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Going home.

Posted on October 23, 2023

Well, I am back. How has your fall been? Mine has been very hectic which is why I am excited to say I am going home. While college life is fun, this is a really nice thing to look forward to. I have been gone from home for over two months now. College is about finding yourself and getting used to living on your own, but going home is such an important aspect. You need to give yourself a break once in a while.

The first thing I did when I got home was say hi to all my animals. I have a big dog and 3 cats. They were so happy to see me. Going into my own room was so strange like I am used to sharing a room now with my roommate.

Saturday I did some catching up with a friend of mine. We went to our best coffee shop in Clinton, Iowa. It’s called 392. You have to go to one of their locations if you’re ever in the Quad Cities or Clinton. They really are the best coffee shop. Right now their Campfire Mocha is my favorite fall drink. But they have so many amazing drinks all year round.

In the arboretum, the trees have changed so much in colors and it is beautiful. My friend and I spent an hour taking in the glorious day, taking pictures, talking about the town, and college life, and just catching up.

One of my biggest tips for going home is to make a list of what you want and bring back what you didn’t use or need. Then you can switch out clothes, appliances, and even grab some food when you’re home. As I get ready to leave this Sunday morning I will say it’s been nice to be out of the city for a bit but also I am ready to be back with my friends there in Iowa City.  See you on campus.

Cheers

Rose

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The Reason Why I Say IOWA!

Posted on October 19, 2023

Hello,

It’s Rose again. Wow, it’s been quite a first half of the semester. From amazing new experiences to the stress and realization of being on your own. Also learning how to manage your anxiety and depression, while also recognizing it’s okay not to always be strong. I want to tell you why I stay, and why I say IOWA.

When I walked into the doors the first time as a student I thought everyone here would support me. While yes, some professors want you to succeed, there is still a LOT of discrimination toward students with learning disabilities. I have dyslexia which means I struggle with reading and writing. I know funny, right? I am a music major, and that’s basically all my major is. I can laugh now about it when I make silly mistakes, but I still don’t always get the same respect I deserve.
So why would I still choose Iowa even when I have had so much trouble this semester? It’s because while I don’t have everyone on my side, I have more people supporting me than I could have imagined. I can go to 20 different people who all will support me and will find a way to make it possible for me to keep going even with those few things working against me.

Last, I fight for myself. While yes, you have support, you need to speak up if things are not getting better. Say something, plan a meeting, change the situation, etc. They will help you here and will be on your side. That is why I stay and say IOWA

Cheers,
Rose

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My Hawkeye Era

Posted on September 8, 2023September 8, 2023

“So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment, and taste it. You’ve got no reason to be afraid. You’re on your own, kid Yeah you can face this” states Taylor Swift in her song “You’re On Your Own Kid.” I feel these first weeks have been that song. I am 18 almost 19 and feel the ups and downs of being a young adult. I feel this poetic love for freedom but it also is hard. If I told you I am always okay that would be a lie but I also am not totally failing I am getting the handle of my professors and classes. I also spend every day working on just being happy with myself which leads us to what it felt like these first few weeks. . . 

I have always been a very organized person. I plan things ahead. I never had anyone to make plans with because, in high school, I was involved in student council, theater, AP classes, two choirs, cross country, and more. You understand what I mean. I never had time to cultivate friendships because they were all within my clubs. I also worked at my local coffee shop on weekends.

So, during On Iowa! week, I decided to make some new friends. I’m quite the social butterfly. Anyway, I met many new people, and now I have a large group I can reach out to for hanging out, studying, grabbing coffee, going to the dining halls, and exploring other places.

Being spontaneous is new to me. Sometimes, I’ll receive a message from a friend about a market in Cedar Rapids, and without hesitation, I’ll walk over to the west end, hop into their mom’s car, and we’ll drive there, staying until 11:00 pm. And even though it was Sunday the next day, I’ll still have to get up early ’cause I promised to get coffee with somebody. (So when you see college students walking with bags under their eyes that’s why.) But it’s enjoyable. I don’t sleep well personally, so I find myself working on homework until 11:00 and then getting up at 5:00 to go to the rec center for a workout. That’s something that’s new to me.

I just can’t believe that people can change. I don’t recognize this new self. It’s fun and I am not as scared to be honest about how I feel and I have people who want me around. I am an overthinker so I would feel like I was intruding, but people in college genuinely want you to talk about real things and not how many of you were popular in high school. There are still mean people; don’t think that goes away. It just doesn’t phase you because the people that matter are so much more important now. I know if you’re reading this as an incoming college student, believe me when I say you will feel like the Taylor Swift lyrics “Happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time.” It’s cathartic and at first, you will be overwhelmed, but then it will feel glorious.

While I don’t recognize myself, I still hold onto my morals. You can try things and say it’s for me. Most people judge you in high school. If you haven’t dated or had a first kiss, but here people don’t care much. Honestly, we think more about what we want from the dining hall and how we are going to get to our jobs from across the campus. So be true to yourself. If you don’t like to drink, don’t drink. As the sober, friend I tend to be the safest way my friends can call and I don’t mind.

If you always keep your room neat, don’t let your roommate completely keep it messy. Make sure you communicate with people. Usually, if you’re honest people will respect that. Lastly, be you. If you love to wear dresses then do it. I certainly turn heads but then again I like to sparkle and I feel so confident.

So as I close I want you to just know there is so much change but there is also so much fun to experience so don’t hesitate to say hello to people. Also if you see me on campus just say hello I always am up to a conversation. I will be bold and honest and I trust the good in every human, and I will never turn you down to have a conversation. I might be overly friendly at first but it’s because I am a people person. Well, I will end with another Taylor Swift quote for your week. “I never grew up, it’s getting so old.” I don’t feel like an adult half the time but are you ever really truly a grown-up? Honestly, it’s just numbers so be kind to yourself, and let’s see how my new era goes. Go Hawks!

Cheers,
Rose

 

 

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