Hawkeyes on a Rainy Day

Posted on April 26, 2024

Hello, my readers,

It sure is rainy today. I feel I would just talk about my favorite places to sit inside and just put music on and study, write songs, or relax.

The Library:

When you walk into the library you can go to many different floors for different vibes my personal favorite is the Food For Thought Area. There are loads of tables and areas to sit either alone or with your friends. I prefer the bustle I usually get overwhelmed if it is very quiet, especially having to work on Homework so I prefer there to be music in my headphones and people around me. But as I said I have friends who like other areas. many of them like the top floor where it’s supposed to be dead silent. (I would not recommend your music be turned all the way up in your headphones everyone can hear your music if they don’t have their own headphones in) (trust me I learned the hard way). Anyway, there are tons of places to sit and relax.

Dorm Commons:

When it is miserable out either cold, rainy, or even super hot all dorms are very nice with tons of spots to take impromptu naps or read a good book. I love to take up a chair and read s book when I have time. Especially if it’s cold some weekend days I don’t leave my room unless it is to get food and it can make me stir crazy. I like being active and going for walks but sometimes you can’t. I would totally recommend if you are with some friends use the games there is pool, ping pong, and other fun games in many of the dorms (or walk next door and use them. Also, some of the dorms have pianos which if you like to play with your friends then more power to you.)

Dorm Room:

Okay, I LOVE watching TV in my room all the time. I will make hot cocoa, sit on blankets, and eat junk food. I recommend making a cozy area that’s not just your bed if that’s a futon, cozy chair, or a bunch of pillows on the ground try not to have it on your bed that way it is a separate cozy space and when friends come over they can relax there too. I also love putting lights up and photos of artists and little wall things to make it more like a happy place remember you are living there.

Gym:

Last place is the gym. For those trail runners, I know it can make you crazy when you miss a day of running due to cold weather or rain. I either take the bus to the CREW or my dorm Currier has a gym downstairs. I run a few miles on the treadmill at a decent pace. I also love that I can cool down in all the gyms. they have spaces for stretching.

These places are great places to hang out when it is cold on campus. If you have other places please put them below I am always looking for things to do or spend time studying. Well, I hope you enjoy your rainy days and if you like the rain then no one is stopping you from dancing out in it but for those who want to stay out of the elements this hopefully helps.

Cheers
Rose

 

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University Choir Sings Their Way To Omaha!

Posted on April 24, 2024April 25, 2024

Hello Readers,

Last weekend University Choir embarked on our Choir Tour!!!! Not only did we perform 3 nights in a row, we went to 4 different High Schools and sang at the Iowa State Capitol.

Drake University

We started our tour on April 17th in Des Moines by singing in the Iowa Choral Showcase. It is a performance where schools all over Iowa send their school’s choir groups from middle school-college and they select very few choirs to perform that evening at Drake University. It was such an honor for us to perform. That evening we performed 5 songs. After the Showcase we headed back to the Hotel for the first night’s rest.

Des Moines Day 2

We got up at the bright and early 6:00 to make it to breakfast and bus by 8:45 On our way to the first High School. We went to Winterset High School and sang two songs and they sang two songs. Not only did we get to see

each other sing we also go to show how diverse our Choir is. Majors in medicine, English, Music and so much more. I will say I truly enjoyed watching these students who are only a year or two younger show love and appreciation for music as much as we all do. Next, we ended up at  Indianola High School where we did the same thing as before switched off singing songs to each other, and then spoke about our choir experience.

We then took a little time to go to the Iowa State Capitol Building and Sang a few songs in the building. After we got to explore East Village. I will say it was nice to finally take a little breather having been singing and sitting on the bus pretty continuously. We went to the cutest coffee shop and then walked around downtown. I also went with my friends and explored the Capitol Library. It was truly beautiful and classic.

