10 Books I Read Over the Winter (including ones I read for class!)

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I know this title is a bit misleading since winter isn’t totally over, but we had our first breath of spring air the other day here in Iowa City, so I’m taking that as a sign that spring is close by! For me, one of my favorite things about the warm weather is being able to ditch my blankets, warm lamps, and big mugs for some grass, sunlight, and soft breezes. As an English and creative writing major, I’m alwayssss reading: for pleasure and for class, for rain or for shine! So, I’d love the opportunity (once again!) to talk about the books I’ve read and what I thought of them. Here are ten books that I read under the covers of my warm and fuzzy bed, both for pleasure and for my classes this past semester.

Klara and the Sun by Kazou Ishiguro

I read this novel for my Global Science Fiction class (a class where we read famous science fiction works that were written by authors outside of the United States) and I absolutely loved it! It follows Klara, a solar-powered AI that is designed to help families and be companions for children in a futuristic United States. Klara is bought by Josie, a young sick girl, and her single mom. As Klara continues to learn more about human life and emotion, she encounters Josie’s strange family dynamic and the real reason why Klara was the perfect AI for Josie.

This novel was longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize and the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. After reading it, I could definitely see why this novel was up for such prestigious awards! It is a bit slow in the beginning, but it really picks up halfway through, and the big reveal is insane! I think this is a great book for just about anyone to pick up.

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

I read this book for fun because it’s a quick read and there’s actually a show on Peacock based on the novel (I’ll admit… I haven’t watched the show yet, but I’m sure I’ll get to it) The book follows five high school students in detention when one of them suddenly dies when the teacher exits the room. After suspicions about the incident being more than “just an accident” start to circle, the four remaining students band together to try and clear their names, all the while not knowing if one of them actually did kill their classmate.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of murder mystery books, but I decided to give this one a shot. I thought the book was good and the reveal was well thought out, but I felt it dragged a bit too much. I didn’t feel super connected to any of the four characters whose point of views we examined, and the writing style didn’t entirely fit with my personal taste. I think there is definitely an audience for this book but unfortunately, it might not be me! That being said, while I don’t think I’ll be picking up the second book in the series, the TV show on the other hand??? I might still have to check that one out!

The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu

I also read this book for my Global Science Fiction class and, honestly, I think this was one of the most difficult books I’ve ever read! So, this is your official warning that this IS NOT AN EASY READ!!! However, if you’re someone who’s interested in more math and science works then this might be the perfect novel for you!

As mentioned above, the reason I struggled so much with this novel is because there were so many math equations, physics explanations, astronomical studies, etc. which are areas of study that I personally don’t know much about and have trouble understanding. But what I can do is appreciate how well-thought-out and detailed this novel is, and how the science of science fiction literally MAKES SENSE!!! For those of you who also like a little bit of history in your novels, this book takes place in the 1960s during the Cultural Revolution in China. It follows an astrophysicist who discovers a new planet, TriSolaris, during her undercover studies at Red-Coast base. If this story sounds interesting but too difficult to read, Netflix has plans to develop this novel into a TV show, so stay tuned for that!

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers by Yiyun Li

I read Li’s collection of short stories for my International Literature Today class (a class where we interacted with International Writing Program writers and got to read their work and ask questions in person). For those of you who don’t know, Yiyun Li is actually an Iowa Writers Workshop alum, and she was also a visiting professor in 2015. A lot of her famous works have been written in Iowa City and take place in the Midwest. Some have even been adapted into films!

Personally, I really enjoyed her stories and her writing style. It was nice that her stories were easy reads and super short, so I usually read a story a night before going to bed. That being said, each story really packed an emotional punch and really got me thinking before I fell asleep. It’s nice being able to see the influence Iowa City has had on such a well-known and talented writer, so if you want to support some Iowa alum, I recommend picking up her collection!

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin

Another book that I read for my Global Science Fiction class (as you can tell, I did A LOT of reading for this course!) and follows a chief engineer whose working on a completed spaceship for his dystopian world. The novel is written in journal format, and in this particular world, humans don’t have emotions. But as the novel progresses and the main character, D-503, meets I-330, he falls in love with her and starts to learn what emotions are and the faults of his society in removing them.

I really enjoy books that play around with the format, and I enjoyed the journal entries of this book as chapters. I thought it was really interesting to see someone descend into their own madness and emotion for the very first time and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a weird and different science fiction book written out of the US!

Love By Night by S.K. Williams

While in Barnes and Noble, a friend of mine recommended this book to me after I told her I wanted to read more poetry books. She explained how this was a great book for people who are just getting into poetry, and I completely agree with her! I really felt that this collection of poems was a great bedtime read and a perfect way to “cleanse my pallet” after reading so many science fiction books over the course of the semester.

While I’m not a poet, poetry is a genre I really admire and love to read, so if you’re looking for some insightful poems regarding love, self-healing, mental health, etc. I would definitely check this collection out!

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

I feel like every time I do one of these book recommendation blog posts, I ALWAYSSS end up mentioning a Sarah J. Maas book. I’m currently plowing through her Throne of Glass series, and this is the fourth book in the collection. So, I can officially say I’m halfway through!

For those of you interested in a young adult fantasy series that’ll keep your attention for a while, the first book follows Celaena Sardothien, a famous assassin who’s recruited to fight in a contest to become the King’s official assassin and potentially gain her freedom back. In the fourth book, (I promise, no spoilers), so much of the story is expanded and it’s so cool watching all of the characters come together in this fantastic edition! If you’re looking to dive into a stunning fantasy world then this series is one you don’t want to miss!

