Category: Video

videos

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

Life at Iowa: February 2018

February 2018 started off in the best way possible with dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. It was followed by a long weekend of working at three Iowa athletic events, and the fire alarm going off late Saturday night at Hillcrest.

I woke up the day after Super Bowl Sunday to snow falling outside and received an e-mail shortly after saying that my only class that day was cancelled. Maybe that was the universe’s way of making up the Vikings’ NFC Championship loss for me. (I’m still salty.)

On February 6th, I ate ice cream at Carver for the first time during the men’s basketball team’s almost-upset win over Michigan State. At least now I know what all the “Carver Cone” hype is about.

After a busy few days because of classes and athletic events, I spent the following weekend reading books, watching movies, and (finally) doing my laundry. It felt nice to sit back and do nothing for a couple days.

By Monday, it was time to get back to work. My school week would be cut short because of a university field trip to Minneapolis, and I was going to need to make up two exams for that reason. The trip, however, was awesome because we got to tour US Bank Stadium and Mayo Clinic Square, attend the Timberwolves-Lakers game, and meet with executives from the Vikings, Timberwolves, National Sports Center, and the MLS Sales Center.

After that, classes started to get a little crazy. I was slammed with assignments and papers, but I still made time to volunteer a few hours in the event management office at Carver. I spent most of my time there making 120 credentials for the 19th annual Musco Twilight, which is on April 14th, and cutting and laminating stuff for gymnastics.

My roommate and I also watched 17 Marvel movies in two weeks (from the 5th to the 19th). I had never seen any of the MCU movies before, but I really wanted to see Black Panther in theaters since Chadwick Boseman is one of my favorite actors. So, despite not really having the time to do it, we started a Marvel movie marathon. And on February 20th, we went to see Black Panther.

Barely having a life (not that I usually have one anyway) for two weeks was definitely worth it. Wakanda Forever!

Next month: Alternative spring break trip to Columbus, Ohio to serve with the community in criminal justice reform.

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Thank you for reading and watching! Be sure to keep an eye out for my next post! And if you’d like to see more of my everyday life as an Iowa student, feel free to follow me on social media. Go Hawks!

Instagram · Snapchat · Twitter
@kam_smithy

Life at Iowa: January 2018

I’m going to be trying something new this semester. I will be using an app called 1 Second Everyday, which allows me to take a one-second clip each day, to share my everyday life as a student at the University of Iowa. At the beginning of each month, I will mash together all of the clips from the previous month and give a short-ish recap.

I wanted to do this last semester as well, but I was adjusting to life as a college student and it just didn’t work out.

So, without further ado…

January 2018 was all about getting back into the groove of classes and extracurricular activities. I ordered my textbooks for the semester, walked to class in the snow, and started waking up early enough to eat breakfast at Hillcrest Market Place almost every day.

I experienced what it’s like to be crammed on the Cambus with no room to move at all because no one wants to walk in the cold (and we’re probably feeling a little lazy after a long day of classes).

I started volunteering at Iowa athletic events for the Fans First Practicum. The hours are long, and constantly smiling at strangers and answering their questions can be tiring at times, but it’s worth it in more ways than one. Thankfully, I did still manage to catch two men’s basketball games as a regular fan.

After two and a half weeks of classes, I’m looking forward to the many weeks ahead.

Next month: Sport and Recreation Management field trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Thank you for reading and watching! Be sure to keep an eye out for my next post! And if you’d like to see more of my everyday life as an Iowa student, feel free to follow me on social media. Go Hawks!

Instagram · Snapchat · Twitter
@kam_smithy