A few hours later we went straight to Plymouth Congregational to get ready for the Concert that we would have with  Urbandale High School. I will say there is a joy to standing with all my fellow choir group and singing songs we have put months of work into and seeing everyone’s faces. My favorite song we sang was Ain’t No Grave. It is one of the fastest songs I have learned but it is definitely a fun one. We also got to sing with the High School the song Antiphon which is a big song with an Organ and with both choirs it sounds amazing.

Day 3 On Our Way To Omaha 
After a long night, we woke up and got on the bus to go to our 3rd high school Dallas Center-Grimes High School. I will say the Clinics are so fun. The appreciation these High Schoolers have for music and the work they put into their songs. We drove a few hours and after a quick lunch, we had our last Clinic at Glenwood High School. Both groups sang a few songs.  one of the high school group songs our pianist Kyle played their music for. Shout out to our rockstar pianist Kyle!!!!

Then we drove to Omaha (most of us slept on the bus.)  They dropped us off at the mall for an hour or so. We all decided to kill time with widow shopping and walking around I will say it is totally fun to just walk around with your choir besties and look at all the stores even though half of us are on a college budget. (Hahaha)

 

After we made our way to First Central Congregational and started to practice and warm up. By our warmups, some

of our voices were a bit tired so we took it easy on them. That night Omaha Central High School joined us to perform. We enjoyed our last concert and went out with a bang. Singing our set one more time was quite fun. We got to the hotel and spent the rest of the evening winding down. (personally, I was listening to Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department double albums and colored.)

Omaha and Home

That morning we got to sleep in and met at 8:45 instead of 8:00. We all then got to explore downtown Omaha. the group I was with started our morning in the cutest coffee shop. We went to a record store where some of us spent time looking through the $2 records I got a Helen Ready and an old musical. We looked at a few antique stores before our last stop the coolest and most random candy, antique, and pinball, place. We also got lunch there and just enjoyed our free day. It was a blast to hang out with people who I spend my time with in class every day but they are on the opposite side of the room. I got to know my peers so much better on this trip. I will say it was truly enjoyable.

 

We then went home on our bus and I will say quiet bus ride on the entire trip. Napping and headphones in I spent the entire ride home just enjoying the joy of having done something so fun and remarkable, Not only does it give you a chance to hang out with people with like-minded love for music. I truly feel we are a big community that truly has fun. We got back to Iowa City and all left the bus now I am back in Iowa City and still ask myself if was it a fever dream or real. It was so much fun.

If you are looking for a fun group to join and go to cool places and sing then I would totally recommend you audition for University Choir at IOWA. GO HAWKS

Cheers
Rose

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This Hawkeye Went to Chicago

Posted on April 12, 2024

Welcome My Readers,

Easter weekend is probably the quietest weekend in the dorms. But I wouldn’t know because I wasn’t here instead I went to Chicago. What a great city it is filled with so much bustle and beautiful places. My family got settled in our Hotel and then spent Friday evening going to HardRock Cafe. It is one of the coolest chain restaurants I have gone to. Filled with artists’ instruments, clothes, photos and so much more. I will say it is fun to listen to music all night while you eat a good old burger and fries. I got a kid-size milkshake too.

The next morning I ran on the Michigan Lake and Chicago River. It was so amazing. just seeing everyone out running, walking dogs, and listening to all the bustle of the city. My father and I finished our run after about 4 miles and walked back to

the hotel but not before getting some bagels. then we went to my favorite breakfast place in the city called Kanela Breakfast Club. I like their mochas and I love their goat cheese kale omelet but this time I got their breakfast burrito and it was AMAZING. As always they have the freshest fruit and iced water too.

My family took a little break after at the hotel and enjoyed the view from our 17th-floor window. It’s crazy how small a city like Chicago makes you feel. It is such a beautiful place to just look at. I then went with my mom and dad to Levis and got a new jacket I got this really pretty winter sweater.

Then my family got ready to watch Peter Pan the Broadway musical. I wore my favorite dress with these big sleeves. The show was amazing Peter Pan was 17 years old and had a really good voice. Plus the way they were able to move and fly while they were singing is amazing. I enjoyed watching how the actors just had so much fun on that stage. It was a blast. I want to be part of that group.

