My Summer in Iowa City as an Orientation Leader!

Posted on September 26, 2024September 26, 2024

Hey everyone! I hope you all had an amazing first month of classes and have had some time to settle into a schedule. For my first post this year, I thought I would share with you what I did over the summer.

I decided to stay on the Iowa City campus this past summer. I applied and got interviewed back in November of my freshman year to be an orientation leader for the summer of 2024. My motivation for doing this was to learn more about the history of the university and assist incoming freshmen in settling in at Iowa.  Following the application process, I enrolled in Orientation Leader & Transition Training, a semester-long course, along with a bunch of other amazing orientation trainees. I learned a lot about leadership, helping freshman get used to campus life, and how to get students engaged with fun icebreakers!

After this classes, I went back home to Illinois for about two weeks before having to move back to Iowa for summer training. During my time in Iowa City, I lived in Daum Residence Hall, which is on the East side of campus. It was very convenient since summer training took place in the Iowa Memorial Union. The training lasted about two weeks and before I knew it, I was preparing for our first program day June 12.

What is an Orientation Leader and what do they do?

I’m happy to explain to you what an orientation leader genuinely does, as you’re undoubtedly curious now. The role consists of numerous components. Under the direction of the Executive Team and Pro Staff, we worked as a group to organize Becoming a Hawkeye Days. You had the choice to enroll in these extra program days on top of your original orientation. Everyone has a job to do every morning, which may include setting up the breakfast table, parking, or checking people in.

Then, after the first part of the program, you would get to do one of three things. After lunch, you would lead a small group of students to a room where you would facilitate a presentation. Or you would take part in a panel discussion where supporters could ask questions in front of an engaged audience. Being a floater and doing duties as needed was your last option. Throughout the day, orientation leaders take a variety of steps to make sure that the student and those who are supporting them feel prepared to face the move to college.

What I took away from this experience?

After the last program day, I was sad that the summer was about to end. Through this opportunity, I got to know some truly fantastic people, and I think it really helped me grow as a person. I relished the times when I would laugh with my coworkers, have a lively student group, and all around reaffirm my choice of Iowa. Keep an eye out for communications from Orientation Services regarding how to apply for this position if you’re searching for a worthwhile and enjoyable summertime endeavor! I loved my job, and I also got to explore all of the summer events Iowa City has to offer.

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Top Places to “Lock In” this Semester

Posted on September 26, 2024

Hi friends! With midterm exams coming up, I thought I would share with you some of my favorite spots to study:

1. Starting strong, we have the Main Library. It has five floors and the study spaces get quieter as you go up each floor. I love studying on the first floor in the group study spaces because of the whiteboards and TV. I also love getting a bite to eat from Food for Thought café in between study sessions.
2. Third Floor Sciences Library. This small library is located between Phillips Hall and the Biology building. The third floor has little cubbies for studying, an ITC and rolling whiteboards.
3. Tippie BizHub. After work at Pat’s Diner, I love going upstairs to the BizHub to study in between classes. They have plenty of different study spaces, a coffee spot, and a Quiet Zone. I also love studying here late at night since it is usually pretty empty.
4. Psych Building. I recently discovered that in the basement of the psych building, there are study rooms you can book that have lots of whiteboard space and good lighting.
5. Poindexter. This is a coffee and food spot in downtown Iowa City. It has comfy study spots, dim lighting, and really good coffee. This is definitely one of my new favorite spots to study on weekends.

Happy Studying! Feel free to share some of your favorite study spots in the comments that you would like me to try!

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A Weekend to Remember- April 5th-7th

Posted on April 12, 2024

Hi guys! I hope you are all enjoying the nicer weather that is starting to settle in during this lovely month of April. Last weekend, I got the opportunity to spend time with my friends and check out all of the amazing things that went down in Iowa City! I wanted to share with you guys some of the fun things I did and why you should take advantage of the vibrant scene we’ve got going on at the University of Iowa.

Friday, April 5^th– Iowa vs. UConn Women’s Basketball Game!