Hrafnkel’s Saga and Other Stories translated by Hermann Palsson

Doing a complete 180, this novel is one of the official Icelander sagas that tell the tale of Vikings in the 10th century. It’s an interesting read and follows generations of Vikings as they conquer lands, get into disputes, and fall in love with princesses. I didn’t read the entire thing (the novel has some short stories at the end which I, unfortunately, did not get to), but I found the first stories to be really insightful, funny, and a cool way to examine how Vikings went about their storytelling back then!

This was not a book I read for pleasure, but one I was glad to have read! I am currently in a Medieval Norse Literature class where we focus on Norse mythology, Vikings, and more!

All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

For my Novel Writing class this semester, I had to read a couple books as I worked on my novel draft for class. The very first book we read happened to be this one and, I hate to admit it, but I’m not sure I’m the biggest McCarthy fan… I definitely understand the hype; he’s a fantastic writer and storyteller, but I personally wasn’t a fan of the writing style in this novel. Then again, maybe you’re a reader for McCarthy’s writing!

The story follows a young cowboy after his father sells the farm he grew up on. The cowboy, John Grady, ends up going to Mexico where he finds himself in dangerous situations, making new friends, and escaping death time and time again. I found this book to be a bit of a hard read, but if you’re into cowboy stories, countryside reads, and books that follow characters from a distance, then maybe this is the novel for you!

The Saga of the People of Laxardal by Unknown

The final book on this list is another book I read for my Medieval Norse Literature class and, yes, this time I did read the whole thing! This book is similar to Hrafnkel’s Saga in the sense that it follows generations of Vikings and gives its readers so many perspectives on what Viking storytelling looked like. If you’re interested in something longer with a touch of romance as the side plot, I would definitely recommend looking into this novel!

Those are the ten books I read over the winter! As you can see, my writing taste is a bit all over the place, but hopefully, there is something for everyone thrown into this mix. Stayed tuned for what I ended up reading over the spring and summer and, as always, Go Hawks!!!

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So, How Did I End Up Here?

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Hi everyone!

For those of you who have been with me since my first post, you know I’ve written about all aspects of my college life from Halloween in Iowa City, events I’ve participated in, books I’ve read, and even social media apps I swear by. It’s been such a joy to share my college experience with everyone since deciding the University of Iowa was my forever home, but as I was scrolling through some of my old posts the other day, I realized that I never told you guys how I actually ended up here. As someone who came from New York to Iowa, my story bends the typical Hawkeye origin tale, not only because of how I ended up here, but also what I ended up learning in the process.

At some point throughout my high school career, I made the decision that I wanted to go to college to be a nursing major. With that idea in mind, I spent the first half of my junior year applying to nursing colleges from Vermont to Oregon (much to my mom’s dismay!). Of the nursing colleges I applied to, one happened to be here in Iowa because, if you didn’t know, the University of Iowa has one of the best nursing programs in the country. I’d like to say it was me who discovered this fact, but it was actually my dad (an Iowa alum) who nudged me toward applying here.

Almost immediately after I hit the send button on my last nursing application, Covid-19 trampled through the country, and I was taken out of school. Suddenly, I was left at home with nothing to do, no one to talk to, and for once, no college applications to worry about. For the first time in my life, I was forced to sit and, well, do nothing.

As you can imagine, that didn’t last very long.

Gradually, I resorted back to my love for reading and writing; something that I adored in middle school but forgot about when I got to high school. I remember I was the type of kid that would read by herself during lunch, write bad short stories on my phone, and practically beg my mom to let me write fanfiction on Wattpad (I know, embarrassing). I fell right back into my love for literature and started writing novels (still bad ones, but at least I was finishing them) and reading books that were collecting dust on my bookshelf for years. It was the most fun I’d ever had, and to this day, I still miss being able to wake up and write without a care in the world.

As I spent months typing away, I also received a handful of acceptance letters, one of them being from the University of Iowa as a nursing interest, but not a direct admin. It was a major accomplishment to still be accepted and all the college acceptances secured that I’d be going somewhere, but as they kept rolling in, I never found myself truly excited about them. I feigned a smile, hugged my family, and then went right back to my writing. I realize now that I was secretly dreading the idea of giving up my newfound freedom to go back into a rigorous academic space.  At the time though, I wasn’t ready to admit that nursing might be a major I couldn’t see myself in anymore.

As time continued and a decision loomed over me, I knew I needed to make a choice: do what I set out to do and become a nursing major, or start at square one and be an English and creative writing major. I remember that idea scared me so bad that I continuously shoved it down and hoped it would go away. And I succeeded in that… until I finally toured the University of Iowa.

My tour happened to be on one of the snowiest and coldest days of the winter semester. I remember that my eyelashes had icicles on them from how fast things were freezing. On the day of my tour, my dad and I were the only two people to show up because even a snowstorm couldn’t stop the fact that we had a flight to catch the next day and no time to reschedule.

I mentioned to my tour guide that I was looking into nursing, but for the entirety of the tour, I distinctly remember tuning in to anything she mentioned regarding the English community. I’d done my research beforehand and knew that the University of Iowa had one of the best creative writing programs in the country, and I couldn’t help but tune back into the tour any time she mentioned it. I think that realization was the defining moment for me.

Because by the time the tour ended, I realized I didn’t care about the nursing program and the things I once liked about it, all I could pay attention to was what I thought I’d be missing. And I knew, surrounded by the snow, the campus, and the city, that I couldn’t let this opportunity slip by.

Immediately after the tour, I sat down with my dad and told him I wanted to commit to Iowa as an English and creative writing major. I was lucky to have his and my mom’s support, so I flew home, talked to my advisor, and I officially switched my major. There were a few moments of hesitation, yes, but there was also so much relief. I was letting go of one dream to dive into another. That’s no easy feat, but one that I knew was worth it, even if I didn’t know where it would take me.

