Katie Blanchard Sophomore Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico Majors: Theatre Arts & Political Science

What are your extracurricular interests?
Theatre Productions, OffStage Players, CESAW, Social Justice Week, Writing Center consultant and First Year Seminar Writing Fellow, Admissions Assistant, Telecounselor, New York Term - Spring 2008, and ACM India Studies program - Fall 2008

Why did you choose Coe?
Coe ended up as the best all-around option for me and my family. It is a small liberal arts education that allows me to explore all of my interests but still has strong programs in the fields I am interested in.

What do you like best about Coe?
I love the people at Coe. I have made wonderful connections with professors and other students that have fostered learning inside and outside of the classroom.

What do you do for fun on the weekends?
There is always something happening on campus be it theatre productions or soccer games. SAC does a great job at hosting events like late night movies and dances in the P.U.B. Spending time with friends is great on the weekends - it is good to catch up because we all are so busy during the week!

What is your favorite class and why?
I can't say that I have had a favorite class at Coe. So many are incredibly engaging, and my favorite thing is when my classes relate to each other. Last semester I took Non-Western Society Honors Seminar, which focused on the culture of Japan, and while that was happening I read a book in Magical Realism Literature by a modern Japanese author. Meanwhile, we were studying the classic theatre styles of Japan in my History of Theatre and Drama class.  They all fit together so well.

What has been your favorite memory at Coe?
My favorite memories from Coe have to be in the theatre. During my first semester I was cast in a show, and the bonding that took place was amazing. I felt like a part of the group and really found my home at Coe.

Who is your favorite professor?
Bob Marrs is the director of the Writing Center and a professor of Rhetoric and has been wonderful since before I stepped on campus. He really cares about his students and his Writing Center consultants. He is always available to help, and can be found in the Writing Center grading papers until the wee hours of the morning. He also makes a mean vegetarian chili.

How was your transition from high school to Coe?
My transition to Coe was so much easier than I thought it would be. Having a CAP leader and a group of people to go through orientation with helped so much. My first-year roommate was amazing and a great companion to have through the process. Residence Life did a great job matching roommates. 

What do you like most about Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids has a lot of small town charm while still having city amenities. It is also a central location to all of my family that lives in the Midwest.