Sakinah Haque Junior Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Major: Chemistry w/ Environmental Science Collateral

What are your extracurricular interests?
Chemistry Club, Telecounseling, Writing Center, Sound Management for Student Activities Committee, former RA, former Admissions Assistant, Summer Chemistry Research in Water Quality

Why did you choose Coe?
I was astounded by the individual attention I received even as a prospective student. Dr. Martin St. Clair - who would soon become my advisor at Coe - would constantly e-mail me updates about research I was interested in there, and was understanding about my dilemma to choose where I would spend the next four years of my life. I really do think that his support in my decision making before I even made the choice to come to Coe was what drew me here. In the end, I felt that if I didn't choose Coe, I would be giving up all the people I had already met at Coe, and that made a world of difference.

What do you like best about Coe?
The fostering idea of individualism. Both professors and students see each of us as an individual and truly appreciate us for it. I appreciate being able to have casual and intellectual conversations with my professors and not a TA or someone in between. They are so willing to help advance your life for what YOU want it to be.

What do you do for fun on the weekends?
Warm weather: rollerblade the trails in CR, go camping, go for late-night walks with friends downtown or somewhere, baseball games, movies, BBQ's, frisbee golf the local courses, bike ride the trails to neighboring towns.
Cold weather: snowboard or sled at Thomas Park, hang out with friends, have movie nights, cook large meals on Sundays nights with buddies.

What is your favorite class and why?
Spatial Ecology - it's a small class (of only 6 people) and very catered to us. We are learning GPS and GIS systems that will make us very marketable in the work world. Our professor is good at communicating with us to make sure that in addition to the regular course curriculum, we are learning what we want to learn as well. It's a very fun, positive environment. A lot of laughter and learning all in one.

What has been your favorite memory at Coe?
One weekend there was a blackout in the entire city due to a blizzard. As a result, our entire campus lost power. That night about 15 of us hung out in one room, playing games by candlelight and having a Cheez Whiz party (as there was no power and we couldn't make hot snacks). It was a lot of fun just huddling, being cozy with blankets and couches, and laughing with good friends.

Who is your favorite professor?
Dr. Jon White. He's extremely smart in his field, is the most dedicated person I've ever seen towards his students, and he walks around barefoot during the warm weather!

How was your transition from high school to Coe?
I was part of the Carver Program, so I met students who were going through the same things I was. As a result, we clicked right away and developed really good friendships. My roommate was a perfect fit and became a really good friend and support group. For the times that we were homesick, we were there to lift each other up, and eventually we grew to meet more people and share ever-lasting memories.

What do you like most about Cedar Rapids?
It combines the big city and the small town. There are the malls, movie theater, and stores, but there are also little areas that allow you to escape (such as the trails, forests, and farm fields). I think that whatever lifestyle you've come from, there is something here for you. A friend once told me during my transition that "Iowa is full of hidden treasures; you just have to know where to find them." I've found this to be very true, as I am still discovering new things even after three years!