Wave On Wave

Classes have been in session for over a month and I’m finally writing my first blog post of the year. It’s about time, right?

These past couple of months have been hectic for me. I’ve been putting off writing my first post because there are so many things I could talk about and I don’t know where to start. I moved into my first apartment at the end of July, fall football camp started at the beginning of August, and classes started five weeks ago. I kinda, sorta got my life together, but not really. And I still need to find a second job so I’m not living paycheck-to-paycheck.

Despite all of the craziness that I could talk about, there was one specific moment that stood out to me more than the others. One short, four minute and 20 second moment that made me remember why I want to work in sports and why I’m proud to call the University of Iowa my school — my home.

During halftime of the Iowa vs. Northern Iowa football game, Pat Green sang “Wave On Wave” live at Kinnick Stadium. As the song started, fans pulled their phones out and turned their flashlights on and started waving at the children and their families in the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. I was at the top of the south end zone, waiting to film the second half of the game, and I just remember feeling chills all over as I watched Kinnick Stadium fill up with light during the night game.

Because there’s honestly nothing better than Kinnick Stadium under the lights.

Now, I’m not a fan of country music. At all. I actually really, really hate country music. But even I have to admit that “Wave On Wave” is a beautiful song. And I think it’s a song that means something different to everyone who listens to it.

For me, it’s a reminder of the amazing people I have in my life.

My cousins, who would probably prefer to leave as quickly as possible after football games to beat traffic, are willing to wait for me so I don’t walk at night by myself. My aunt has always been there for me, whether she’s helping me move into my apartment or driving me back home after night games. My siblings might drive me crazy most of the time, but they never fail to put a smile on my face. My stepdad loves fighting with me and saying “I told you so,” but I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else. My grandpa would rather take a nap than talk to most people, but he loves talking sports with me. My grandma cares more about other people than she does herself, and words aren’t enough to describe the love and appreciation I have for her. My mom — my best friend — believes in me even when I don’t believe in myself. I’m the person I am today because of her. I’m way too emotional and cry about ridiculous things, but I’m also open-minded and hard-working and always happy to help other people.

Even when times get tough and I’m stressed out because of classes and work, I know I can count on these people to be there for me. And I hope they know that they can count on me too.

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Thank you for reading! Be sure to keep an eye out for my next post. If you want to see more of my daily life as a Hawkeye, follow me on social media. Go Hawks!

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@kam_smithy

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