Hey queens! Welcome back. Now that it’s approaching mid-November, we’re getting to that point in the semester where assignments are piling up, exams seem to keep coming every single week, the weather is cold, and personally I’m losing motivation and am ready to go home for break. Although November is a rough month for a lot of people, especially this particular November, when I start to feel super down I like to reflect on the little moments that make life just a little bit sweeter. Because this semester is my first semester of college ever, I’ve had a lot of new experiences and a lot of these little (and not-so-little!) moments. So I’m going to share my favorite ones! I hope I can bring just a little bit more serotonin to your day today, or at least help you reflect on your own favorite little or even moments you’ve gotten to experience over the last few months of school. Enjoy <3
Walking Back to Mayflower
At first, this may not seem like a positive thing – as a Mayflower resident, I can confirm that even though I’m used to it by now, the distance from campus is still really annoying sometimes. But it has actually helped me form some of my closest connections here. There have been several nights where people have kindly walked back with me to Mayflower to help make sure I get home safe, which is so sweet of them – and the long walk has also given us a chance to talk one-on-one. I am a big believer in going on a walk with someone to get to know them better. So even though the 20 minute walk can sometimes feel like a struggle, I have loved the opportunities it has given me to connect with people. Even though it’s just a walk (therefore making it a ‘little moment’) it has been such a good way for me to form deeper friendships here.
Exploring New Study Places
As I’m constantly on the search for new study spots around campus, I’ve gotten the chance to explore many new places with some of my friends that I wouldn’t normally, including Blank Honors Center and the art library! It’s been so cool to discover fun new places on the Iowa campus and I highly recommend exploring.
Just Dance Night
A couple weeks ago, some new friends and I got together to eat a meal at Hillcrest together and play some games. We played a few board games that my friend actually had made and designed himself, which was super fun! And then we headed over to the HawkeyEsport Arcade on the bottom floor of the IMU to play some Just Dance. It was nice to hang out with a small comfortable group of people and just have a fun time. And I probably would have never known about or been to the HawkeyEsport Arcade if not for them! If you haven’t visited it, I definitely recommend. It’s open from 11am-11pm every day!
Picnics in the Park
Every Wednesday I have a two hour break between classes starting at 3:30, and since none of the dining halls are open during that time, and my residence hall is too far away to get back there and actually be productive in that window of time, I’ve gotten in the habit of getting a walking taco from Burge and then, weather permitting, going to the Pentacrest lawn to sit under a tree and enjoy it. I love my solo picnics here and it’s one of my favorite parts of my Wednesday.
I hope you’re able to find something like a little moment in every day that brings you joy. It’s truly the little things that keep us going!! I wish everyone a good rest of November and a fantastic fall break.
XOXO,
Haven