My two friends Kiri and Theo and I attended the watch party viewing of the basketball game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena last Friday. My roommate Kiri and I had originally intended to get takeout and watch the game on our dorm TV, just like we did during the Elite 8 competition. However, we came to the realization that watching with other Hawkeye fans would make it more entertaining and interesting. And we were quite happy that we did decide to go. After dressing up in our Hawkeye attire, we grabbed our friend Theo and headed to Carver. We arrived as the SC vs. NC game was coming to a close.

Getting selfies with Herky, being able to yell along with thousands of fans, and indulging in the famous Carver cones were some of my favorite parts of this evening. The game started slowly and was really close in the end, but Iowa won, and I was yelling when our women triumphed. We had a great night and then rode the bus back to Burge to reward ourselves with popsicles to help us soothe our lost voices.

 

Saturday, April 6^th– Walk It Out!

My amazing weekend continued with a visit to this year’s Walk It Out event. In 2009, Walk It Out was established on behalf of the Black Student Union, Indian Student Alliance, and Asian American Coalition at the University of Iowa. It is the biggest multicultural organization on campus and a great way to see what our students are talented in. We went since my roommate Kevy was participating in a fashion show. The main room of the IMU served as the venue, and we were even able to secure seats near the stage! Attending Walk it Out was definitely amazing. I enthusiastically applauded each group that took the stage, swayed to the music, and marveled at the variety of cultures that were represented. Just when I regained my voice, I lost it again from cheering so loud.

(Here is a picture I got from one of the performances at Walk it Out!)

Sunday, April 7^th– Iowa vs South Carolina Championship Game

Finally, I attended the watch party for the championship game at Carver with my roommates.  We were able to get Carver cones again but we sat closer to the back. The game was extremely nerve-wracking, and our defeat was bittersweet. I was still proud of our incredible women’s basketball team despite the fact that we lost. Throughout the season, they have shattered records and positively impacted the lives of countless spectators. Considering how much of an influence Coach Dawn has had on me, I was also happy for the South Carolina team.

This was such a fun weekend…I had the opportunity to go out with my friends and represent the Hawkeyes. I enjoy watching Iowa Hawkeye athletics, and attending college has made me more socially outgoing. If you were unable to attend any of these events this year, hopefully, this will stir your interest in what’s to come next year. These past few days have let me decompress and remember how much fun college is, especially with just a few weeks left in the semester.

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Final Stretch-End of Semester Motivation

Posted on April 1, 2024

Hey guys! After a much-needed break, I hope everyone is adjusting to classes reasonably smoothly. However, it can be difficult for some people—including myself—to find the motivation to finish classes strong with five weeks remaining. I’ve put together a few quick tips for you guys that will help you get through the last few weeks of assignments and exams. We got this for real y’all!

1. Review and Revise.
   • Go through your class notes and lecture slides. Highlight key concepts, formulas, and important details. Start preparing for when it is finally time for you to review your notes for exams
   • If you missed any classes, catch up by watching recorded lectures or reaching out to classmates. Don’t be afraid to email your professors or TAs as well.
2. Create a 5-week study plan.
   • Break down the next month or so in your calendar and start setting aside dates to study and prepare for exams.
   • Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks. Aim for focused study periods of 25-30 minutes followed by short breaks.
   • Use the Pomodoro Technique to maintain productivity.
3. Take advantage of Uiowa’s resources.
   • Writing Center
   • Uiowa Libraries
   • Math Lab
   • Tutor Iowa
   • Supplemental Instruction
   • OFFICE HOURS
4. Work with people.
   • Form study groups with classmates. Discuss concepts, share notes, and quiz each other.
   • Teaching someone else reinforces your own understanding.
5. Finally…don’t forget to take care of yourself
   • I know that these final weeks can seem very draining, but finishing strong is the best way to keep up good grades in your classes and set yourself up for a stress-free summer. Happy Studying!

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Top Things to Do Over Spring Break

Posted on March 1, 2024

Hi guys, I hope you had an amazing month of February! With Spring Break coming up next week, I thought I’d share some things that you could do if you have any spare time. Spring Break is a time to destress, rejuvenate, and catch up on some much-needed rest. Whether you’re traveling, heading home, or staying on campus, there is something to do for everyone.