After such an amazing show we went to Palmer House and got Shirley Temples and sat in the room where they have a bar and I swear in the 1920s they must have had the most fine events. It is one of the most beautiful hotels and places to go in Chicago late at night.

After a long day, we went to bed and for Easter, we spent the day with family. I got

back to Iowa City the next morning at 7:00 so I may make it to class at 8:00 am. Well, I hope if you have time you go to Chicago in your time while you’re so close by.

Cheers
Rose

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Eating 1.1 as a Hawkeye

Posted on April 5, 2024June 12, 2024

Hello, I am back

How many times do you go out in your hometown to your favorite steak house or bakery? Do you have a favorite day in school lunches is pizza day or burger day the best? Well as a Hawkeye it’s hard to go hungry there are so many options not only in the dining halls but also in the heart of downtown.

Ok, we all know sometimes the high school lunch food had favorite days and least favorite days. Well here all three dining halls have a variety of foods every day during the school week and on the weekends two of them are open. All three have salad bars, yogurt bars, cereal, drinks, and desserts. Catlett open Mondays-Fridays is definitely my go-to with friends on the east side. With the grill and so many drink options I would say it’s one of my favorites. Plus as an early riser if you get there at 7:10-7:30 the Sunny Side Up makes omelets or breakfast bowls, SO GOOD!!! Burge the other east side dining hall has all the classics with pasta, walking tacos, and you can grab an ice cream to go. Hillcrest on the west side has the best burritos ever. I have to say it’s an all-time favorite of mine and on Sundays from 12-2, you can get breakfast burritos. Anyway, that’s what I like about the dining halls.

Ok now time for all the little Hawk shops/Food stops, these are places where you can use Flex Swipes, Hawk Dollars, or your own money. They all are a little different but there are quite a few locations I like. The library’s Food For Thought is great for a quick lunch stop. Pick up a Flex meal or grab a Starbucks coffee. my other favorite hawk shops would be the Clinton one in Burge and the Gyms Power Cafe (my personal favorite smoothie is the Kale-A-Fornia Dreaming.

Let’s move on to the upscale places. These are places that you might have to save for but it’s worth it once in a while. I know I have talked about Trumpet Blossom before but I love it so much, their veggie burger is my favorite. Another place that I recently discovered was Crêpes de Luxe Cafe. I loved their sweet Crêpes and they have good pastries and coffee, a great brunch date. Last I love Saigon’s Corner its Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine. I really enjoy their garden rolls.

Comfort food!!!! Are you a Chipotle or Pancheros kind of person do you like pizza or burgers well downtown Iowa City has everything. Mickey’s Pub has good burgers, and Airliner has great pizza. You truly can’t go wrong. Plus we have buffalo wild wings and they now even have a whole vegetarian menu.

Well now you know how to eat in Iowa City you shall never go hungry.

Cheers,
Rose

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Spring in Iowa City

Posted on March 7, 2024

Hello My Friends

It’s finally getting sunny these past few weeks and while some nights still have this unbearable chill, it’s getting better and better. I can’t tell you how excited I am for warmer weather and life to return to the trees and the city. These cold months have felt so lonely and I am so over the dreary feeling that everyone has. I smile seeing happy groups of people walking around. Also, the Pentacrest is full of students again. It truly feels like this city is coming to life again and not just on Saturday nights.

Classes are still excruciating some days but I am much better at managing my time plus that’s how you get better you keep going and trying and eventually you will be a pro. I would say one of my new favorite things is being able to walk around without a heavy coat again. Though that means I have fewer pockets so I carry a bag around again.

Another thing is new clothes like I love going into the summer and getting new clothes. I am more of the thrifter so Revival downtown is my happy place but Pitaya is a great place to shop for festivals, and fancy occasions and they also have the cutest sweats tops and bottoms.

