Happy Valentine’s Day, Hawkeyes!
In the spirit of Cupid, I’m taking a quick moment to share my affection for the University of Iowa. I have written multiple blogs complaining about the daily grievances of dorm life or lamenting over semester disappointments. But there was a reason I was drawn to this school–and a reason why I’ve still chosen to stay.
There’s a special kind of charm to the tight-knit yet vast feel of the campus: large enough to not seem cramped or repetitive, but also walkable and cozy enough to become quickly familiar. The Big Ten sports and Hancher concerts offer boisterous, energetic, adrenaline-fueled evenings, while the quaint bookstores and artistic events give you a quiet and creative alternative. The student organizations and courses–even the ones you don’t like or decide to quit–let you explore your interests and abilities in a way that can’t be replicated outside of a college campus.
So, this is my brief but meaningful kiss on the cheek to this university. Next time I start getting inklings of disillusionment, I’ll just look out the window at the vibrant sunset and remember all the reasons to embrace being a student here.

