How I am resetting my semester

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Hey Hawks, with us being almost 3 months into the second semester I have learned a lot, and here are some things I have learned that might help you when starting over into a new semester.

One of the things I am doing is first asking myself what worked and what didn’t work. One thing this semester that I am resetting is my sleep schedule. Last semester I wasn’t going to bed until like 12 am and that really hindered my sleep and how my days went because I was always napping. With that being said, I am definitely fixing that this semester, and it has already gone better, and I have noticed myself being more productive. Which leads me into my next point.

The next thing I am adjusting is when I study and how I study. I am definitely putting time aside this semester to study for each class. Not only this, but I am also making sure I start to study 2 weeks before my exams instead of waiting until the last minute. This has helped reduce stress and made me feel more confident going into tests.

Another thing I have started doing is staying more organized and planning out my week ahead of time. Writing down assignments, exams, and important dates in a planner helps me see what is coming up so nothing sneaks up on me. It also helps me balance school, social life, and personal time without feeling overwhelmed.

In conclusion, a new semester is a chance to reset and improve habits that may not have worked before. Small changes like fixing your sleep schedule, studying earlier, and staying organized can make a big difference over time. Remember that everyone is still figuring things out, so give yourself grace and focus on progress instead of perfection. You’ve got this, Hawks!

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How to get through the longest stretch of winter

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Hey Hawks, I chose to write about how to get through the longest stretch of winter because, as you know, living in Iowa means dealing with false springs. One week it can feel like spring with 60-degree weather, and just a few days later we’re back to snow and freezing temperatures. That constant change can make winter feel extra long and sometimes even draining, so finding ways to stay positive is important.

One of the things I do to help me get through the winter stretch is to treat yourself. Whether that means taking a day for yourself, getting your nails done, watching a movie, or getting your favorite food, it’s important to do something that makes you happy. Giving yourself small things to look forward to can really help break up the long, cold weeks.

Another way to survive the long winters is to pick up new hobbies. Try things you’ve always been curious about or activities you think you might enjoy. Winter is actually the perfect time for this because there isn’t always a lot going on outside. You might discover a new passion, learn a new skill, or simply find something that helps pass the time in a fun way.

One more thing that can really help during winter is staying connected with others. It’s easy to want to stay inside and isolate when it’s cold, but spending time with friends or family, even something simple like studying together, grabbing coffee, or calling someone, can improve your mood and make the season feel less long.

In conclusion, winter in Iowa can feel never-ending, especially with unpredictable weather and shorter days. However, finding small ways to take care of yourself, trying new hobbies, and staying connected with others can make the season much more manageable. Spring will eventually come, but until then, focusing on things that bring you comfort and happiness can help you get through the longest stretch of winter.

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What I would tell someone when deciding between Iowa and another school

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Hey Hawks! Right now, it is a really busy time with picking where you want to spend the next four years of your life, and it can feel overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes you might even feel like you’re alone or behind, but you’re not. One thing I want to start off with is this: take your time. There’s a lot to consider, and this is one of the first major decisions you get to make on your own, so don’t let other people influence what feels right for you.

With that being said, obviously coming from a Hawkeye, I’m going to say choose Iowa, but that might just be me being biased. What I really hope to do is help make the decision process a little easier. For me, the first semester was rough; I won’t sugarcoat it. But once I started to find where I fit in, I absolutely loved it. One big reason to choose Iowa is the strong academics and the number of opportunities available. No matter what you’re majoring in, there are so many ways to get involved. For example, the hospital is right next to campus, which gives students access to research, labs, hands-on learning, and clinical experiences, all of which look amazing on a resume.

Another reason I chose Iowa is because you truly get the college town experience. Iowa City is built around the university, which makes everything feel very student-centered. From local coffee shops and bookstores to internships and campus events, there’s always something going on. It’s big enough to stay busy but small enough to feel personal. You get that classic college atmosphere without the overwhelming feel of a huge metro campus.

Lastly, choose Iowa because of the school spirit and sense of community. Between game days, student organizations, Greek life, and campus traditions, it’s easy to get involved and feel connected. There are hundreds of clubs and leadership opportunities, so whether you’re into academics, service, the arts, or social groups, there’s a place where you belong.

Overall, it’s your choice, but if someone had given me advice when I was choosing where to go to college, these are the things I would’ve wanted to hear. Just remember, take your time, trust yourself, and don’t let others make the decision for you.

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College Essay: Personal Statement

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Hey Hawks! If you didn’t know, when you apply to college, you’re usually asked to write a personal statement, and honestly, it can be pretty scary. A lot of students don’t know what to write about or feel like their story isn’t “good enough.” I’m here to help break it down and hopefully take some of the anxiety off the process.

The most important thing to remember about a personal statement is that it’s about you. Admissions officers want to know who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This is your chance to show what makes you unique and how your experiences have shaped you. You don’t need some huge, dramatic story, you just need something meaningful to you.

When writing your essay, try to focus on a few key moments or lessons rather than your entire life story. Think about challenges you’ve faced, values you’ve learned, or experiences that changed your perspective. What did you grow from? What did you learn about yourself?

