A Study in the US of A. by Leah

Shipping off to Iowa.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:14:42 UTC

I cannot believe that I was accepted and placed at my dream college. I cannot believe that soon it will be summer, and the countdown to America begins. I cannot believe I will be going to Coe! THE EXCITEMENT.

I GOT IN.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:15:58 UTC

Oh. My. Goodness. I am going to America. I WAS SUCCESSFUL IN GAINING A PLACE ON STUDY USA. I think I may have terrified my poor parents with screaming this news at them down the stairs, though.

My Theme for the next few weeks.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:17:38 UTC

Sorry I am not sorry. This is genuinely going to be my song. .

Me, My Friends and I.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:18:48 UTC

My friends and I are attempting to come to terms with the fact I will not be here next here. We have resorted to calling it 'The Thing' in conversation. In other news, they have begun to mercilessly tease me with this.

COUNTDOWN.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:20:37 UTC

It's August. I'm going away soon. AHH.

MY VISA HAS ARRIVED. THIS IS REAL.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:21:49 UTC

I have to confess.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:22:42 UTC

This has been playing a ridiculous amount and I think it is a sign. I hope.

I HAD MY VISA INTERVIEW TODAY. THIS IS SURREAL.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:23:36 UTC

I am a decent citizen and a genuine student, America. Please let me enter your country legally, thanks in advance.

Packing. Eek.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:26:14 UTC

I am surrounded with airbags and clothes and books. Mayday. I am also surrounded with music, so that at least is okay. My parents are not fully accepting of the fact that I am travelling with them to Dublin, but not coming back, I think. Me? I know I will miss them, but I am simply consumed with excitement at the moment. This is something that I have longed to participate in since I heard of the programme back in secondary school. Let's do this. Let's light this candle.

SOON.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:28:16 UTC

All my love to you, Iowa. You'll be seeing me soon.

LEAVING PARTY

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:34:16 UTC

My friends are the greatest. My old school friends invited me out to lunch and coffee, and then yesterday my uni friends threw me a surprise dinner and party in Belfast. They are the best friends a girl could ask for, and I think it has hit home how much I will miss them next year...

LEAVING PRESENTS

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:36:23 UTC

My uni friends are amazing. They really shouldn't have, but look what they got me! (Morrissey quotes and a Bowie mug... They know me well.

Last night with the Bestie.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:37:16 UTC

Last night out with my person. I'm going to miss her A LOT.

Orientation Days!

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:42:38 UTC

The BC organised a great session over two days re what to expect in terms of culture, academics, people etc. It was very information and no doubt it will stand me in good stead. (She says. Hopefully.) It also turns out that we all had to get our photographs taken for our respective newspaper outlet from our hometowns. My friends and I just discovered that we are literal page three girls here...

HERE WE GO.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:45:28 UTC

Because, you know - posting something on Facebook makes it official in our social-media driven society/generation.

We weary few, we band of sisters.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:46:37 UTC

We're going to Atlanta together! Hurrah! W

I have landed in the USA.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:47:25 UTC

I AM OFFICIALLY IN AMERICA. OH MY GOODNESS.~

Also, hi there Atlanta. You are looking well.

FINALLY.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:48:19 UTC

HOW MANY DELAYS CAN ONE WOMAN TAKE?

Well, no more, and thankfully I won't have to. We are on our way at last. See you soon, Iowa/Cedar Rapids/Coe/MY BED.

Now would you look where I am...

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:51:12 UTC

I AM HERE.

This is going to be my college for the academic year 2014/2015. This is going to be my home. I cannot wait. It is lovely to finally meet you at last, Coe.

I was right.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:52:12 UTC

As soon as I set foot here, I felt an instant connection. A moment of happiness and contentment. A shiver of surprise and excitement up my spine. I was right when I felt that 'click' when I researched this college. This is where I am meant to be. (This may be jet-lag induced.)

First Day of Class!

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:54:02 UTC

Orientation week was fun and everything (except when I felt utterly sleep deprived, but what can you do) and I made a lot of friends and met many people, but today was my first day of US-style educational marlarky. To Facebook I go.

A picture speaks a thousand words...

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:56:25 UTC

And that picture is made of many students. I just cannot believe I am here at last.

Classes are going well - very much like being back at high school, not like uni at all - and everyone is very friendly and welcoming.

My roommates are wonderful and we have had many a laugh already, the internationals are like a second family and my classmates/American friends are fab.

I am the only Irish person here.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:58:18 UTC

Cue the pressure to represent, and to represent well!

Am I a college student yet?

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 00:59:31 UTC

Wearing my Coe 'shirt' (apparently t-shirt isn't said here) and about to go and watch my first college 'soccer' match. I know, me watching football willingly? O ye gods of Rugby, forgive me.