1. Catch up on sleep.

Remember, spring break isn’t just about adventure and fun—it’s also an opportunity to prioritize self-care, including getting those much-needed Zzz’s! During the academic year, students often experience sleep deprivation due to busy schedules, exams, and social activities. Spring break provides an opportunity to replenish lost sleep. Adequate rest allows your body and mind to recover, repair tissues, and recharge energy levels.

2. Dive into a good book.

Visit your local library and discover romance novels, mysteries, or inspiring biographies. Reading is a fantastic way to escape into different worlds during spring break.

3. Work on assignments.

If you’re like me, you might have projects or exams that are due the week we come back from Spring Break. ☹ However, the smart thing I would suggest to do is catch up on assignments and study so that way you won’t feel overwhelmed when you come back. Don’t overwork yourself and be sure to take lots of breaks for self-care.

4. Treat Yourself.

After surviving seven weeks of the Spring semester, you deserve to treat yourself. Whether that may be buying yourself food, an outfit at the mall, or concert tickets, buy yourself something nice to celebrate!

5. Spend Time with Family & Friends

Sometimes we take our loved ones for granted. Spring break reminds us to appreciate the people who matter most. Spring break provides an opportunity to deepen your bonds with loved ones. Whether it’s catching up with siblings, sharing stories with grandparents, or laughing with friends, these moments create lasting memories. So, make the most of your spring break by nurturing these precious relationships. Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a group outing, or a simple hug, cherish the time spent with family and friends.

Overall, please take time for yourself to relax and recharge over Spring break and hopefully, we all get to enjoy some nice weather!

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How I Met My Roommates: Random Edition

Posted on February 2, 2024

Hi guys! I hope everyone enjoyed their January and has had some time to regroup and return to their normal routine (hopefully). The fall semester of 2024 is rapidly approaching, as everyone is aware. Finding a roommate might be intimidating at first, regardless of your year in school. So, I thought I’d share a little bit about how I met my roommates in case you’re looking for a roommate right now or are just looking for an entertaining story. Buckle up folks, it’s about to get real…

To start, I knew nothing about my roommates. I had to choose Mayflower since I submitted my housing application late. I settled on a fourth-floor unoccupied room. My suitemates, Kiriana and Giteeka, were already listed there. A few weeks later, Kevy, my roommate, appeared. We didn’t communicate for most of the summer since I was scared to reach out. Then, Kiriana reached out and asked for my Instagram (I had to make one btw). Group chats were made, and cheesy introductions were given, but over time we started talking more about what kinds of things we were going to bring to campus. Funny story actually, a random woman named Sasha pretended to be our roommate in an iMessage group chat because we got Kevy’s number wrong.

Anyway, once everyone moved in, my biggest goal was to try to get to know my roommates beyond their names and majors. It was hard because I was on campus a lot during move-in for Iowa Edge. The first roommate I hung out with was Kiri. Y’all…it was awkward. We walked around downtown and talked but it felt like an awkward Tinder date. Yes…it was that awkward.

I went to the Silent Disco with Kiri and Giteeka, but we didn’t really talk much because we were too busy enjoying the music. However, I still had a great time because I got to meet Mia, another amazing blogger for this site. I finally got to see Kevy at the end of the week, and we went to a concert at Hancher together. I realized that we had a lot in common, even though it wasn’t the best spot to talk. I believe that our general close proximity is what finally allowed us to start bonding. We gradually started incorporating our plans so we could all hang out after learning how to live together. There was also this big debrief session that may have blossomed the friendship, but we won’t go into detail about that.

Very few people are truly able to say they have had wonderful first roommates, but I am proud to say I have THREE wonderful roommates. After lots of late-night conversations, endless boxes of brownie mix, and a botched effort at Secret Santa and dorm parties, I can truly say my first semester was great. Even though living in a cramped space with three other girls can be challenging at times, I couldn’t ask for a better situation. I am incredibly grateful to these three intelligent, gorgeous women who have been the most genuine, hilarious, and supportive friends I have ever had. My beautiful roommate, Kevy, is the sweetest person I’ve ever met. She’s my nap buddy and the source of my recent boba obsession. Next are Kiri and Giteeka, my suitemates. Giteeka never fails to make me laugh, which makes her the perfect partner for a corny movie. I always go to Kiri to talk about everything going on in life and we can laugh for hours about nothing at all. Here are some pictures of my roommates that I love:

 

I know. I know. This story sounds like a fairytale, right? I’m kidding. Seriously though, I’m really glad I chose a random group of roommates. Coming to campus, my biggest goal was to make new friends, and building these relationships with my roommates allowed me to achieve that goal. Sure, we have our moments, but we always talk it out and remember that we are still growing as college students. If you stayed until the very end, I hope you enjoyed my story and were hopefully able to feel a little bit more at ease about the whole idea of roommates. I’m so excited to share more stories with you guys during February, I have a lot of posts planned this month. Stay tuned!!