A couple weeks after I switched my major, I received a call from the nursing college at the university where I was told I had moved up the waitlist and had been directly admitted into the college, something that very few first-years are accepted into upon arrival. Confused, I told them I switched my major and there was a moment on the phone where the woman gave me a second chance to decide if I was truly turning down my spot in the nursing college. Seated on the steps of my childhood home and staring at the snow-covered hills that reminded me of the campus I toured only a few weeks ago, there was no hesitation when I declined a second time.

And there has been no hesitation since.

Now that I’ve been at the University of Iowa for nearly two years, I can honestly say that I made two of the most important and best decisions of my life back-to-back: changing my major and coming to Iowa to pursue it. I have no regrets and I’ve enjoyed every second of my academics, my literary community, and all the free time I have to write creatively. I was able to make my newfound freedom and my long-time passion into a career, and for that, I’m grateful.

For incoming freshmen, I want you to really consider your passions and know that they, and you, are subject to change. It is a brave thing to go for the life you want, and I promise, if you want something bad enough, it will happen for you. Choose to take dreams and make them into reality.

I hope you guys enjoy my story and I wish you all the best of luck on your college journey. Go Hawks and see you guys soon!

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A Hawkeye Valentine: Things to do on Valentine’s Day

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Hey guys!

I hope all of you are having a great start to your February (minus the weather of course!) Right now, Hawkeyes all over campus are bundled up, getting into the full swing of their classes, and diving into their passions whether it’s a club project, a new job, or maybe participating in Dance Marathon that happened this past weekend! Whatever people are up to, the students at the University of Iowa are putting their best foot out there, even if they’re met with a bunch of snow in the process!

Something that I’m looking forward to in this chilly weather is Valentine’s Day. Iowa City has so much to offer young couples and singles looking to enjoy the day of love. So, if you’re stumped on what you want to do or you need some more information on what the city offers, then you’ve come to the right place!

Here are just a few things to do in Iowa City over the holiday:

The Vue Rooftop: Valentine’s Day Themed Dinner

For my Valentine’s Day plan, my boyfriend and I made reservations to go to The Vue, a rooftop restaurant with amazing views and fantastic food! It’s super aesthetic to sit inside one of the tallest buildings in Iowa City, and for their Valentine’s Day meal, the Vue is offering an appetizer, meal, and dessert, all for 75$!!! So, grab that steak, take some pictures, and if any of you see me there, stop by and say hi!

XOXO Valentine’s Day Ball

Hosted on the Heights Rooftop, the ball will go from 8pm to 2am with a DJ, dance floor, live performances, treat stations, and free prizes! It’s recommended that those who are planning to attend come in formal entire which makes this event the perfect excuse to grab that dress/suit that you’ve been holding onto for wayyy too long. Maybe after your dinner at the Vue, you can hop on over and dance the night away with your significant other!

The Last-Minute Vibes Concert

For those of you who are big music lovers and are looking to support some local Iowa musicians, Gabe’s in downtown Iowa City is hosting a live concert night that starts at 9pm. They recommend coming a bit early to hang with the cast while they set up and get a good spot to watch the performance. For those of you who are interested, the event is 19+ and be sure to bring 10$ to support local artists and the lovely music they’ll be playing for us to enjoy.

Galentine’s Day at Field and Finch

Do you and your single gals need something to do? How about jewelry shopping together!? Field and Finch are hosting an open house with snacks and sales from 10am to 5pm. They’ll also be doing some giveaways with some free jewelry! This is a great option if you want to do something with your loved ones during the day so you can be snug and warm at night.

Silent Disco

While this isn’t being offered on Valentine’s Day, Silent Disco is another great activity for you and your friends if you want to get out and have fun. On February 10th, 17th, and 24th, the Graduate hotel will have a bunch of headphones available, and you’ll be able to dance outside with your friends while deciding what station you want to jam to! I’ll admit, you will have to brave the cold, but dancing with your best friends is sure to be a sweat fest and a great way to spend some time together over this holiday!

That’s all the ideas I have for you! I hope one of these events piques your interest and gives you the chance to get away from your homework to have some fun! I hope all of you enjoy the holiday and spend it with lots of love to go around.

See you next time and happy celebrating!

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Songs Hawkeyes Are Listening to Right Now

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Welcome to the new year everyone!

I apologize for being quiet this month! It’s been hectic getting back into the swing of things with classes, but now that I have a steady schedule and a consistent routine, I’m ready to take on the semester! For my first blog post of the semester, I decided to do something fun and asked some of my current Hawkeye friends what their favorite song is right now to let you guys know what’s getting Hawkeyes up in the morning.

Whether you’re walking the length of T. Anne Cleary Walkway, roaming the halls of the English Philosophy building, or studying in one of the many coffee shops in downtown Iowa City, a love for music is something that all Hawkeyes can relate to. So, pull up Spotify or Apple Music (Spotify is superior. There, I said it) and get ready for some great recommendations!

