Tis the Season?

You would think that by now there would be snow on Coe's campus... I mean it is December, right?  Yet, I found myself wearing a t-shirt and pants while walking around today.  Am I the only one that finds this odd?  Unlike many people, I actually love winter, snow, and of course, CHRISTMAS!  This is the last week before finals start, and then it's officially Christmas break.  I can tell you right now, everyone is already starting their finals study grind.  The library and Armstrong/Douglas lobby are slowly filling up as people leave their T.V., cellphones, and Xbox's in their room far away from grasp.

This is my first experience with college finals, so I am absolutely terrified considering I have no idea what to expect.  All I know is that I should probably put a block on my Facebook and Twitter for the next week or so, stop playing Mario Kart, and actually attempt to study for the three finals I have.  So, if you don't hear from me in the next couple weeks- you know why.  All I ask is you wish me luck as I start my journey studying right now.  I hope you all have an AMAZING Christmas break (I'm praying for a white Christmas) with a lot of food, presents, and family.  Until next time!

With love,
Alexis

Thanksgiving

Going home for the second time was everything I expected- plus more.  Home cooked meals, my own bed, not having class... need I say more?  It seems like forever since I last sat down to write a blog, but maybe that's because my mind was set on enjoying break.  I hope that all of you were able to enjoy your break too- whether that includes stuffing your face with turkey, watching football on not only Sunday and Monday night, but Thanksgiving as well, or even doing absolutely nothing.  Thanksgiving is time to do all of those things, but sometimes it goes overlooked.  I think sometimes we forget that it is a day of thanks and a day to appreciate all that we all are thankful for.  So let me ask you, did you tell your parents thank you for that wonderful Thanksgiving meal they made you?  Think about it while I tell you what I'm thankful for.

1) Family.  Even while being away from home I still am able to hold a close relationship with my family.  Whether it's me calling my sister to get advice on a class, calling my grandma and grandpa to talk about my blog, or call my dad about Coe's awesome wrestling, football, and other athletic teams- I have the ability to talk to them on a daily basis.  You go to college and think "wow, I'm not going to see my family for months," but after that time goes by you realize that your family isn't going anywhere.  It's true what they say, friends come and go, but family is always there.

2) Friends.  Leaving for college is a true test as to what friends come, and what friends go.  Therefore, I am not only thankful for the new friends that I have made at Coe, but also my old friends that I've managed to keep in touch with.  Holding a friendship is hard when you're hours away from one another, but our generation is lucky to have technology that makes it easier. Separating from my friends was one of the hardest things about going to college, but there's always Facebook, Twitter, and texting that helps me stay involved in their life.

3) Home.  Recently, I have found myself calling my dorm home.  This just says how much I have settled into being here at Coe- and I think that goes for many other people as well.  I consider myself lucky and I am thankful that I have a school where I have absolutely everything I need right at my fingertips.  Money?  I have a job on campus.  Support system?  I have my roommate and several new friends living right in my dorm.  Help with class?  Coe offers so many tutor opportunities.  It all comes down to one thing- I've found my home away from home.

Those are just a couple things I am grateful for, yet the list goes on forever.  I guess that coming to college has made me appreciate the little things in life, and I think more people should.  It truly is the little things that can make someone smile and even make their day.  So, take a moment and think about it, what are you thankful for?

With love,
Alexis

Time Flies

It's true what they say, time flies when you're having fun.  It's crazy to think that about two and a half months ago I was moving all of my stuff into my dorm room...and contemplating how its all going to fit.  Yet throughout all of the hectic unpacking, orientation, first day of classes, first exams, first college football game, and even first time donating plasma, I've made it.  I can say that I've successfully settled into Coe College. I'm lucky that it didn't take me long to, and maybe it's because Coe is such an easy place to love.  I'm also lucky that I've taken plenty of pictures to reminisce on and help keep those wonderful memories in my mind.

These pictures start from my room on move in day...

To formal recruitment...

To Homecoming...

To becoming a Delta...

And lastly Halloween...

I can't wait for the new experiences and memories I'll make as the next couple years fly by.  I can't imagine being in any other place, and am glad I've started leaving my mark here on Coe's campus.

With love,
Alexis

 

 

 



 

Halloween Fright

Coe's campus was anything but quiet this past week.  A Halloween and 90's dance in the pub, haunted hallways decorating, blindspot, and trick or treating all took place.  It was a week full of fright, friends, and fun.  Thank goodness we got an extra hour of sleep on Friday, I sure know that I needed it.

