Happy New Year’s, current and prospective Hawkeyes! Since homesickness and nostalgia have been overshadowing my appreciation for certain college experiences lately, I’ve decided to use this blog to recognize some favorite moments from my first semester. 

September 

Following the homecoming game, my friends and I got Dairy Queen from the old-timey stand because it was one of the last nights before it closed for the season. Consoling ourselves with dilly bars and blizzards after the disheartening Hoosier victory, we talked about everything from crazy roommates to hermit crabs. Between the vibrant neon sign lighting up the dark sky, the muggy air from the Iowa river, and the gentle breeze of summer weather trying to cling on, this was the kind of simple yet fun night I always pictured having in college. 

October 

I usually spent Halloween curled up with a book and a bowl of candy or working as a scare actor for haunted houses and trails, but I knew this year was going to be different–everything else was, after all. I was only partially correct, though, as the days leading up to the 31st proved to be a blend of past traditions and new experiences. I convinced my friends to go through Eclypse Haunted Attraction–which I would definitely recommend–with me. I also did the same “Mad Hatter” makeup look I’ve done before, which I always think is so fun to do. There’s a special kind of confidence you feel when you’re pretending to be bludgeoned in the head by a playing card. I wasn’t used to the stressful workload I needed to complete right before–and even on–the holiday, nor was I prepared for the blistering cold of walking to a party in Iowa in October. Still, it was a very happy Halloween. 

November 

Ignore the pretentious English major stereotype here, but it truly is very serene to sit outside in a black turtleneck and write poems or stories beneath the autumn sun. The fall season in Iowa was pretty blissful, the trees shedding burnt orange and russet-colored leaves.

December 

Before I knew better, I was fascinated by the Midwestern winter. The crunchy sheets of snow lie so bright on the ground that they take away the darkness of night. The calming flurries swirling outside the windows as I worked on my essays. The rhythmic pulse of the wind lulls me to sleep like white noise. 

Of course, this was all very enchanting when I didn’t need to leave the warmth of the dorm building. When I had to actually brave the icy cold and walk to class, my opinion of the weather certainly changed. The violent wind dried out my hands to the point where they were perpetually cracked open and bleeding; my knuckles looked like I was getting into bar fights every night. My cheeks often went numb if I was out for longer than ten minutes. Still, I can’t help but find the snow and ice charming–so long as I’m looking at it from the climate-controlled indoors. 

I hope you have a great start to your 2026!