Sarah

Hey Hawkeyes!

I hope all the other freshman enjoyed On Iowa! as much as I did. I had a fantastic small group. And here’s a picture of them!

On Iowa! Small Group Session

We talked about making the most out of our time here since we only have 2 million minutes. We also attended a activities fair to learn about some of the clubs and organizations on campus. There are a few I’m considering. I’ve heard the Ballroom Dancing club is a lot of fun, so that may be a possibility.

Today for On Iowa! we talked about the choices we will have to make now that we’re on our own. We talked about different situations and how we would/should respond.  Next on the list was Convocation.

Convocation at the Old Capitol

We listened to Sally Mason speak about our college careers and how fast our lives will and already are changing.

Herky even got in on the action:

Herky at Convocation

Unfortunately, it began to rain right after her speech. It cleared off enough to go to the Block Party to eat and listen to music, but it sprinkled/poured on and off the entire evening.

President Sally Mason’s house decorated for the Block Party

Just a small glimpse of all the people at the Block Party, the words “free food” mean a lot to college kids

Tomorrow starts the semester of classes. I’m excited and nervous. I’m taking everything a day at a time and trying not to get too ahead of myself. I figure this will be the best spot of all year. I’m cautiously optimistic about classes and I don’t have a semester of classes behind me to worry me. I don’t have to be too prepared for anything because I’m just a freshman, no one expects me to know anything! It’s a pretty good feeling, surprisingly. Here’s to a hopefully successful semester!

Hey Hawkeyes!

How’s it feeling to finally be a Hawkeye?! I hope everyone’s move-in went well. Move-in has certainly been the craziest time around here. Now that OnIowa! has started, I hope everyone is meeting people in their small groups. The Kickoff at Kinnick last night was awesome. It all started with a small group(about 26) meeting to talk about the Iowa Challenge: Excel, Choose, Engage, Serve, Stretch. We also talked about where and when to get textbooks. Next, we attended a lecture about success in college. There we learned the do’s and don’ts of college and how to use technology to help us but not hinder us from learning. Next stop: Burge Marketplace.

Dinner in Burge Market Place after small group meeting and lecture.

It was just a little busy when we arrived with what seemed like every other freshman. In reality, less than half the incoming freshman were at Burge at that time.

After dinner, we headed to Kinnick Stadium.

The view from the steps going onto the field at Kinnick Stadium.

This is where all the freshman assembled so we could make our giant “I” across the field.

Class of 2016 University of Iowa! Go Hawks!
The “I” on the screen.

After the big “I”, the freshman were guided(herded 🙂 ) into the stands so we could learn the cheers and the fight song. The veteran marching band played(and sounded great) while we learned the fight song. We heard  speeches about college success from different athletes, the marching band drum major, and one of the cheerleaders. We sang the fight song one more time to kickoff the fireworks.

Fireworks at Kinnick Stadium

After the fireworks, there were games and bingo in the Iowa Memorial Union. It was a great way to meet people and have fun.

Have a great day! 🙂