IT IS SO WARM.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 01:01:00 UTC

MAYDAY. I fear that I am about to melt here in this heat and humidity. Seriously. Where is the rain? I thought the Midwest was agriculturally-inclined. That means rain is a necessity, right? SO WHERE IS IT.

Seriously now.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 01:02:01 UTC

It has to rain sometime, surely.

Schoolwork.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 01:02:18 UTC

This reminds me of my secondary school so much. Classes everyday, homework assignments every night. My university back home is so different to this. My law degree only has nine hours of lectures a week and three of tutorials - but 36 hours of independent research and study. Here, I feel as though I am 16 again and studying for my GCSEs.

Ah, well. I can do this. To the library I go for more notes, with my trusty coffee at my side.

Why.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 01:04:21 UTC

Why did I opt to study Accounting? I must have been mad. I haven't had to calculate so quickly and constantly since my Maths GCSE. That was years ago. Ah Lord.

Also, guess who requested to take an additional class and had that request approved by the Academic Committee? Moi. Here's to five classes, no sleep, and my own personal, portable caffeine IV drip!

Busy week.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-23 01:06:24 UTC

Cinema with the roommates, coffee dates with my fellow Europeans, a house party with some of my senior friends - now back to studying.

Still. I have been getting As in my Accounting tests and homeworks thus far, so I must be doing something right!

Can we acknowledge please how beautiful the sunsets are from my dorm room?

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:40:44 UTC

It's stunning and never fails to make me smile.

Ode to Cedar Rapids

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:41:30 UTC

By day am lovingly caressed by the sun's rays

And by night I fall asleep under a canopy of stars

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:42:49 UTC

I UNDERSTAND ACCOUNTING.

It is as thought everything has just clicked into place.

A-HA.

In others, Marketing is indeed my own unique Waterloo. But I shall continue fighting the good fight.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:44:17 UTC

Party last night, coffee date today and then a film night with some of my new friends. Heavenly. I have all my assignments and revision done too, plus classes are going well. So I am gulit-free! Glorious fare/

ET PHONE(D) HOME.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:45:16 UTC

I have managed to skype and Facetime my parents and my sister on several occasions recently, and it was wonderful. Firstly because I heard my own accent (it is funny how comforting that felt) but of course, it was as though scarcely nothing had changed. As though I was in the room with them.

I have also chatted with friends back home; it has been great to get caught up on everything I am missing.

Roomie Fun.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:47:34 UTC

We had sing-a-longs and popcorn and oreos over long doses of laughs and conversations.

They're fabulous. :)

SORORITY RECRUITMENT

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:48:46 UTC

I did it. I signed up. Well, why ever not> This is meant to be a year of new experiences and challenging myself, to meet new people and become active on campus.

The girls have been so friendly and welcoming, so i am looking forward to seeing what Recruitment Week (called Rush Week) entails!

(Maybe I will end up being Elle Woods a la Legally Blonde: blonde law student involved in Greek Life. My friends are already cracking jokes as I type this.)

College joys.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:51:30 UTC

Between several tests, assignments and then Rush Week actvities and events, I am shattered. Mulan will get me through this. In Disney I trust.

RUSH WEEK SNAPSHOT.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:52:23 UTC

'Parties' - think law firm networking sessions. Questions, engaging conversation, giggles and random outbursts of 'I LOVE that book!' / 'You like that programme too?!' / 'YOU ARE FROM IRELAND?'

Ice breaker games. Dinky little biscuits and iced tea/fruit juice.

Dress codes. Charity discussions. Leadership emphasis. Responsibility. Duty. Friendship, sisterhood.

It's different, it's unique - and I like it.

So guess what? I have been invited to more parties after each round, and have now been invited to place a bid for the one I am interested in joining! THE PRESSURE. I'm following my heart on this one.

For the giggles as I wait in my room to find out whether I am entering Greek Life or not:

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 02:56:48 UTC

ELLE WOODS ALERT.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-05-31 23:19:56 UTC

I DID THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE.

Hurrah for raising money for a worthy cause, but boo for ice and water drenching me so thotoughly.

Diary Entries.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 01:58:22 UTC

I had too much fun typing up mini reflections for Orientation week.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 01:59:19 UTC

Just a flashback to my first day at Coe with my new Student ID card.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 02:00:06 UTC

It's rather sad to think that I will not progress with the other new students, or the other juniors. But I will make the most of this year. I am sure of it.

I GOT INTO A SORORITY.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 02:00:57 UTC

SAY HELLO TO AN AO AO AO CUTIE PIE.