Coffee is a lifeline in my life so I love to go to places like Starbucks and small hometown coffee shops. One of my favorite flavors you have to try one day if you are feeling up to the challenge is lavender. Proven to be calming putting it in coffee is like putting on a spring dress and going out in the sun for some vitamin D. You can also get your classic latte cause why not treat yourself to comfort.

I have found that Iowa City truly has great restaurants some of the places that I love to go with my family and friends are Trumpet Blossom (100% vegan), Bluebird Diner, Marcos, and so much more. I am a huge person who likes to go out to eat but also it can be expensive so I recommend making a savings plan. Basically, every paycheck you get for fun the next one or two (I do three but that’s just personal) you have saved for school things and rent. Also if you’re looking for a job go to places with a resume or leave your number on a note card cause they do keep those and will message you sometimes. I also have both handshake and indeed which you can submit a resume. Well, I hope your spring is starting in a good way. See all your beautiful smiling faces around campus.

 

Cheers
Rose

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Dance Marathon (Rose’s Version)

Posted on February 13, 2024

Hello Readers,

February 2nd and 3rd was the University of Iowa’s Dance Marathon. It was full of fun and most people were excited to go to the event and stay awake for 24 hours. But I think some outsiders don’t see the commitment we make throughout the year.

 

In August, you go to the first meeting; they hype up the Dance and we are reminded that it’s not just the big event we are preparing for. We have to remember that we are raising money for our Dance Families. With all the sparkle and fun comes real work and making connections. No matter if you’re a dancer, leader, or organizer you still have made a commitment to this group and in your journey to raise as much money as possible.

Goals: In September, in our second meeting they spoke about goals and as a dancer, your required goal to be part of the dance in February is $300. Now I truly believe that’s amazing that if 300 people raised $300 each we would make $90,000, but I like to challenge myself. This is why I made a goal that would push me to make connections with businesses in our hometown to not just raise my minimum but also go way above and beyond. So in September, I decided I wanted to raise $1,000. I told everyone I knew, and used social media to reach people I don’t even know. But my biggest accomplishment would be working with my hometown coffee shop 392 Cafe.

We decided with the help of the owners that they would choose one day when they would have all three shops donate 15% during my winter break. We choose the 17th. Then my job was to advertise both for DM and 392 cafe. So I went on Instagram and Snapchat and sent personal messages to my family and friends who were in the Clinton and Davenport area. In just one day all three shops combined raised $994.00. I was so happy not only had I reached my goal but all the money I had raised would go to our families.

Now we have passed the big event and we as a whole club raised over 1 Million, but we always can try to raise more. So if you’re an incoming student or a returning student next year, come join us. We work together as the biggest club to make sure these families feel heard and know that we are fighting this battle with them. If every person chose to put some time into Dance Marathon, we could not only change these families’ lives but we could put money towards research and save 100s of lives in the future. Hope to see more of your lovely faces at those meetings next year.

Sincerely,
Rose

 

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Two Weeks of Semester Two

Posted on January 29, 2024

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

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Hawkeyes Brave the Cold

Posted on January 17, 2024

Hello

Wow, winter break ends in less than a week and I can’t believe I will be back to the daily routine of my school life. I am ready though. It is Friday, January 12th and I am sitting looking out my window as I watch the snow fall down creating a world that is so pretty but cold as can be.

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday. Mine was very busy with family, work, and taking my well-deserved break time. I think it’s interesting to be home where everyone has their own routine. I would say the hardest thing about being home was I had others I had to think about. I shared my time again. I did not have the freedom that I had for 4 months. I was surprised by how I used to sacrifice to ensure we all could get to places on time.

It has been a nice break despite the struggle of sharing time with my family. I worked on my music and saw all my hometown friends. I started a YouTube channel with my bestie Sophia and continued to listen to Taylor Swift. I love the Holidays and was sad to see the season pass but I am ready for the new year to bring me new beginnings and I hope to achieve so many things this year. In 2024, hopefully, I will be less stressed and more prepared to be alone and to work hard in my classes.