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All About On-Campus Jobs!

Posted on January 26, 2024

Hey guys! I wanted to talk about the many benefits of working on campus with all of you! Here, as a first-year student, I work two jobs on campus. I work as a baker at Burge and as a dining associate at Pat’s Diner. Students can find a range of jobs on campus at the University of Iowa. Working these jobs is a terrific way to network with instructors, staff, and other students and earn a little extra cash. You can also obtain useful work experience. Throughout the semester, these positions are open to all students, regardless of prior experience, and hiring is ongoing.

How to Find On-Campus Jobs

The Student Life Jobs website is a great location to start your search for jobs on campus. All of the on-campus positions in the various departments and units are listed on this website. The jobs can be filtered by department, location, and category. Sports programs, food service, retail, clerical and administrative, and other career categories are some of the most common.

Handshake is an amazing additional resource for locating jobs on campus. Handshake basically links employers and students. It allows you to look for and apply to full-time, internship, and on-campus positions. Additionally, you can set up in-person interviews and access career resources.

If you’re looking for part-time hourly positions paid by employers, you can check out the University Human Resources website. All of the student jobs that are available on campus and in the surrounding Iowa City/Coralville region are listed on this website.

Benefits

On-campus jobs provide academic benefits and networking opportunities. Students who work on campus are more likely to succeed in their academic studies and become better acclimated with faculty, staff, and other students. On-campus jobs also provide convenience since the student can remain right on campus, instead of having to commute to the job. These jobs also offer flexibility in terms of scheduling. Since employers understand that academics come first, they are often willing to work around the student’s class schedule. You can earn money while still being able to attend classes and study for exams. Lastly, there is a sense of community in these jobs. Students who work on campus are part of a larger community of students, faculty, and staff. This can lead to new friendships and a better knowledge of the university.

There are many benefits to working at the University of Iowa. I feel like working here has helped me make new friends and learn valuable skills.

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Your Guide to Owning Spring Semester!

Posted on January 23, 2024

Hi everyone! After a busy fall semester, I hope everyone had a wonderful winter break and got some rest. Given that we’re returning to school during a period when the weather might not be kind to us, we might become less motivated to work harder this semester. However, it’s important for us to reflect on last semester and try to improve or do even better this semester. Since it’s the start of a new year, I made the decision to take some of my resolutions and turn them into goals that will allow us all to genuinely improve this year.

1. Staying Organized.

I started by keeping my assignments organized and using a planner. However, at the conclusion of the semester, I usually have a half-filled planner and random sheets of paper at the bottom of my backpack. Keeping your environment organized, using your calendar, and staying on top of assignments and due dates are the best ways to make improvements this semester.

2. Taking Care of Yourself.

The winter blues are real. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising routinely. Maintaining your physical well-being will enable you to concentrate and stay alert in class. Since it’s becoming colder outside, make sure you dress in layers, spend as much time inside as you can, and regularly monitor the weather.

3. Take Advantage of Campus Resources

Since last semester was my first year on campus, I had trouble finding resources on campus that would be beneficial to me. Now that I’m a little bit more familiar with the campus, I know places where I can go to get the help I need. The University of Iowa offers a variety of resources to help you succeed, such as tutoring, writing centers, and career services. We also have resources for mental health as well. Take advantage of these resources to get the most out of your college experience.

4. Set achievable goals.

It’s important to create realistic goals for yourself, whether they have to do with starting a fitness regimen or achieving academic success this semester. You’ll be more motivated and concentrated throughout the semester if you do this. Ensure that your objectives are time-bound, tangible, and well-defined. Something I would suggest is to set 1-3 small goals to achieve each day. Then, 3 big goals a week. And lastly, 3 large goals a month. These goals could also go towards something you are trying to achieve by the end of the year.

