Amanda Drish '12
Hometown: Washington, IA
Major: Music
What are your extracurricular interests?
I love music. I'm going to participate in orchestra, but I would love to get a band going. I have interests in theater and art. Ultimate Frisbee is also tons of fun and hopefully I'll be able to learn to do ballroom dancing here on campus!
Why did you choose Coe?
The campus! I also felt that Coe had a very personal feel. The hand written notes were one of my favorite parts of getting mail from Coe. The faculty here really does care for you as an individual. There are many schools that tell you that they care, but Coe shows you. I love it here.
What do you like best about Coe?
All the opportunities I have to participate in a variety of activities. I just recently got back from Taiwan and China with Coe's Band. The opportunities at Coe are endless and the faculty is willing to listen and do their best to make your dreams happen.
What do you do for fun on the weekends?
There are a lot of activities that are planned for the weekends here on campus. I mostly hang out with friends, make pizza in the basement of Murray, watch a movie on the quad, go swimming, or sleep!
What is your favorite class and why?
I really enjoy my Elementry German class. It's something new that I have never done, and so far it's a ton of fun!
What has been your favorite memory at Coe?
I had a lot of fun at the Dragon Boat races. We got to hang out at a beach in gorgeous weather and play beach volleyball, swim, play football, and ultimate Frisbee. There was a cookout and everyone was in a great mood. It was an overall fantastic day spent with fantastic people.
Who is your favorite professor?
This is a hard question because I haven't experienced many professors. If I had to choose, it would be Professor Dennis Barnett. He is a very relaxed teacher who also answers "hey you!" He's a great guy and a very good teacher. His classes are always full of energy and something new to learn.
How was your transition from high school to Coe?
Since Coe was so inviting and personal, it really feels like a home away from home and I've only been here a few weeks. I was very ready for college in general and the students and mentors really made the transition easy. The one thing that I miss is my mom's food. But besides that, the transition has been a breeze.
What do you like most about Cedar Rapids?
I like the small town community in a big city. I like having a coffee shop right across the street (which is AMAZING by the way). I like being able to drive ten minutes to the mall and another ten minutes to a park. It's a very diverse town and I love it.