Hello AOII. <3

The internationals and I have offically taken over the local coffee shop.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 02:02:54 UTC

That was a PSA. (They even know our orders now.)

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 02:03:20 UTC

One of my fellow Europeans took this for me. It's the end of Rush week, with Running of the Stairs!

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 02:04:03 UTC

Between messaging home, and organising group study work, I feel very much like a PA.

But it's all good. Work is getting done and that pleases me.

The weather followed me here.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 02:12:54 UTC

Party in the USA!

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 02:26:48 UTC

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 02:27:06 UTC

Musical motivation to glance at whenever I am tired of reading textbooks in the evening.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 03:09:24 UTC

Spotted: this adorable little box on the second floor of Douglas.

I PASSED MY ACCOUNTING AND MARKETING EXAMS.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 03:09:46 UTC

Victory is mine.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 03:10:17 UTC

A coffee a day to tackle assignments, projects and reading. Welcome to US college life, Leah.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 03:10:53 UTC

Coffee and lunch dates today with internationals and others. <3

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 03:11:20 UTC

The mailroom is fab and my mailbox is adorable.

My roomies are amazing. That is all.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 03:12:24 UTC

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 03:12:41 UTC

Check out my AOII door decorations.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 03:13:32 UTC

My European girls. <3

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:18:41 UTC

This song is stuck on repeat in my head. It's beautiful.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:18:56 UTC

I had a wonderful day today. Sun shining with Autumn warmth, classes went well, homework is completed and I have been able to hang out with friends. I'm at peace with the world right now. Excellent.

Sister snaps;

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:20:58 UTC

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:22:18 UTC

This seems so long ago now, how surreal. Time is definitely marching onwards.

This experience is proving to be everything I longed for and more besides. I feel so utterly at home here. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to live and study at this college, surrounded by wonderful people and inspirational professors.

Kohawk Nation Appreciation.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:25:01 UTC

Do we think I can sneak this into QUB and avoid beng judged?

I am currently plotting how to acieve just that for next year!

A thought.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:26:03 UTC

No, messrs workmen. Please desist with such early morning thumping and banging with work. Please?

Yours sincerely,

A tired student.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:26:47 UTC

Liberal-arts education is wonderfully different. Apart from the daily classes and tests making me feel as though I am back in secondary school. But still. All the learning! I am in awe. The keen bean the student that I am really adores it.

Family and Faith.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:27:59 UTC

Family and Faith.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:27:59 UTC

You gotta have both, just channel G Michael.

Both are here with me. <3

Disney a-thon in the dorm room time.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:28:48 UTC

Now officially word perfect, glorious fare.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:29:22 UTC

LOVE IS AN OPEN DOOOOOOOOR

Argh.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:29:48 UTC

Everthing is papers and tests. I couldn't get any sleep last night with having to complete research and a power point for Entrepreneurship. And then I missed both breakfast and lunch with meetings, classes and work. I'm shattered.

MAYDAY

AMERICAN LOVES GROUP WORK

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:30:53 UTC

...But I'm not so sure.

(I have heard to work in two groups this week alone, and do essentially ALL of the work. Prep, presentations, papers...)

ROAD TRIP

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:35:12 UTC

We're going to Iowa City! And look what we have blasting out in the car driving along the highway. (It feels rather like a scene from a film to be fair.)

MY JAM

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-01 23:42:02 UTC

The song for ma belle et moi.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-05 16:59:43 UTC

Newbo City Market is the greatest. I do so adore the bookshop there.

Iowa City Bound.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-05 17:00:21 UTC

Went shopping for letters - my first original pair! - with the sisters and we stopped for cupcakes!

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-05 17:02:00 UTC

A few friends and I were reading a BuzzFeed article about 'accent challenge' and so quite naturally we decided to do it. Being the sole representative of Ireland as I am here, they're looking forward to hearing my attempt.

Here goes it!

Entrepreneurship project update

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-05 17:05:52 UTC

Well, I didn't expect this class to be so independent and group-work centric, but now that I am used to that aspect it is really a blast.

We have pivoted our idea twice, but we have decided to go with my original idea.

Cue more sleepless nights working on presentations and powerpoints in the library!

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-05 17:07:57 UTC

I am juggling Accounting marlarky with a Political Violence essay and Product Market Research and first round interviews with our target market for my Entrepreneurship project. Phew.

A little coffee date with the Big <3

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-05 17:08:23 UTC

So I just applied for a legal internship.

Shoegazer93 — 2015-06-05 17:08:37 UTC

I am definitely turning into Elle Woods.

It looks like a wonderful firm; it is in downtown Cedar Rapids, so only around a fifteen minute walk from campus. Just as well I read the Coe Careers newsletter, otherwise I would never have spotted it!

Fingers crossed...