Amanda Drish '12
Hometown: Washington, Iowa
Major: Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance
Why did you decide to attend Coe?
Funny story, I actually wasn't going to come to Coe. I refused to even come to the campus. I thought that since my brother and sister came here that I didn't want to do the same thing that they did. I finally got talked into coming and just visiting...and I fell in love with it. It's like one big family. After about one month on campus you start recognizing everyone you see. I love it because of the family/small town atmosphere in a big city.
What does Coe mean to you?
It's Coe! Coe is one big family. Coe is now my home. Coe is where my best friends are. Coe is where I'm getting a degree to pursue my dreams. Coe is where I can be me, and strive to become more.
What is it like living in Cedar Rapids?
Well for one, it's only an hour from home. This is nice when you don't really feel like doing your own laundry :). I also like the fact that there's so much to do in such a short driving distance. There are two malls that are about equal distance on either side of Coe. Target, 24-hour Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee, and a Casey's all within either walking distance or a ten minute drive. Another fun thing is, $0.25 bowling ten minutes away, which is also something fun to do with friends. Basically, I love being so close to everything.
Have you had any internship, research or study abroad experiences?
I've studied abroad twice. Once was with the band last year. We went to Taiwan and Hong Kong. The other time was this year with the orchestra. We went to Austria and Czech Republic. I extended my stay while the rest of the orchestra went home and visited friends in Serbia. Then I also visited Turkey and Greece.
Why should a prospective student choose Coe?
When you come for a visit and you have nothing but good feelings; the people you meet can't seem to take the smile from your face. And when you walk outside on the campus, you look around and you feel at home. Then that is why you should choose Coe.
How has Coe changed your life?
College is an overall growing experience. It's the first time in your life that you're allowed to do what you want when you want. Coe is probably the best place to guide you on how to do that. The faculty truly care about you and your well being. They become your mentors and your pseudo-parents while you're here. In making decisions by myself with great guidance, I've become confident in my own decisions. I feel that I can make well informed decisions because of the support system that is around me.
What do you do for fun on the weekends?
Sometimes there is a midnight movie on Friday nights that's free for Coe students. We get a group of our friends together and go to that. Sleep in late on Saturday :). Go out for coffee. Go to Sushi House for awesome food. Just the basics: eat, sleep, and chill with friends.
What is your favorite class and why?
I really enjoy my Music History class. I find it interesting because it shows a completely different side of history than I've ever seen before.
What has been your favorite memory at Coe?
So many...One of my favorites though was one night when my roommate and I went on our weekly midnight Wal-Mart run. I decided I wanted to dye my hair. Keep in mind that we left at about 1am. So we get back, color my hair. Blow it dry and it turns out that it's a dark purple. Yep. Come to find out that it was the night before Flunk Day! So it was a fairly fun start to a very fun filled day!
Who is your favorite professor?
My favorite professor is my violin teacher, Beth Hoffman. She is the best teacher I have had so far, and I've had a few. She's patient, motivational, and knows when and how to be structured while continuing to be her very sweet self. I have become a much more rounded musician since I've come to school because of her.
How was your transition from high school to Coe?
It was fairly simple for me. I came from a small school with a graduating class of 36. So coming here was like walking into a small school atmosphere with more students than I've ever been around before. I had an awesome roommate my first year which was another huge bonus.
What do you plan to do after Coe?
I plan on getting a degree in massage therapy and moving to LA, New York City, or Chicago. This way I can have a solid job while I pursue my music career at night. My dream would be to play electric violin in a band. So I will need to relocate to do that.
What advice would you give to a prospective student considering Coe?
Follow your gut instinct. It's right about 99% of the time. Oh and P.S., Coe is pretty awesome.
