort superior to any synthetics. According to their site sheepskin will not become smelly with wear, I might be the exception to that!

FIVE. STOCK UP

Unless you live in the residential halls, getting food when you need food becomes a brand new type of hassle. Plan a paired trip to the grocery store with a friend right before the weather gets too crazy. Get your canned soups, cough drops, frozen vegetables, hot cocoa packets, and Easy Mac to last you a little longer than usual. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Follow these tips and you will definitely be a happier snow-herky.

428074_10150506904651109_757420298_n

My Iowa : Diversity, Inclusion, Identity, & Discussion

In the wake of the indictment decision in the Ferguson trial, and nationwide tension and attention on the racial issues that tear at our country, I have begun reflecting on some of the great discussion that I had in a university program called My Iowa.  During the My Iowa retreat, there was ample amount of time made for students to connect with each other and talk about the deep stuff. That is why I loved My Iowa, because some of the conversation that I had there, proved to me that I’m not alone in some of my experiences of injustice and that there are some good people out there (black, white, brown, red, and yellow) who care about making the world a better place. Today you can meet some of them in my post!

Four years ago I had the opportunity to participate in My Iowa: Multicultural & International Student Summit, and this year I applied and became a Peer Leader for the summit. I had an amazing time facilitating discussion and creating cross-cultural friendships with some of the best folks on campus! If you can’t already tell, I met some amazing people through the summit, and so instead of just telling you what I thought about the summit I asked a few of the other participants to share with you all what My Iowa is to them.

Below you will find a collection of bus ride reflections on the My Iowa experience of my peers and of course they are accompanied by a My Iowa T-shirt selfie!

My Iowa is…a great summit that everyone should participate in. I got to meet so many different diverse group of people I wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for My Iowa. I’ve gained so much more knowledge about other culture and background of other people, it was an amazing experience!! -Gocale

My Iowa is strong, genuine,diverse, welcoming, supportive, united, non-stereotypical, appreciative. -Efe

MY IOWA: Multicultural & International Student Summit

The next MY Iowa is next year, don’t miss out on an opportunity like this! Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact CSIL in advance at 335-3059.

The MY IOWA Multicultural and International Student Leadership Summit is an overnight retreat. Open to all UI students, MY IOWA will give participants a chance to build connections and leadership skills with a diverse group of people who want to make the university a place where all feel welcome. This is a fun and exciting way to start your semester off, and build strong relationships throughout your time at Iowa! The curriculum has strong connections with The National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) model and other leadership development experiences. This year, MY IOWA will occur on October 24-25, 2014, with 45 student spots available. The event will be held at Crooked Creek Camp in Washington, Iowa, with transportation and meals being provided free of charge for all participants.

After the MY IOWA retreat, participants will be invited to several events, and dialogues throughout the year to build upon the relationships formed, and also to help connect these leaders to campus resources, administrators, faculty, staff, and fellow students.\

For additional information click here.

20141025_155613

Lastly, thank you to everyone who helped contribute to this post.

The “Student Council” of the University of Iowa

Many of us participated in student council in high school, and never dreamed that a school as big as the University of Iowa would have such an organization. Well… it does! It’s called University of Iowa Student Government or UISG for short.

This is my second year in UISG, and this time around I’m a part of the Executive Branch. I’m this year’s Diversity Liaison. In student government you learn a lot about politics (you run a campaign to get votes for your party in the spring), you meet tons of other student leaders, you build relationships with administrators and community members, and you are presented with ample amount of opportunity to create change on campus. The last one is my favorite part.

Anything from staples in the library (provided by UISG!), to advocating on behalf of Tuition Freeze (yep, we do that), to keeping the student center open for 24 hours to accommodate the late owls and early birds, there are truly no limits!

UISG just had their first senate meeting of the year. It was part of a carefully planned retreat to get everyone acclimated to all parts UISG.  We had dinner together, learned about Robert’s Rules, met with our committees (Sustainability, Diversity, Academic Affairs, Student Life, Governmental Relations, Communication and Outreach, Nominations, & Financial).

UISG Retreat
UISG Retreat Selfie

We passed our first legislation of the year, and I’m happy to announce that the International Student Advisory Board is going to be up and running soon. How cool is that?
I had a great time, and I’m looking forward to a great year.

There are five seats reserved for Freshman Senators which are filled at the beginning of the Fall semester.

All students will be notified via email when the application is open, so be sure to check your emails! 

For more information on The University of Iowa’s Student Government visit http://uisg.uiowa.edu/ or comment here.

 

 

“Spring” Break

*Clicks Red, Sequined Heels* “I just want to wear shorts. I just want to wear shorts”
Well that didn’t work! It is still cold here, which is definitely not the best weather for my new high-waisted shorts from Four Seasons. Because it is snowing outside right now, on March 25th, I have to put my mind in a warmer place in order to keep my sanity! 

Spring Break was last week (yes! I know! It is supposed to be spring!)
All students including myself, had a week off from classes.

Like most other college students, hitting up the tropical islands or other warmer parts of the world are all very common destinations among Iowa students. I asked a few friends what they did with their spring breaks, check out the pictures below to see what some of my friends were up to!

As you can see my friends enjoyed the treasures of the United States and abroad, the beaches and the mountains,  while others enjoyed spas or conducted several hours of volunteer in-service hours making a difference! Some of them even received college credit. 🙂

If you wanted more information about the class that took two of my friends to Mexico. Here is the class number and class description. There are just so many opportunities to be had. #GoIowa
#HawksAroundTheGlobe

165:126 (ABRD:3352) International Perspectives: Xicotepec
Introduction to providing service to communities in underdeveloped countries through discipline‑specific projects to improve community life in Xicotepec, Mexico; cultural and professional preparation for team work in an international environment; service‑learning course in collaboration with Rotary International. Spring break in Xicotepec, Mexico.

