Hello Readers,

Wow did semester two really start already? I feel I finally have a grip on the whole college thing. Well. . . kind of.  I am still learning how to live on my own I thought this one could be my experience of this new and very crazy start to semester two.

Not only have I learned that the original relationships I had, both friendship and personal relationships, fade away but also I actually am living alone in a two-person room in the dorm. These two weeks have been quite lonely but I have my own ways of coping and finding out how to be more independent. I am trying to continue with my healthy diet and exercise. I am trying to find new people to talk to, it is never too late to make new friends. If you’re anxious like me and think people will not like you then join a club or even agree to go to a coffee date with someone recruiting for something. You never know who you might find also I promise people tend not to dislike you the first time they meet you. This is not high school anymore. People have their own problems and don’t want to dwell on others.

Part of this blog is to talk about my own challenges and accomplishments but it’s also to give tips to incoming students to Iowa so you can see through the eyes of a student. I think one of the best parts of Iowa would be the support I have from my professors, trusted friends, and other students. I don’t think anyone is perfect but I truly feel heard here. When I have problems, I always try to fix them with others before going to someone with more experience. Conflict is actually teaching you how to grow but also you have to know when to back down and get help. But knowing that there are people who are here to support you and help you through hard times and bad situations.

Another thing is the lessons Iowa taught me. I have learned that I am so much more independent than I thought I ever would be. I am learning how to make popcorn in a microwave, and that you can not blend frozen apple slices and think it will taste like apple sauce (it just doesn’t). But also I am so much more organized and being alone in a room has also taught me that you really don’t know what it is like to be truly alone at night (I have a sister who sleeps in the room across from mine at my house) but in my dorm room it is so quiet I suddenly feel so small in the world.  (Side note do not listen to “Never Grow Up” By Taylor Swift in your room alone it will make you cry.)

Last, Iowa has made me so much stronger. I am only 19 but I feel like my whole life I have been trying to show myself that I am strong. I always thought I was never going to be able to juggle living away from my family, school, and friendships/relationships. In high school, I lost most of my friends and every time I would break down and feel sorry for myself. But now I am learning that any challenges I have now are just teaching me things. One, those who truly deserve your love will show love back no matter what you do. Two, when you fail a test or you don’t know what to do the first time; you’re not failing your learning. Last as a young woman in a world where so many things can be said about you online, in person, on the street, if you focus on your own goals no one can take away you. Don’t let someone else’s opinion or words make you the monster the legends wrote because, at the end of the day, your truth is all that matters.

I can’t wait to write more this year and I am hoping to be on here more. Please feel free to reach out and ask questions. Well, I am off to class listening to Taylor Swift.

Cheers
Rose