Mario and me ready for Halloween!

This weekend I also got the pleasure of finally being initiated into Delta Delta Delta.  While I went through recruitment quite some time ago,  as of Saturday I am officially a Tri-delt!  A ceremony was held on Saturday morning.  We all dressed in white while our delta sponsors, Alumni, and delta sisters watched as we were initiated into the sorority. It was a pleasure to be a part of and made me even more excited for the friends, memories, and experiences that will be brought upon with being a member of Delta Delta Delta.  I already have formed relationships with many of the girls and know that it will last a lifetime.

My Delta mom, Shaina, and I!

I also can not explain enough how proud I am to be a Kohawk this weekend.  The Kohawk football team brought in another win Saturday to keep their undefeated record of 9-0 and win conference champions!  This brought much pride to Coe's campus.  This Saturday we host Central and hope to keep our winning stride alive. Coe's wrestling team also had their first tournament at Loras, and many wrestlers showed great hope for the rest of the season.  It's safe to say Coe's athletics are not disappointing anyone.

With love,
Alexis

My roommate and I after last weeks win against Wartburg!

Just a drive away

One of the things I love about Coe's campus is how centrally located it is.  Not only is it a beautiful campus, but the small school feel is present even in such a large city like Cedar Rapids.  You don't have to venture far from Coe to find a coffee shop, gas station, or grocery store.  You'll definitely get plenty of exercise walking around Coe.

Another plus of going to a school in Cedar Rapids is that it is only a half hour away from Iowa City, and and hour away from Cedar Falls.  Having a sister at the University of Iowa and a sister at the University of Northern Iowa, this is a big plus.  The drive from Cedar Rapids to both of those cities is quick, and not inconvenient for a day trip.  Whether it's going to an Iowa game (although you're probably better off going to a Coe football game if you want to see a team win), going shopping at the Coralville mall, or traveling to Cedar Falls for a Rodney Atkins concert on a Thursday night, you can have it all in just a drive away.  I guess I'm lucky to have a car here at school with me to be able to do all of those things, but even if you don't take a car to school, you're just fine.  Coe ALWAYS has something going on here on campus.  Like last Saturday, which was Coe Fest.  Bands came and played all day long, and supper was offered outside.  Then this coming weekend is Family weekend and a great home football game against Wartburg.  You can bet I'm staying here on campus this weekend.

With Love,
Alexis



My cousin, Jacquelin, and I at the Rodney Atkins Concert at UNI!

My friend, Mckenzie, and I watching the UNI game!

Pie-A-Tri

Last Saturday was Coe's first visit day.  It's crazy to think that at this time last year I was in all of their positions- a high school senior trying to get through the college searching process and figure out where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life.  It was nice being able to be on the other side and talk to prospective students and answer their questions.  I was also able to meet a lot of staff, faculty, and students that are highly involved here on campus; this included meeting my fellow bloggers.

Last Tuesday Tri-Delta had what we call Pie-A-Tri.  With a table set out between Greene and Vorhees, we allowed students to pay a dollar to pie one of us in the face.  Okay, so it was only whip cream, but still!  Each of us took an hour and a half shift with several other girls to try and raise money for St. Jude's hospital.  I haven't decided if the warm weather we received on that day was a good or bad thing because after being pied, it was all down hill from there.  Whip cream was everywhere, and the sun caked it on even more.  I think overall I was pied in the face a good six or seven times; other girls had as many as thirteen!  Yet, we turned it into a competition to see who could get pied the most and we all had a lot of fun.  I was planning on going to a study session immediately afterwards, but I think that I needed a shower more than anything.  Check out this picture- the aftermath.

I would also like to make a shout out to my hometown cheerleading squad.  In high school I was a football and wrestling cheerleader, and to this day I still miss it.  I considered cheerleading here at Coe and decided not to, but I still recommend doing it!  Anyways, this Saturday after helping out with the visit day events I drove to Iowa City and watched them perform in a competition.  Not to my surprise, they took home first place and the grand champion award!  While my hometown may not be the best at some other sports, we're lucky to have such a group of talented girls that continue to succeed throughout the years.  Congratulations to these wonderful girls, they not only make Mason City proud, but alumi as well!

Seniors Kelsey Murray, Jacey Espinosa, Danielle Davis,
and Meagan Shultz.  Good job girls!