For me, I chose to write about growing up with divorced parents and how my mom raising three kids as a single mother impacted me more than she will probably ever know. Instead of just explaining the situation, I focused on what it taught me. One of the main points I made was how she showed me the importance of perseverance and never giving up, even when things are hard. Watching her balance everything taught me resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work, qualities that I carry with me today.

Another helpful tip is to be honest and authentic. Don’t write what you think colleges want to hear. Write in your own voice and let your personality show. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, and the ones that stand out are the ones that feel real.

Lastly, don’t stress about getting it perfect on the first try. Writing a personal statement takes time, and it’s okay to revise it multiple times. Ask teachers, counselors, or friends to read it and give feedback. Most importantly, remember that your story matters, and you are more prepared to write it than you think.

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Fighting the Winter Illness

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Hey Hawks! As we move further into winter, illnesses tend to spread more, and unfortunately, I’ve already experienced that firsthand this semester. Getting sick while living on campus isn’t fun, so I wanted to share what helped me and what I learned along the way.

My first piece of advice, whether you’re trying to prevent getting sick or fight off a cold, is to dress warmly. During winter, your body is more vulnerable, especially if you’re not dressed appropriately for the weather. In my last post, I talked about ways to stay warm during an Iowa winter, and trust me, it really does make a difference.

Next, I highly recommend bringing a medicine box with you when you move in. I packed one with different cold and flu medicines, and I was so glad I did. It definitely came in handy when I unexpectedly got sick and didn’t feel like going out to buy medicine.

Along with taking medicine, getting enough sleep is key. Sleep helps your body recover, and when you’re sick, rest is honestly one of the best things you can do to feel better faster, even if it means slowing down for a day or two.

Lastly, you might be nervous about missing class, but don’t be afraid to email your professors if you’re sick. More often than not, professors are understanding and willing to work with you. Taking the time to rest and recover is way better than pushing yourself when you don’t feel well.

Overall, getting sick during winter can be scary, especially when you’re away from home, but remember that the University has many resources to support you. Take care of yourself, listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

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Iowa Winters: Must Haves for Surviving the Cold ❄️

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Hey Hawks! We’re officially in the middle of winter, so I figured I’d share everything I’ve learned about surviving the freezing cold here in Iowa. Back home, I don’t remember it ever being this cold, so moving here was definitely a shock (like, why does the air hurt? lol).

The first thing I would recommend before anything else is a warm coat. This is a must, especially since you’ll be walking around campus and waiting for the bus a lot. It doesn’t really matter what style you choose, but warmth is key. I’ve noticed a lot of people on campus wear long coats, and honestly, they look super warm. My advice: pick whatever will keep you the warmest, not just what looks cute.

Next up: a hat or earmuffs and a good pair of gloves. Waiting for the bus can take a while, and your hands will freeze fast, especially if you’re on your phone. I’d definitely suggest gloves that let you use your phone without taking them off. One of my biggest tips: don’t be afraid to dress warm. You might see people walking around without hats, but trust me, being warm is way better than trying to look tough and being miserable.

Another thing I highly recommend is a scarf. This is one of my favorite winter items, especially on really cold days. Being able to cover your nose makes a huge difference, especially if you walk a lot. After a while, the cold air honestly makes it harder to breathe, so a scarf helps more than you’d expect.

Lastly, let’s talk shoes. This one really depends on the person. If you walk a lot in the cold or snow, boots might be a good investment. If you mostly take the bus, tennis shoes or Uggs are usually fine. Boots aren’t required, but they can definitely help on icy or snowy days, so it’s totally a personal choice.

Overall, Iowa winters are cold, and these are a few things I’ve learned since being here. Things I honestly wish I knew sooner. At the end of the day, wear what you want, but my biggest advice is to dress warm and don’t be afraid to bundle up. Your future, not your frozen self, will thank you.

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Tips For Surviving Finals Week

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Hey Hawks!

As we all know, finals week can be extremely intimidating. Between packed schedules, late-night study sessions, and the pressure to perform, it can quickly feel overwhelming. But I’m here to remind you that you’re not alone, and that surviving finals week is possible. With a few intentional habits and a little self-care, you can get through this stressful week feeling more prepared, confident, and balanced. Here are a few tips that might help make your finals week a little easier.

The first piece of advice I can give is to create a study plan and stick to it. Having a plan helps you know what you need to focus on and when. I also recommend starting sooner rather than later. For me, starting the week before finals helped me learn the material ahead of time, which made finals week much less stressful, as I was mostly reviewing rather than cramming.

The next tip is to prioritize sleep. While it might seem like studying is more important, sleep should come first. Being well-rested helps you feel energized, stay motivated, and retain the information you’ve studied. Pulling all-nighters can do more harm than good, so get some sleep!

Another helpful tip is to change your study spot. There are so many places to study on campus, and staying in the same location for too long can lead to boredom and burnout. Changing your environment can help you refocus and feel re-energized. You can also switch up who you study with, maybe study alone one day and with friends the next. Many students even do “study crawls,” moving between campus buildings or coffee shops.

