I'M GOING TO BE A CYCLONE!!!

Hi folks!!

So, guess what happened over break? Guess what happened to yours truly?

I GOT INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL!!!

It gets even better! I got into graduate school at my

 NUMBER ONE choice, with my NUMBER ONE preference for a mentor!! This is awesome!! So, once I graduate from being a Coe Kohawk, I am moving on to be an Iowa State University CYCLONE! 

Going from this... 

 to this...I am going to be studying in the field of Environmental Science, particularly Natural Resource Ecology and Management. So far I am looking at how perennial vegetation affects soil and water quality in riparian buffers. The research reminds me a lot of what I did at Coe with my advisor, Marty St. Clair. I performed water quality research under the direction of Marty for the Iowa USGS (US Geological Survey) and the Iowa DNR. 

Spring break was a little more exciting as a result. I attended the Iowa Water Conference at ISU, where I listened to the importance of maintaining adequate resources for stormwater, as well as the different types of research going on in relation to water quality and stormwater management. The next day, I visited Bear Creek with my soon-to-be advisor, Dr. Tom Isenhart. It's really interesting because the different riparian zones and buffers that I will be working with were actually created and planted (tractor and everything) by Dr. Isenhart and his colleagues. I guess what fascinates me about this is that there is often the stereotype that scientists just work in a lab, keep it clean, don't just go out and plant a field. No.... we get our hands dirty, too, and that's what I love about this field!

Also-- I quit my job at Lone Star Steakhouse! I realize this may be bad publicity, but working for the restaurant was draining. Talk about a dysfunctional atmosphere.... I'm not saying this about all restaurants!!-- Just Lone Star. I am now a substitute at a day care in town, a temporary job until I start my job with the DNR this summer.

The rest of break was nice as well. I got to spend time with three people that I love to waste my time with (and when you're having fun, who says you're wasting time?): my mother and little sister this past weekend, and the boyfriend. :-) 

Well, that's the update on my life. Stay tuned for an exciting post soon to come: PRESIDENTIAL BALL!! I can't wait!