For Those of You Looking for Throwbacks:

  • House of the Rising Sun by the Animals (recommended by Mackenzie, a biology major)
  • Waterloo by ABBA (recommended by Brett, a geology major)
  • Rich Girl by Hall and Oates (recommended by Ethan, a biochemistry major)
  • That’s Life by Frank Sinatra (recommended by Katie, an English and creative writing major)

For those of You Looking for Pop Songs to Dance to:

  • Another Sad Love Song by Khalid (recommended by me!)
  • Treasure by Bruno Mars (recommended by Scout, an English and creative writing major)
  • She’s American by the 1975 (recommended by Ashlynn, an engineering major)
  • Tommy Boy by Kid Smoko (recommended by Max, a communications major)

For those of You Who Need Something a Little Bit *Dark*:

  • Dark Red by Steve Lacy (recommended by Sydney, an English, ethics, and public policy major)
  • Kill Bill by SZA (recommended by Eva, an English and creative writing major)
  • Better People to Leave on Read by Emei (recommended by Elisa, an English and history major)

For Those of You Who are in Your Feels Right Now:

  • The Last Time by Taylor Swift (recommended by Jenna, an English and creative writing major)
  • Bluebird by Beach House (recommended by Hayden, an art major)
  • A House in Nebraska by Ethel Cain (recommended by Jenna, a linguistics major)

For Those of You Looking for Some New Hip Hop Hits:

  • Walkin by Denzel Curry (recommended by Riley, a philosophy major)

Those are all the recommendations I have for you guys! There’s definitely something for everyone on this list and what better way to listen to some new music than when you’re stuck inside because of the cold weather!

Happy listening and I’ll see you guys soon!

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My Top 7 Moments This Semester

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Hey guys!

The end of the semester is finally here! If I close my eyes, it feels like yesterday that I was just moving back into the dorms as a sophomore in college. The muggy August air, the excited buzz in the hallways, and the overflow of new people, new classes, and new experiences feel like a breath away and I can’t believe we’re nearing the end.

Since that day I moved all my stuff into my new bedroom, so much has happened, and I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on some of my favorite and most meaningful moments that have come out of this semester.

Meeting My Boyfriend on the Very First Day

I know it’s a bit cheesy, but I wanted to pay homage to one of the best people I’ve met this year! I could go on and on about how much of an impact Riley has been on my life and how grateful I am to have met him. He’s my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the coolest person I know. I’ll definitely miss him over winter break, but you know what they say! Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Finding This Stray Cat Outside of Stanley Hall

Speaking of Riley, there was one night that I got a call from him (It was at 3 a.m., and let me tell you, I was soooo nice and cozy in my bed by that point) but he called to tell me how he and his friend were outside of the residence hall and found a cat he wanted me to see. Of course, when I heard a cat was involved, I sprang out of bed, threw on a sweater, and bolted outdoors. And, let me tell you… this was the sweetest outdoor cat I have ever met!

She let us pet her, carry her, and play in the parking lot before she ultimately ended up running away. I haven’t seen the cat since, but this picture is my favorite picture of me taken this semester.

Signing the Lease for an Apartment Next Year

This was definitely a highlight of my year. Not sure if any of you are aware of the term, “adulting” but this was a moment in my life where I really felt like I was growing out of childhood and into adulthood. Researching places, scheduling tours, and then completing the signing was such a whirlwind (and very stressful) but I’m so glad I found the perfect place for me, and I’ll be living with one of my best friends here in Iowa City!

Listening to Taylor Swift’s Midnights Release

For those of you who don’t know, Taylor Swift released her newest album, “Midnights” in October of this year. If you haven’t listened to the album yet, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for. Drop everything and turn it on now!

On the night the album was released, I and my freshman year roommate sat in my room with glasses of apple cider and listened to the release together. We gushed over every song and spent an hour and a half just dissecting every line, every beat, and every hidden metaphor. Even though we were up until 2am, it was definitely a night to remember.

My “Vogue” Photoshoot

Earlier in the year, I was able to get in touch with a friend of mine, Samm Yu, who has a photography business here in Iowa City (I’ll link their Instagram here). We were able to set up a photo shoot, and then the next thing I know, we were doing an official photoshoot on the rooftop of Stanley IN THE FREEZING COLD!!! Even though I was shivering the whole time, it was so fun being able to pose for Samm and eventually getting some of my favorite photos of myself.

If you’re interested in getting your photo taken for any sort of occasion, I would definitely reach out to Samm!

Performing at Mirage

I actually did a whole blog post about this performance purely because of how much fun it was!

I had such a great job performing with the organization “Walk It Out” and being part of a show that advocates for sexual health! Even though we didn’t perform until midnight and those nerves felt like they were never-ending, it was just a reminder of how much I like to perform, and yes, how cool I am when I have a sword in my hand!

Throwing a Surprise Party for My Friend’s Birthday

Only a few weekends ago, I and my closest friends threw a surprise party for our friend, Eva! She’s one of the sweetest and most hardworking individuals on campus, yet I haven’t been able to see her much because of how intense classes have been and because she lives off-campus this year. It was great that we got to spend her big day with her and spend that much-needed friend time before finals.

After we surprised her in her apartment, we ate some homemade cupcakes, caught up, and then got dinner at Unimpaired, a dry bar here in Iowa City, where we got some delicious pizza. I loved being able to get together with everyone and it really felt like the perfect weekend to wrap up the semester.

Those are my top seven moments this semester! Thank you guys so much for spending time with me these past couple of months and I can’t wait to start strong in January with a whole new set of blog posts for the spring semester.

See you then and be safe and happy holidays!

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I Performed at Mirage and Here’s How it Went

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Hi everyone!

I can’t believe we’re in the month of December! It feels like yesterday that we were counting down to the year 2022 at home with our friends and family. I can only imagine what this new year is going to bring, but I can only hope it’ll consist of cool classes, more fun experiences, and a lot less homework. But before we fully dive into the new year, there is still this chilly, last month of December and everything it has to offer. Including, our on-campus event, Mirage, that occurred this past weekend.

For those of you who don’t know what Mirage is, it’s a drag show here at the University of Iowa that offers free HIV testing, a condom casino, and, of course, a four-hour-long drag show! It’s one of the university’s biggest events in the wintertime and it happens right before finals. During the event, hundreds of students come out to partake in the games, get free stuff, and watch the drag queens strut on stage. It’s a lot of fun, super memorable, and definitely one of the coolest events that the campus holds.