My last piece of advice is to treat yourself. Even if you don’t think you did your best, treat yourself anyway. Whether it’s getting your favorite dessert, going out to eat, or buying something you’ve been wanting, rewarding yourself gives you a break from the chaos and helps you find moments of happiness during a stressful week.

Overall, finals can be tough, but remember that you are not alone. There are so many people supporting you and cheering you on. One final reminder is to reach out to friends and family during this time. Having that support can boost your confidence and remind you that you don’t have to get through finals week by yourself.

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Surviving Iowa: What I learned my first semester

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Hey Hawks! The first semester of college comes with a lot of emotions, excitement, stress, homesickness, and everything in between. College classes are completely different from high school, and everything feels new all at once. While it can be overwhelming, the first semester is also one of the most rewarding experiences because of how much you grow in such a short amount of time. Now that my first semester is coming to an end, I want to share a few pieces of advice I’ve learned along the way that I hope can help someone who’s just starting their college journey.

My first piece of advice, which comes from my mom, is don’t be too hard on yourself; it’s a learning curve. Coming from high school, I was used to getting good grades and being hard on myself when I didn’t. When I got to college, everything was new: the classes, expectations, and workload. It’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay to mess up and make mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow.

My next piece of advice is that time management is everything. I quickly learned that balancing classes, studying, a social life, and rest takes intention. Using a planner or calendar helped me stay organized and reduce stress. Managing your time well gives you more freedom and helps prevent last-minute panic.

The third piece of advice is to ask for help. Whether it’s going to office hours, emailing a professor, or studying with friends, asking questions can make a huge difference. College expects independence, but that doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own.

Lastly, and just as important, is to take care of yourself, not just your grades. It’s easy to get caught up in academics and forget about your well-being. Prioritizing sleep, eating well, taking breaks, and doing things you enjoy helps you stay motivated and avoid burnout. Finding a healthy balance also helps you remember who you are outside of school.

Overall, the first semester comes with a lot of ups and downs, but my greatest piece of advice is this: if someone gives you advice, use it and share it. You never know who it might help.

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Advice I wish I had

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Hey Hawks, coming somewhere new can be a shock and feel overwhelming. I’ve been there. I came to Iowa, which is four hours away from my home, so everything felt completely different. I didn’t know anyone, and in this blog, I’ll give some advice I wish I had in my first semester/year.

My first piece of advice is that you don’t need everything figured out. College is supposed to be a learning curve; it’s about finding out who you are. It’s normal to change things like your major, your routines, and what actually works for you.

My second piece of advice is to use office hours. This was something I didn’t take seriously in my first semester, but it is a game-changer. Professors appreciate effort, and it shows you’re trying to learn. Even if you don’t know exactly what to ask, go for clarification or study support. It is a great way to make more connections and feel less lost in your classes.

Next, enjoy your time in college. Don’t rush it. Take photos, talk to new people, explore campus, and create memories. It goes by fast, faster than high school did, so enjoy it and find out who you are along the way.

Another thing I wish I knew is that you are not alone. Reach out to anyone and everyone to do things. Little interactions make such a difference, and it shows that you’re trying to make an effort to be involved and meet people.

Finally, it’s okay to give yourself grace. Freshman year is a year of growth, not perfection. No one has it all together, even if it looks like they do. You’re learning, adjusting, and figuring out life on your own for the first time, and that’s something to be proud of.

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Why the Kinnick Wave Is More Than Just a tradition

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Hey Hawks,

With football season coming to an end, I thought I’d talk about one of my favorite things to experience during home games: the Wave. In case anyone doesn’t know what it is, the Kinnick Wave is a heartwarming tradition at the University of Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium. At the end of the first quarter of every home game, all fans, players, and coaches turn to wave at the children and families watching from the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The wave isn’t just a gesture; it’s a symbol of hope, strength, and community.

Behind the wave, there is an emotional purpose. This moment stands as a show of support for the kids and families at the hospital. It gives patients something to look forward to on football game days, and it’s a reminder that they are not alone in what they are going through. A simple wave becomes a message: “We see you. We’re cheering for you.”

Next, the wave is a moment of unity. For 60 seconds, fans from both teams, players, coaches, and rivals come together. It’s one of the few moments where competition completely disappears and pure humanity shows. It highlights what Iowa culture represents: kindness, compassion, and community. It’s a rare moment in sports where everyone is on the same team.

The wave also reaches far beyond the football field. It represents resilience, hope, and support that extend past game day. Families say it’s often the highlight of their week, and for many kids, it becomes a source of motivation during some of the hardest moments of their lives. This is a tradition that reflects the heart of Iowa’s community, and it shows the power sports have to bring people together for something meaningful.

Overall, the wave is more than just a tradition; it’s a moment of love. It shows that compassion is louder than rivalry and that even in a packed stadium, there is room for connection, empathy, and support. If you ever get the chance to go to a football game, this is a tradition worth participating in, protecting, and sharing for years to come.

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