This current week is probably the week that everyone looks forward to and dreads at the same time-the week before fall break. Professors load this week with papers, exams, and homework.  I have found myself studying in the library for hours every night, often being one of the few who stay until close.  Once again I find my schedule being my best friend.  Yet, having exams in almost every class will allow me to enjoy my fall break that much more.  The feeling of relief after finishing two papers (one in French) and three exams will be completely worth it.  o be honest, the idea of going home for the first time since arriving here at Coe is what is keeping me kicking.  Don't get me wrong, I love it here and am probably one of the biggest Coe fans you'll find... but I guarantee everyone can agree that there's nothing like sleeping in your own bed or being greeted by your over friendly dog.  I also can't wait to finally eat a home cooked meal and see my family and friends.

With love,
Alexis

All it Takes is One Visit

Taking a look back I can remember specifically when I knew I was going to become a Kohawk.  Starting my college search I thought I was going to end up an Iowa Hawkeye or a UNI panther; little did I know that being a Kohawk is where I belonged.

Because my dad is an alumni from Coe I felt obligated to come visit, and I knew that it wouldn't hurt me.  So we scheduled a date and made the two hour drive from Mason City, IA to Coe's campus- something I will never regret doing.  I automatically felt like I was in the right place when I stepped foot here.  My first thought was how beautiful campus was- I automatically got butterflies in my stomach.  After talking with the admissions staff it hit me, everyone here is so nice.  Coe College is the one place that I actually felt welcomed.  From my tour around campus to my talk with my admissions counselor, I knew right away that Coe College is where I was going to end up- and all it took was one visit.

This Saturday, October 6, is the first Campus Visit Day. This is a great opportunity to get an overview of campus, and ask REAL questions of REAL students.  Applying to colleges is the first step, but actually visiting a college can be a determining factor as to what school you end up at.  Its really helpful to see a college and what it is really like before you decide where to attend- and I promise Coe won't disappoint.

Registration starts at 9 A.M. and the day ends with lunch and complementary tickets to the football game around 12:30. Students can sign up online here! If you are a student still on edge about where to go to college, I'll try to make your college decision a little easier by saying this- come visit Coe!  This is an amazing opportunity to get a feel for a small school in a big city and discover the many characteristics Coe has to offer.  You never know, you might love it here just like I did.  Truely all it takes is one visit to fall in love with Coe College and become a Kohawk.

With love,
Alexis

Kohawk Homecoming

Finally reality is setting back in.  No more excuses for not doing my homework, staying up late, and not getting enough sleep.  This weekend marked the end of Coe's homecoming.


Christina Albrecht and I at the homecoming game!

First let me say this: being a freshman I had no idea what to expect out of this weekend.  In high school there were the dress up days, powder puff football, crowning of the king and queen, pep rallies, one big football game, and a dance.  In those ways homecoming here was just like high school- but way better.  For one, I went from being a Mohawk in high school, to a Kohawk here at Coe.  That one change in a letter made a big difference, considering the Kohawks are actually winning their football games.  On Saturday we won 51- 0 against Buena Vista; now that's not just considered a win... that's a blow out.  I'm happy to be cheering for a winning team; the Kohawks definitely didn't let me down.  The parade before hand was a fun way to get everyone pumped up and ready for the game.  Riding in the parade you could see not only all the little kids begging for candy- but all of the tailgaters and Kohawk fans ready for one heck of a football game.  I was completely surprised by the huge crowd of people that congregated outside the bev and brat tent, and also all of those who tailgated before the game.  While Coe is a small school compared to say, the University of Iowa.. the parents, students, alumni, and even professors all know how to have a good time.

Arran Weeces, me, McCall Meade, and Gretchen
Lilienthal before the dance.

Kohawk Rock was something new they tried this year.  Usually during homecoming the students put on a Follies- much like a variety/talent show- but this year it was a little different.  Held in Eby gym, the stands were packed with students.  There were several skits (all which featured the homecoming court), singing, and even a comedian.  It was a great way to start off the Homecoming festivities.  The dance was also a great time.  Buses took all of us to the Clarion hotel where there was food, refreshments, loud music, and you can bet a lot of dancing.  It was a new experience for me and definitely lived up to my high expectations.

This weekend I was also able to participate in a one in a lifetime event for Coe College- The 100th anniversary of the Delta Eta Chapter of Delta Delta Delta here at Coe.  We had one of the biggest Reunions known to Coe- over 300 Tri-Deltas and their families came back to participate in the festivities that were put on by our collegiate chapter.  This included a social reception at President Phifer's house, a dinner at the Cedar Rapids Country Club, and a social continental breakfast here on Coe's campus.  Throughout this weekend I was able to converse with Tri-delts back from when my father was here at Coe College!  Many of them said they recognized my father's name, and I still haven't decided whether that's a good or bad thing.  The most amazing thing I witnessed this weekend was a 95 year old who made it to Coe just for the 100th anniversary.  That is one dedicated woman and it goes to show how much of an impact the Delta chapter here had on her.  It's true when they say that you're not just a Delta for four years, but for life.