While I’m not a drag queen, I am a choreographer for the largest multicultural organization at the university called Walk It Out. This year, Walk It Out was granted the opportunity to be the halftime show during the event, however, we were granted this opportunity with only a two-week notice. That’s right, we had to choreograph a fifteen-minute halftime show in two weeks, and one of those weeks was actually Thanksgiving break.

Hearing this and being a choreographer for the very first time only added to my nerves. I remember the pressure I felt as I sat in my room and got the confirmation on Zoom with the rest of my team. After the meeting, I called my boyfriend in tears, flipping through my calendar in a panic as I tried to rationalize how I was going to do it. At the moment, it felt impossible.

But I’m so fortunate that I wasn’t alone.

So many East Asian models (the group that I choreograph for) offered to help by model walking or dancing, even though I asked them so last minute. In just a few short days, my group and I had a dance duet, a couple of models who were going to do a model walk, and then my sword performance (a segment I did last year for the official Walk It Out showcase in the spring) ready for the stage.

In a whirlwind, it all came together, and on the day of the show, it felt like nothing could go wrong.

But then, only a few hours before we were expected to perform, we did our first massive rehearsal with all the cultural groups, only to find out that my group’s music hadn’t been cut properly. There were a few minutes of panic where I frantically called our music producer who was able to fix everything in a couple minutes. Just like that, we were right back on schedule. The rest of the practice consisted of a few stage runs, and then, it was time to get ready and perform.

When it was only an hour from performing, we spent some time stretching together, practicing, talking, and, of course, laughing as those nerves started to set in. I remember that bundle in my stomach growing larger and larger as I squeezed out laughs and mustered up smiles. Even as a group leader whose done this in the past, it can be tough to put on a brave face and perform. For this performance, in particular, I had already been told that I would be the opening act for our show, so the pressure to set the tone was on, and I did not want to screw that up!

Before we knew it, our time was up, and just before midnight, we got the confirmation to start setting up backstage.

In the skinny, dingy, white-walled hallway before the stairs leading into the darkness of backstage, we continued to share anxious laughs and smiles. I remember how clammy my hands felt and the number of times I tugged on my collar, swallowing at a dry mouth. My nerves were at an all-time high and doubt quickly crept in with only a few minutes before it was time to perform.

Part of the reason for those intense nerves was that I had only practiced my sword performance a few times and I hadn’t practiced the segment at all with a Kiyap. For those of you who don’t know, a Kiyap in taekwondo (Korean martial arts) is an exhale made at certain points during a performance. “Exhale” is a bit of a generous term; think of it more as a scream! Because it can be so loud, I typically don’t practice my Kiyaps until I get on stage, and there’s always that slice of doubt I get when I wonder if I can still do it. This specific performance was no different.

It was only a few minutes in that cramped hallway before we got the okay to go up and, all of a sudden, I was right behind the black curtains, the sword at my back, and my head down as I tried to control my breathing. My toes were just an inch from the light and the audience’s view. Around me, the sound of the crowd muffled into white noise.

I always get the question of whether or not I’m nervous to perform and the answer is always yes, because who wouldn’t be?

But there’s this moment with only seconds before the music begins where this overwhelming calm washes over me. The nerves vanish and that calm allows me to focus and transform into whatever version of myself I need to portray on stage. Seconds before I was about to perform, that exact feeling hit me, and I readjusted the grip on my sword, listened to the first beats of music, lifted my head, and walked into the spotlight.

The performance lasted about forty seconds, yet it felt like it went on forever. In a way, it still feels like it’s going on. I can still hear the Kiyaps I let out from deep in my chest (all the frustration and stress from finals finally paying off) and I can still feel the weight of my sword in my hands. There are still rug burns on my knees from when I had to kneel and spin, and my hamstrings are still sore from all the kicks I pulled. I still remember my boyfriend, Riley, cheering from the back of the room and two of the models from last year’s Walk It Out performance, Maddie and Jason, screaming with excitement in the front row.

By the very end, I knew I had nailed it, and the rest of the performance carried on just as flawlessly.

Afterward, I couldn’t help but think about how I hadn’t performed on stage since the Walk It Out showcase last year, and just a taste of being able to perform again reminded me of how much I adore this organization and the community we’ve built. It brings together the most amazing people and I’m so grateful that I was able to perform with all of them again before the semester and the year is out.

For those of you who didn’t get the chance to watch us perform at Mirage, Walk It Out’s Big Show will be on April 1st in the Iowa Memorial Union. Come out to support your friends, families, and the multicultural community here at the University of Iowa. I promise you won’t want to miss out on what we have in store for everyone.

That’s all for me! Good luck with finals and see you guys soon!

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I Stayed on Campus Over Thanksgiving Break and Here’s What I Ended Up Doing

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Hi everyone!

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving break and savored the short week with your family because, in just a few short weeks, the fall semester will officially be over, and we’ll all step away from our schoolwork for a month. With the semester I’ve been having, I know I’m ready for some holiday cheer and relaxation with some good books, my hometown friends, and, of course, my cats!

While some students got a taste of the extended break this past Thanksgiving weekend, there were some like myself who decided to stay on campus since going home was a bit of a hassle. Flying to and from New York in less than a week is a bit much and living in Iowa has taught me that I have a strong dislike for Chicago O’Hare airport (hopefully no one feels too strongly about Chicago O-Hare!)

Overall, it was more beneficial for me to stay on campus and find some things to do around the city so, here are a few things I did while I was one of the only students left on campus this break!!!

Studied in the Study Rooms in the Main Library

Since there was no one on campus, I had my choice of all the study spaces here at the university. One of my new favorite spots (which I will definitely be revisiting during finals week) was the colorful study spaces in the Main Library. I loved how secluded I felt inside and how I was able to get all of my work done in such a quiet setting.

