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