Whitney Hu '13
Hometown: Sulphur Springs, Texas
Major: English/Creative Writing
Minor: Art
What activities are you involved in?
I'm the Murray Hall ARD, and I'm active in Children of Promise, Coe Alliance, International Club, BSEO, Mock Trial, Multicultural Fusion, Sigma Alpha Pi, Coe Human Rights Advocates, Justice League, and Student Senate. I'm also the new book keeper/ad manager for the college's newspaper, the Cosmos. It's super easy to get involved on campus!
Why did you decide to attend Coe?
It was a gamble. I knew that I wanted a small private liberal arts school-and preferably anywhere but close to home-because I was ready to spread my wings and fly. I just didn't know where and that's when I started up a great correspondence with my admissions counselor at Coe who steadily walked me through the process and helped me apply for scholarships. The moment I walked onto campus I fell in love. The people, the campus, and everything that Coe had to offer had me spellbound and something clicked-it's this funny feeling when you just know that this is the place you belong.
What does Coe mean to you?
Coe, to me, is a stepping stone. It's a place that from the moment you decide to come, doors will open, from summer research offered to undergraduates, to the wide variety of opportunities littered about campus. If you're passionate about something, Coe will provide you with the tools to make that passion into something that you can transfer to your resume. For me, I've always wanted to work with children, and at Coe, I volunteer with Children of Promise. I also volunteer with Kid's First and help teach a divorce class for children on the weekends. Both opportunities I would be without if I wasn't at Coe.
What is it like living in Cedar Rapids?
Cold! Well, for me, but then I'm from Texas and in the cold weather, I might be a pansy. Otherwise, I feel like there is something always going on in Cedar Rapids. There's a farmer's market, Theatre Cedar Rapids (which is putting on Rent soon), and tons of museums that I like to visit on the weekends. My favorite place to shop? Well, of course, the Cellar Door. Recently, I found the cutest vintage handbag, pirate ship bookends, and a poster of Quentin Tarantino's, Hero. Success!
How has Coe changed your life?
If anything, Coe has offered me to believe in myself. It's this awkward transition from being looked at as a child-adolescent-teenager-to finally an adult. Even stepping onto campus as a freshman, Coe offered me opportunities and challenges and pushed me to reach my full potential regardless of anything else.
What do you like best about Coe?
The people. Many other colleges can offer things similar to what Coe offers but only Coe has the faculty and staff that are passionate and willing to communicate with students. I think that's the reason why students at Coe are able to grow as individuals during their time here. There's this intertwined support system that'll catch you, put you back on your feet, and kick you back into gear, gently of course. :)
What do you do for fun on the weekends?
I love to find a coffee shop and curl up there all day reading and writing. My favorite is Brewed Awakenings and the commute isn't that bad...haha (its right across campus). If not, I love the Starbucks that's inside of Barnes and Nobles. What's better than coffee and being surrounded by books? If not, then I'm out with my friends and we like to hit up all the free stuff that SAC (Student Activities Committee) offers like the Midnight Movies or going to see the Rough Riders Hockey Team!
What do you remember most from your First Year?
It would have to be my First Year Seminar group, Interdisciplinary Economics. It was taught by Professor Hoag and our CAP leader was Jon Roger. I had a blast during Orientation Week and when we finally transitioned to class time, our group had bonded quite well (I think it was after the devastating loss to the Birthing FYS in kickball). Plus in class, we had plenty of lively discussions and even now, we still have FYS reunions. :)
What do you plan to do after Coe?
I hope to go to law school and pursue child advocacy. Midlife crisis: I plan to become an English teacher and when I finally retire I hope to become a Wal-mart greeter. Dream job? I want to write the corny cards for Hallmark.
What advice would you give to a prospective student considering Coe?
Visit, visit, visit! You can never get a feel for any college if you only read what the brochure tells you. Visit Coe and imagine yourself coming here-if you easily can, then you just might be a Kohawk.
What service opportunities do you do?
I'm the current President for Children of Promise which is an organization that brings children's whose parents are incarcerated onto campus. You get paired with a little and then we're off to dinner and a lot of the times, these kids who are usually from 6-14, well...they can eat, and for most, it's the best meal they have had all week. Afterwards, we play a fun game like kickball, tag, and just stay active burning off energy. It's a great way for the kids to see that college is a fun place and build healthy relationships with the Coe students.
What is your favorite CR hangout?
Brewed Awakenings, for sure. If you haven't had their chicken salad sandwich then you're missing out! It's also where we hold our Political Science Club meetings and I feel like any English or Creative Writing major can testify that it's delightful.