Throughout this past week. I’ve made my home studying and catching up on homework there, and I could definitely see myself studying more in those spaces. Hopefully, I’ll be able to snag one over finals week since they seem to go fast!

Did Campus Walking Tours on an Empty Campus

If you didn’t already know, I’m a professional tour guide for the University of Iowa! For those of you that are prospective students or families that plan to visit campus over the next couple of years, maybe I’ll be the one showing you around! Some tour guide advice, pick a day with some good weather. I promise, it’ll really make the experience!

As much as I love doing tours during the school day (it’s really beneficial for families to see students in their element in my opinion), sometimes it can be a bit difficult to navigate classes and all the students walking all over the place. But doing tours over Thanksgiving break with the campus completely empty gave me and my tour groups the opportunity to spread out and take our time with the information at each stop and the questions that followed.

All of my tours this week ended up running late, but there was such good conversation, easy walks, and so much empty space that those tours definitely stuck with me. And, I hope, for the people who toured, those tours stuck out to them too!

My Parents Came into Town!!!

Even though I didn’t go home this break, home happened to come to me!

My family at Carver Hawkeye Arena on the west side of campus

On Wednesday, my family flew in from New York and we spent the day catching up, going to the Coralville Mall for some light shopping (I got the CUTEST coat), and having dinner at a restaurant called the Vine which is just outside of Iowa City. Just like any holiday season, it was great to be with family and to celebrate my time off with them before I had to hunker down for finals.

Took over the Instagram for Iowa Admissions

Another cool thing I was able to have the opportunity to do was an Instagram takeover for the official Iowa Admissions page which has almost 14,000 followers! So yeah, the pressure was definitely on!

I had so much fun taking everyone through my day and being able to answer some questions about dorms, classes, and even my fashion sense! I would definitely do another takeover in the future, hopefully, one where I get to show off more of my clubs and classes during a school day.

Got Thanksgiving Dinner at the Iowa River Powerhouse Restaurant

This is one of the only restaurants in Iowa City that’s open for Thanksgiving dinner!

My parents made reservations with my friend and her parents who also stayed in Iowa City during the holidays. Together, we were able to help ourselves to a buffet-styled meal which had some of the best turkeys I’ve ever had! And don’t even get me started on the desserts…

Overall, it was a great Thanksgiving meal with friends and family and was one of my favorite meals yet!

Black Friday Shopping in Iowa City

Me and my boyfriend, Riley, went Black Friday shopping during the game (gotta say, not our best football game), and while there weren’t many deals in the downtown area, we had so much fun walking around, trying on cute clothes (I tried on cute clothes, Riley held my coat and read some Colleen Hoover books), and overall, just spending the day together!

I did snag a pretty cute pair of jeans that were twenty percent off at White Rabbit, so the walking around was definitely worth it! I would definitely recommend seeing all the stores that downtown Iowa City has to offer. There truly are some fantastic small businesses just looking for visitors to check out their shops!!!

Prepared to Perform at Mirage

The last thing I did this week was to prepare for next week’s big winter campus event, Mirage!

Mirage is a massive drag show here in Iowa City that advocates self-expression, sexual health, and so much more. One of the clubs I’m part of (Walk It Out) will be doing a mini fashion show at the event, so for those of you that are in the area, come out to support the show and all the cool things the event offers! It’ll be from 9pm to 1am on December 2nd in the Iowa Memorial Union and in the second-floor ballroom.

That’s it for me and what I did over break! I hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving break and, for the college students on their way back, good luck with your finals!!!

 

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10 Books to Read Over Winter Break

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Hey guys! It’s been a while!

Not sure if you guys feel the same, but this semester for me has been jammed packed! With classes, club events, leading campus walking tours for work, and just trying to stay social with friends, it’s made it difficult to find time to do the things I want to do, one of those being sitting down and reading a good book!

Reading for leisure makes me think back to the summer (I know it just started getting cold in Iowa City, but I’m already missing the heat). Back then, I had so much free time to read, write, and do all the things I wanted to do. Thankfully though, winter break is only a few weeks away, and I’ll hopefully have that opportunity to focus solely on my passions!

But for now, I wanted to give you guys a list of books I read earlier in the year for those of you trying to get a jumpstart on your reading for next year, or maybe for those of you just trying to say you read a book this year. Below are a couple of recommendations to get you started!

Passing by Nella Larson

I absolutely loved this book!!! It was published in the late 1920s and focuses on two women, Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield, who are childhood friends now reunited and who end up becoming entangled in each other’s lives. The novel addresses ideas about racism, sexuality, the black identity, motherhood, beauty, and so much more. It’s a novel ahead of its time and it’s really short too! For those of you looking for an older read that’ll make you think, this book is for you!

Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

This standalone fantasy novel is incredibly short, but the story stays with you long afterward.

As someone who has read Elana’s books in the past (she writes similarly to Laurie Halse Anderson, the author of Speak) this novel only continued to prove her talent to me. The book follows Ama, a damsel in distress, who is forced to marry the prince who saves her from the dragon in the tower. But little does Ama know, there’s a lot more to the mysterious rescue and a lot more to her future husband and the kingdom he’s destined to rule. Definitely an interesting tale and one that had me on my toes the whole time!

*Side note: I definitely would recommend looking up some content warnings for the novel, just in case that can be triggering to you!*

Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

Included in my recommendations is a novel that has recently been placed on the banned books list!

If you plan on picking up Out of Darkness, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend looking at content warnings beforehand and the themes this novel presents since they can be incredibly triggering. I know for me, it was definitely a tough novel to get through and left me utterly heartbroken once I finished.