A couple Delta babies before the reception and dinner!

Another thing that made this weekend so much more memorable was having my family here to share all of this with me.  My father and his girlfriend were able to make the two hour drive from Mason City, Iowa to celebrate homecoming.  The ironic thing is that my dad graduated from Coe, and his girlfriend got a degree from Buena Vista... It's safe to say she was a Kohawk fan this weekend. (and who wouldn't want to be!?)

Unfortunately this weekend gave me something I like to call the "Coe Crud."  From staying up late, my lack of sleep, and the change of seasons, I am experiencing my first sickness away from home.  Unfortunately I can't holler for my dad to bring me medicine or get me food, so I'm left vegetating on my semi-comfortable futon.  For all the festivities and fun from this weekend though, it is completely worth it.

This years homecoming theme pretty much says it all, "Crimson and Gold never gets old.  Not four years, for life."  I will forever not only be a Delta, but forever be a Kohawk.  This weekend proved that to me considering the hundreds of alumni that came back to celebrate homecoming with us.  While I am proud to call myself a Kohawk currently, I know that in ten years I will as well.

With love,
Alexis

Kohawk Pride

After attending my first Iowa football tailgate a couple weekends ago I've come to realize how much I love football.  Even though the Hawkeyes lost to ISU and Central Michigan, you can't help but love the game.  Then the Packers lost to Seattle last night... for real?  Come on now.  Coming from Mason City, Iowa I have to root for the Packers.  If you watched the game you had to of noticed the refs... and that's all I'm going to say.  Thank goodness I'm a Kohawk, and hopefully this losing streak among my teams can stop this week.

This is the week I always looked forward to in high school, and it's no different now.  This week is full of powderpuff football, boys volleyball, all campus capture the flag, Kohawk Rock, a pep-rally, one heck of a football game, and last but not least, a dance.  This week is... HOMECOMING!

Powderpuff football started tonight.  Because there were more freshmen then any other grade, it turned into Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors on one team against us.  It was a tough game; They scored first, making us think that it was going to be lonnnnnggggg.  Then we scored at the end of the first half and with a little pep talk from our coach the second half went a bit smoother.  We managed to score at the top of the half, and then held up our defense throughout the rest of the game.  That means that the Freshmen won 2-1 AGAINST ALL OTHER GRADES!  I don't know about you, but I feel like that's not supposed to happen.



Part of our powderpuff team!  From left to right: Gretchen Lilienthal, Me,
Arran Weeces, Jacqueline Naeve, Emily Jaeger, and McCall Meade 

Anyways, tomorrow is all school capture the flag and I'm ready for the freshman to pick up another win.  I have no doubt that we'll be able to do it!  Homecoming week is amazing, but it's hard to stay focused.  I have no motivation to do homework, but I know that I have to because I'll regret it later.  I think that I vouch for everyone when I say us Kohawks are going to enjoy this week and weekend to the fullest.  Hopefully that includes a win against Buena Vista this Saturday.  Can't wait for the rest of this week.


With love,
Alexis

Freshman Fundamentals

After being on Coe's campus for about a month now, I've already begun getting into the groove of things.  Going from a high school senior to a college freshman puts a dent in your seniority- in fact it doesn't give you any.  Being a freshman all over again has given me a new perspective and these are a couple of the lessons I have already learned:

1) Living in a freshman dorm is a great way to meet people.  I live in Armstrong, and I have been able to form new relationships and make plenty of friends who are freshman.  I guess it's true, you do get closest to your class, though, and this is no exception to the class of 2016.  Again, it's like starting high school all over again. (but WAY better)

2)  While the freshman dorm has it's perks, don't plan on getting ANY homework done in that place.  I swear there is no downtime in Armstrong; there is always the constant running down the hallways, yelling, and loud rap music (someone even has a sub in their dorm room!).  Of course you would think that simply closing your door would keep people out, but never.  Unlike some, I love the hustle and bustle of it all.  Those close friendships you make that I was talking about earlier makes everyone think that they can just randomly walk into any unlocked room- and I love it.   In that case, though, forget trying to do homework on the comfort of your futon- you're better off going to the library instead.