Alone and Defenseless

Poor thing was crawling with fleas and was too young to open his eyes
Poor thing was crawling with fleas and was too young to open his eyes

Had my heart broken today…for this little guy. I was on my way to work when I heard a series of little cries coming from a bush on the other side of a tall fence. He was so well camouflaged I almost missed him. I called out to him and after every call he would whine, as if he was communicating or was uncomfortable with the silence. His blue eyes were barely open, and his legs struggled to carry his own weight. After thirty minutes of trying to get him to come to me, I knew I had to get to my internship. At exactly 1 p.m. I rush to the gate with my friend Lucresia Sanchez. He was still there but he was not moving or responding. For a second I thought he was dead. On the other side of the gate there was an 11 year old boy (guessing his age) trying to train/ride this huge horse. He so kindly came over to help us get to this puppy that we thought it might be old enough to be fed the meat from our packed lunch (we were so wrong) When he pulled the little guy out from under the bush and from the crack of two stones… my heart melted and I wanted to take him home. His chances of survival are beyond slim even if his mother didn’t neglect him and was out looking for food. He was covered in fleas, and enjoyed the comfort of my hands. I eventually returned him to his bush, tucked away my tears, and prayed for his mother’s return.

And to answer the questions, “why didn’t you take him to an animal rescue shelter?” I was in a smaller town up in the mountains in the Dominican Republic where stray dogs can be seen five to a block. I give them my left overs when I have some and I’m careful not to step on any as they snooze in the middle of the day scattered along the sidewalks. There aren’t any dog shelters as we know them, but they do have a few pet stores where the conditions are definitely way worse than a bush. Disgustingly I’ve almost become immune to the dogs that run around here with their ribs showing and their scraggly matted unkempt fur. But this was the first time I saw a little puppy.

Dominican Salon

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo of my hair afterwards. Haha Next Time For Sure!

I made some notes on salon spanish vocabulary, so I could know what to ask for, what to say no to, and etc.

The woman washed, and massaged, and washed my hair many times. She was like, ” Oye! Muy Sucio!” Which basically meant that my hair was gross and dirty. Haha, I bet!  Then she deep conditioned my hair, which was a gift from the heavens! You think because of the humidity here your hair would be moisturized all the time, but its the exact opposite. My hair is SOOOO DRY… my friends’ hair are dry too. After my trip to the salon, my hair had life again. Lastly, she blow dryed my hair with the hottest blow-dryer I have every felt. Ouch! I did ask her to use heat protectant. The whole thing costs me the equivalent of about 5 U.S. dollars. Wepa!

I am definitely going back, and when I do I’ll be sure to get photos after the fact. 🙂

♫ Bicycle! ♪ ♫

First official Day

Today (June 2) we had orientation and through my jet-lag and complete and utter tiredness this is what stands out to both my peers and me.

  • Wear your Helmet or you are going to die!!
  • ♫ ♪ Bicycle! ♫ Bicycle! ♪ ♫ ”
  • Read the Packet. (Everything you need to know is in the packet)
  • Don’t go buying your own house cleaner. They are a lot stronger in Japan. So strong it is a common use for suicide.
  • By the end of the session it has been made clear that one of us, we just don’t know who, is going to get hit by a car. (Read this in a Scary Movie Narrator voice!)
  • Accountability is huge. Own Up! &  Show Up!
  • Park at Hikone Station and your bike will get stolen.
  • Forget your room key on the weekend you are S.O.L.
  • Lastly, I am of legal drinking age! 😀
    (p.s. this is just an observation… I am still being safe, smart, and responsible!)

Please understand that there was a lot more said in the orientation, and if only I was my normal self, I am sure I would have blogged about those.

After orientation we went on a bike tour! It was a great time. I was continually impressed by my Japanese comprehension skills and at the same time embarrassed by my poor Japanese speaking skills. I guess we can’t all have thumbs up all the time.

I can’t express how beautiful our location is. There is a huge lake right next to the place where I stay called Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU for short). Japan is an island made from mountains so it shouldn’t come to any surprise that I am in the middle of the mountains, yet I still find the shock and beauty in it every time I walk outside.

The people that I am with seem so cool; I can’t wait to get to meet everyone over the course of these two months!

“Finals Time”… The Bells are Ringing!!!

428 Elves
All we want for Christmas...is Great Grades!

Just another N.O.S night 🙂

Me and my new roomie and suitees are studying for our first Finals as University of Iowa Students! Talk about exciting!  This photo has soo much going on, we are studying (at like 3 am!), homemade cookies are in the oven (gotta love Mayflower), Christmas station’s playing on Pandora, all that’s missing is Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…. 😀

Holiday FEAST! :D

Windy and Chilly I’m  Off to

326 East

Market Street.

Twas the night of  November 11th,

I’m off to a place, from the heavens.

The oldest church in Iowa City

The 2nd oldest building,not the third, not the seventh.

It was here, that I was going to eat

They had everything! Peach cobbler, mashed potatoes, and turkey meat.

And it was all for FREE, what a treat!

After I ate, I ran smack into the most amazing date!

The President of the University of Iowa, is who I got to meet!

As if the evening couldn’t get much nicer,

Up sparked a conversation with me

and the Chief Diversity Officer.

"The Chief Diversity Officer and The President of The University Of Iowa"
Photo taken by Tim Schoon

Georgina Dodge  ME  Sally Mason!