The book is historical fiction and follows two teenagers, a Mexican American girl, and an African American boy, in Texas during the 1930s. It’s a heartbreaking story that has stuck with me since the moment I picked it up, so for those of you looking for a longer novel that’ll really hurt your heart, this novel is a good one!

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

This was actually my second time reading this novel! Nothing wrong with a good re-read, am I right?

Once again, I fell in love with Bardugo’s work, just like I did in middle school when I first read this book. It’s the first in a fantasy duology that follows six criminals who are trying to infiltrate and rescue a mad scientist through a massive heist. Leigh Bardugo is one of my all-time favorite authors and she has a knack for writing intricate fantasy worlds, fleshed-out characters, and a writing style that keeps you engaged the whole story. And for those of you who are also big TV show fans, these characters are also seen in the Netflix original, “Shadow and Bone,” which is the name of Bardugo’s other book series by the same name.

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

I never would have thought I’d have the chance to say I’ve read an Africanfuturist science fiction horror novella, but here I am!

Honestly, I had no idea that books like Binti even existed. Binti was another one of my favorite books that I’ve read so far, and it’s a standalone novella, so it’s a veryyy quick read. It follows a girl from Earth who’s the first in her village to be accepted into college and she must leave Earth if she wants to attend. However, the ship runs into a few problems along the way, and the girl, Binti, finds herself trying to survive on the ship alone. It’s super compelling and unforgettable, and I still compare it to other sci-fi works I read today!

Kicking and Screaming by Melanie Gibson

This novel is self-published and it’s creative non-fiction! Non-fiction is a genre I’ve been trying to immerse myself further into, and this story focuses on Melanie’s journey with the art of taekwondo, and how she uses the lessons it teaches her as a way to pull herself out of alcoholism, relationship problems, and self-esteem issues. As someone who practically lived in a taekwondo school their entire life, this book was incredibly nostalgic to me, and I had so much fun seeing Melanie’s journey progress through a sport I’ve already fallen in love with it!

If you’re looking to read a book that will teach you about a sport in the process of reading, definitely look into this one!

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

This is the second novel in her Throne of Glass series and, oh man, it does not disappoint!!! I won’t spoil too much, but the first book follows Celaena, an imprisoned assassin, who’s chosen by the prince to be her victor in a competition the king is hosting. If she wins, Celaena will become the King’s Assassin and in turn, earn her freedom back at the end of her service. So far, I love the series and I can see why it’s one of the most well-known and beloved young adult series in the industry! Even though there are multiple books in the series, it’s definitely one to try and read through!

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

This is the third book in the series and if anyone could tell me where I can get the fourth book, that would be great!

*Note: This book almost brought me to tears!!!*

Pillow Thoughts II by Courtney Peppernell

As I mentioned before, I’m trying to diversify my reading, and one of the genres I’m trying to read more in is poetry! Poetry books are always a quick read and Peppernell has multiple in her Pillow Thoughts series. The poems are quick to go through, and I liked the break I got while reading this collection! It’s super easy, and comfortable, and if you’re looking for something short that will pull on your heartstrings, this is the book for you!

R.U.R by Karl Capek

On the idea of genre searching, this last book is actually a science fiction play! It’s a translated work that was originally written in Czechoslovakian, and some of the translations are, well, adequate. Still, a great read though, and it brings up so many interesting and profound questions about society. The play is set in a futuristic world where robots are the world’s slaves, and it follows the group of men who invented the robots and the consequences they face by doing so.

Also, fun fact, this play was THE piece of literature that invented the word, “robot.” I think that alone should get you reading, especially since this work has completely altered our understanding of society! Crazy!

I hope you guys like my recommendations! There’s definitely something here for everyone, so take your pick, and get reading!!!

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Hunting for An Apartment in Iowa City: A Survival Guide

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On October 14th, hunched over a table in the main lounge of Stanley Residence Hall, me and one of my best friends let out the biggest sigh of our lives as we finished signing the lease for our apartment next year. In that moment, the two of us just smiled weakly at each other, too exhausted to feel excited or happy. There was nothing but the sweet sensation of relief in that room.

Finally, our search was done, the hunt was over. What felt like blood, sweat, and tears, (you may think I’m exaggerating, but I promise you, I’m not) had been worth it. We had the most perfect location in Iowa City, and finally, we could relax.

My future roommate and I were fortunate that we had some help from our parents through this process, especially since we had never had to worry about housing in the past. Our parents were always on speed dial in case we needed help with anything, and while we were lucky to have their encouraging voices, that help still came from afar. Overall, me and my friend were entirely on our own. From finding places, to reaching out to managements, to finding days to tour, and even just making sure we communicated on a day-to-day basis with each other, all of that was entirely up to us. There were no how-to guides on how to navigate Iowa City’s off-campus housing labyrinth besides social media and, weirdly, the UIowa Moms Facebook page (those women RUN this city!).

So, I figured I make my own little Iowa City Apartment Hunting Survival Guide. My advice, take notes. We’re in for the long haul…

Finding Your Roommates and Communicating with Them

Okay, this may be obvious, but you have to find a roommate. Yes, there are studio apartments sprinkled throughout Iowa City, but the more roommates you have, the more money you’ll save. College students gotta budget, you know! I also recommend continuously double checking that the people you room with are rooming with you. Sometimes things happen or come up and it changes the game. All good, just be sure it’s communicated to all parties!

Once you have the people you want to room with, I recommend making a GroupChat with them and asking their budgets. It’s important to know where everyone stands, so you can have an estimate of what everyone can pays, what your wiggle room is, and what your maximum rent is for every month. Again, it may seem obvious, but this is crucial for your search and will lay the groundwork for you and your friends before the actual fun begins.