3) School is not necessarily hard.  You get up, go to class, and in my case- get done by noon every day.    Sounds great doesn't it?  Having the whole day to do whatever you want... WRONG!  Time management is probably the hardest thing to grasp in college.  Especially if you're in a sport, a sorority, or one of the many clubs here on Coe's campus.  You don't really have time to loaf around and watch T.V. when you have a quiz, two exams, a paper due, a sorority meeting, BOD meeting, volleyball game to watch, and a Bio lab to do all in one week. (and that's beside going to class.)  Yet, being involved is one of the best things you can do in college.  It almost forces you to schedule out what you have to do that week, and this past few weeks a calendar whiteboard has been my best friend.

4) Money does not grow on trees. I can't just walk into the next room over and ask my dad to give me $20 because I want to go to a movie or go out to eat with my friends.  While yes, you do have more freedom in college, there will be a time when a college student realizes that their mom or dad isn't there to hold their hand anymore.  The bittersweet reality is that we're not at home anymore.  No more big comfy bed or even home cooked meals.  Yet, this makes going home that much more enjoyable and looking at your mail box that more exciting.  I'm always waiting for a letter or care package from someone at home.  It's nice to know that they're thinking of you, especially when you think of your family and friends back at home all the time.

5) COLLEGE IS FUN!  Subtract the homework, time management, noisy dorms, and home-sicknesses, and you have one of the best experiences ever.  I'm sure that within this next week I'll learn plenty of more fundamentals for my freshman year, but I think for now I'm on the right track.

With love,
Alexis

Freshman First

It's official- not only am I starting a new life as a college freshman, but I now have the opportunity to start a blog tracking my experience as I go.  Throughout these next four years I am looking forward to the memories I make, friends I meet, and goals I achieve.  I have only been here for about two weeks now and I know that Coe College is the place where all of this will happen.  I can only look forward to the future and reminisce on my past.

Although my college adventure has just begun, so much has already happened.  People think they can come to college and waste the day away because they only have three or four classes, yet I find myself busier than ever in my free time.  Whether it's cleaning out the 40 daily e-mails I get, finishing up homework, going to work at Coe Campus Information, attending a Tri- Delta meeting, bonding with my CAP group, working out, eating, or going to study groups- there is ALWAYS something going on here on Coe's campus.  I never knew how involved everyone was on campus until I actually arrived here for orientation week.

Orientation week is something I'll probably never forget.  This is the time right before classes started where there was only freshman (and sport players) on campus.  It was through these couple days that I made relationships I know will last me throughout my four years here at Coe.  From Dragon Boat races, to kickball, a hypnotist, and several speakers- it was a week to remember.  I can't give enough thanks to all those who put this activity-packed weekend together.

Since being on campus I, myself, am trying to get involved as well.  Not only am I the newest blogger for the admissions office ( I am SO happy they asked me to) but I also recently went through sorority recruitment.  After orientation I never thought I would have such a packed, exhausting weekend, until I went through the recruitment process.  Growing up with three older sisters, I have always lived with girls.  As we all grew up and went to college I knew that I wouldn't want the sisterly love to fade away.   Joining a sorority proved to be my fix to this problem.  My last Thursday through Sunday  was full of talking to the girls in each sorority, seeing skits presented by them, and hoping that I would get invited back.  On Sunday I knew I had found my place where I belonged: Delta Delta Delta.  I hoped that as I lined up to find out which one I had been placed in that it was Tri- Delt.  To my pleasure, I was thrown a Delta shirt and ran outside of Vorhees Hall to meet all of my new sisters.  The running of the stairs down to the Delta girls has been the greatest experience of college so far.  I felt welcome and comfortable as they hugged me and referred to me as their new "baby."  Enjoy this embarrassing picture of me running to my new sorority family.

Going into my third week of classes, I know things are going to start picking up with classes, sorority activities, and overall my college experience.  There is one thing that is going to get me through this week: going to the UNI/ Iowa game this weekend in Iowa City.  Having an older sister who goes to UNI and an identical twin sister who goes to Iowa, this game will be interesting.  I can't wait to see them both and bond a little bit before we all go back to our daily routines at school.

With that, I can only hope to make these next years the best of my life.  People always say that high school are the years to remember, but I beg to differ.  I know that this is my time to make a place, a stand, and make something of myself.  While I went to being at the bottom of the totem poll again as a freshman, I couldn't be happier.  I can't wait to see what the rest of my college years bring me.

With love,
Alexis