I sincerely hope that everyone can figure out how to improve this semester. Regardless of your academic year, the spring semester can be difficult, especially right after such a long break. Always remember to breathe and look after yourself! You’re capable of this.

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Fav Moments from Fall Semester

Posted on December 12, 2023

Well, guys…fall semester has ended and I can’t believe how fast it went by. 🙁 I had so many amazing experiences and learned a lot of new things. Here are some of my favorite moments from the past few months:

1. You already know…Iowa Edge!!
   Going back to my first blog post, I talked about my experience with being in the Iowa Edge program. I want to talk about how the program made my first week in college the best ever again. I made new friends, adjusted to college life, and discovered campus resources that have been useful to me this semester.

4. On Iowa! Week
   I’m grateful that the university offered us a week of activities to help us adjust to college life, which helped alleviate the stress of move-in week. The list of some of my favorite moments includes Convocation, Kickoff at Kinnick, Thursdays on the Terrace, and Silent Disco.
5. Meeting new People!
   Throughout my first semester, I made friends in my classes, on campus, at On Iowa! Week, and through Iowa Edge. Along with that, my relationships with my roommates and the other residents of Mayflower have grown stronger. All of these friendships I hope to keep with me through the rest of my time at the University of Iowa.
6. Homecoming! (AKA Swae Lee Appreciation Week)
   Honestly, I had a great time during my first Homecoming week in college. We had a ton of events to choose from at the campus, and the atmosphere was really upbeat and exciting. Seeing Swae Lee live was, of course, my favorite experience! I had an amazing time at the concert, and it was even more enjoyable when I went with a group of friends.
7. Exploring College Life Both on and off Campus
   Trying new things was definitely something that I’ve done the most during my time here. During the first few weeks of classes, I explored all the different buildings on campus trying to scout out possible study spots. Me and my friends also explored downtown Iowa City a lot. I tried Insomnia Cookies for the first time, which quickly became an obsession. Also, my roommates and I go shopping in Coralville often. I’ve learned that there is a lot to see and do in Iowa.
8. Being an Experience Iowa Blogger!
   Last but not least, becoming a blogger for the university has been one of my favorite experiences. I love sharing interesting stories with you guys every month and showing you guys why the University of Iowa is so awesome. I hope to get to continue to share with you even more tips, experiences, and opportunities during the rest of my time here.

My first semester as a college student is over and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me next. I hope you all do well on your finals…and have a wonderful winter break!

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November: National Novel Writing Month

Posted on November 30, 2023

Hi guys! I hope you all had a fantastic month of November. Did you know that it was National Novel Writing Month? First established in 1999, National Novel Writing Month’s goal was simple yet difficult: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Currently, hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide start writing on November 1st of every year to finish the month with the first manuscript.

Even if you are not a writer, you can benefit from this. You can begin anew or carry over from an earlier draft. Additionally, 50,000 words could feel like a lot, so you can adjust your target as the month progresses. You can interact with other writers on the challenge’s official website. The goal of this challenge is to strengthen the creative writing methods of these authors.

I made the decision to read two books this month written by authors who have participated in National Novel Writing Month and have found them to be very helpful.

Serendipity: Ten Romantic Tropes, Transformed by Marissa Meyer

This book is an anthology that reimagines nine traditional romantic tropes with a variety of depictions and thrilling narrative developments. Every story was brilliantly told and stood out in its own unique manner. The only things about some of the stories that I didn’t fully enjoy were their speed and the lack of character development. It might be challenging to feel a genuine connection to the characters in anthologies. All in all, I really like this book because I adore romantic stories and love clichés.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

One of my favorite writers and poets is Elizabeth. Both lately and in high school, I reread The Poet X. It took me two days to finish. The words themselves were lovely, and the experience was rather emotional. As a young adult, reading it really made me feel understood. My passion for writing and reading was heightened by reading in verse.

I highly recommend adding these to your reading list. Next year, I hope you guys all try to participate in this challenge. Have a great day and see you guys in December!

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