Download the App, “Notion”

My future roomie is the one who told me about this super handy app. It can be downloaded on your phone and laptop and serves as a note sharing app! You can create apartment tabs, make notes on them, put them into different columns, link the website where you found a place, and so much more! Overall, it helps you and your roomie(s) stay on the same page as you begin your search. Having this at my disposal was a massive game-changer and was a great way for the two of us to see what the other was up to. Of course, we still texted each other every time something was done, just to make sure the other was always in the know. If you haven’t guessed, communication is key in this process, and having ways to share thoughts/notes is a must!

Find Those Apartments

Everyone’s favorite part, apartment shopping!!!

Below, I’ll link a couple websites that had a great selection of apartments to look through while I was still deep in my search. Once you find a place, and this is probably my biggest suggestion: CALL THOSE NUMBERS!!! Yes, you can send a message through the website, but the most efficient, fastest, and easiest way to get in contact with property managements to schedule a tour with them would be to call ahead. Scheduling the tours on the phone really puts you ahead of the game. Trust me, this will save you so much time just waiting around and hoping that your dream place doesn’t get snatched up!

Apartments for Rent in Iowa City IA – 1,102 Rentals | Apartments.com

1,102 Apartments For Rent in Iowa City, IA | Apartment Finder

University of Iowa | Off-Campus Housing Search (uiowa.edu)

Make a List of Questions for the Tour

Before you tour any place, definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY make a list of your biggest questions and concerns to ask the renter. A couple of things I recommend asking about are as follows:

  • Confirm the original rent you saw on the website
  • Are utilities included in rent (if not, how much do they cost on average?)
  • Where is laundry located?
  • Ask about the security deposit
  • Is renter’s insurance required?
  • Where do you sign the lease and where do you pay the rent?

Also, I’d recommend checking the faucets, toilets, shower, lights, and if there are smoke detectors. I know, I know, all of this takes the fun out of the tour, but I promise, all of this is necessary to have a good experience in your first apartment!

If You Like a Place, Sign it ASAP

Apartments in Iowa City (especially the ones located within Iowa City) tend to go fast. So, if you find a place you like, I highly recommend signing the lease for it right after you tour. The same day that me and roomie toured the apartment, we signed the lease to live there. It was super easy, and stress free (thankfully). And once you know you have a place to live, then comes the next fun step, decorating!

But maybe I’ll save some apartment must-haves for another post.

For now, I hope these tips helped. Apartment hunting can be scary, but you got it! Just take it one day at a time, and the right place will fall right into your lap. Happy hunting and may the odds be ever in your favor…

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Halloween Costumes I’m Dying to See This Year

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Hey everyone!

Fall is finally here! When the weather changed this week, the sweaters were out, the coffee went from iced to hot, and we traded our air conditioners for just popping open our windows and letting in that cool breeze. The start of autumn is such an exciting time, especially because one of the most popular holidays in the country comes right along with it. Also known as, Halloween!

Last year, my freshman year, I was veryyy late to the game with picking out my Halloween costumes. That’s right, costumes. Plural. College Halloween is no joke, and if you want to be prepared, I’d recommend getting those costumes ASAP before things get sold out. Or, if you want to save some money, start scouring through your closet for a DIY fit that you can keep reusing!

If all of this seems a bit daunting, or maybe you just have no idea where to start, I’ve compiled a list of costumes that I’m really hoping to see this year, and maybe, you’ll get an idea from it. So, let’s get started!

Classic 90s Movies

Whether it’s Cher from Clueless or Elle Woods from Legally Blonde or Mia Thermopolis from Princess Diaries, I’m dyinggg to see some girls bodying these outfits. The plus side with any of these fits (with the exception of maybe some props/accessories) is that the outfits can be worn again for class, a night out on the town, or for some themed events, you may have. It’s cheap, easy, and a classic that everybody will recognize if you do it right!

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

This is one I personally really want to do (maybe next year?) and I think it could be amazing if done well. All you need is a black suit, sunglasses, and a couple business cards. When you’re walking around, track down anyone dressed as a Marvel character, hand them one of those business cards, and ask them if they’ve heard of the Avengers initiative. Such a cool twist! Again, it’s super easy and can help you meet new people who like the same movies as you do! Be careful, though, you could get mistaken for a Men in Black character!

Barbie

Since the Barbie movie is right around the corner, why not get one step ahead and dress up as her! There’s a lot you can do with Barbie; you can do her from different careers, any of the classic animated movies, and even the 80s leotard Margot Robbie is wearing in the leaked photos from the set! It’s a super cute idea and all you need is some pink, a ponytail, and a bright smile!

Cartoon Characters

I don’t have any particular ones in mind, but if you were thinking of doing a group costume with some of your friends, choosing an animated piece of entertainment could be really fun and different! Coordinating it may take some time, and you’d probably have to spend some money, but think about how memorable the costume would be? And the pictures?!? Forget about it.

Where’s Waldo?

A classic. That’s all.

Euphoria (specifically, Season 2)

I will be absolutely crushed if I don’t see Maddy’s signature black dress or Cassie’s Oklahoma outfit.

Top Gun Maverick

I’d kill to see a group of guys dress up as the gang from the football beach scene. Just remember to grow out that stache beforehand!

Stranger Things

I feel like we’ve hit the point where people forgot that the fourth season aired over the summer, so definitely take advantage of that, and dress up as some of the characters! It would be amazing to see someone dressed up as some of the newer characters like Angela, Eddie, or Chrissy from the show. Totally memorable, and on par with some of the best television of the year.

That’s all I have for costume ideas! I hope some of these gave you an idea of what to do (or how to save some money) so enjoy the chaos of pulling those last-minute costumes together and good luck!

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