Well, I hope you had a restful break and I see your beautiful faces on campus this upcoming Tuesday.

Cheers,
Rose

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Thanksgiving break

Posted on November 27, 2023

Hello Hawkeyes,

Welcome back to campus. Don’t you just love the snow? Oh, sorry, I forgot most of you know what it’s like to have snow every year. I didn’t until 3 years ago when I moved to a small town here in Iowa named Clinton. But I am going to tell you about my Thanksgiving break. Also, I want to hear about yours so put it in the comments below if you have any favorite dishes or memories of Thanksgiving, present or past. Let’s get into where I went for Thanksgiving, what I did, and past memories.

On Sunday, the start of break we boarded our plane in Chicago on our way to Portland, Oregon. The flight was nice and I listened to music and wrote some songs on the plane. When we made it to Portland we got our rental car and started our two-hour journey to Dexter, Oregon.

We made it to Dexter around 8:00 or so. I don’t remember because I fell asleep in the car on the way there.

My father and I thought this trip would give us a chance to get a breather from our busy schedules. Oregon is so pretty if you have never been. I would recommend going if not for the pine trees, then to experience the amazing food.

Throughout the week my father and I went to our favorite food places in Eugene, Oregon. Some of our top places are Sabi (Thia food) Sweet Life (BEST bakery in the world), Yum Bowl (comfort food to an outstanding level),  and Magpie Coffee (a really good coffee shop).

We also went out to enjoy the holiday vibe. I grew up most of my life in Oregon and I truly miss some of the best parts of it, like how everyone runs. We did a turkey trot on Thanksgiving morning in Alton Baker Park. There were over 2,000 people there. I also miss the rain. Here in Iowa, people don’t enjoy the rain as much. To be fair, if you live in the Pacific Northwest you’ve got to enjoy the rain, or well, I don’t know how you will have time outside ever. I also just love the way people live in Oregon. There is no fear of being different. I will always have some of that in me.

OK, thanksgiving was amazing! I love food in Oregon it’s just so fresh. My family is vegetarian so we had Toferky, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, dressing, and my friend brought sweet potato casserole.

My friend Emma and her brother joined me and my father

for dinner, and we had wonderful conversations it was nice to host in that place again. Friday, my father and I went back to Iowa and enjoyed the rest of the weekend with my sister and mother. I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving.

Cheers

Talk to you all in December

Rose

 

 

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The Holidays As A Hawkeye

Posted on November 8, 2023

Hello there, welcome back to my blog!

I am so excited because here in the city, it has officially passed Halloween, which means… IT’S FINALLY THE HOLIDAY SEASON!! As a music major, that means I can start singing Christmas carols out loud and listen to music that’s finally seasonal, and people won’t give me THE look (I am joking; I get it if you don’t want to hear “Let It Snow” in July). Also, Starbucks released the Holiday menu, so now I can get a peppermint mocha or a sugar cookie latte. Also, everyone is suddenly extra sweet and wants to hear about tour days. I mistakenly ran into someone the other day, and instead of saying, “Look where you’re going,” they asked if I was okay. I truly believe this time of year makes those around us happier and want to be kinder.

Okay, so you might wonder why I would be so excited for a holiday season in college. It’s not all the breaks we get (but don’t get me wrong I am excited for time to relax), but really I am excited to drink hot cocoa and hang out with people I really care about. I remember being in high school and feeling lonely but one of the best parts of growing up is I make my own choices. If I want to go to Starbucks with my music major friends or if I want to decorate my room with some paper decorations I can. I also want to enjoy the way the city decorates for the holidays because while yes Christmas is what many people celebrate it’s not the only holiday and I love seeing such diversity and excitement in everybody it really is a time for giving.

Well, I can’t wait to see everyone in a festive mood around town, and don’t forget those coats cause I am cold for you if you decide to wear shorts.

Cheers

Rose

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