Iowa

Cyrina Egbers

So, about the state of Iowa. Well, coming from someone who is from its well-known "beautiful" neighboring state of Nebraska, there is a lot to say; really. I think that I have heard a million and a half times the phrase "Nebraska is so boring to drive through. There is nothing to see for miles and miles around." The next time I hear someone say that, I might scream at them. Iowa doesn't look that different when driving through on Interstate 80, especially compared to eastern Nebraska. Eastern Nebraska has the rolling hills and lots of trees and fields of crops to gaze at, just like Iowa. I know that when you get past central Nebraska and on in to the western part, it seems to get a little bare. But come on now, by that time in driving through Nebraska you are usually sleeping. And if you are the driver, you shouldn't be staring around for miles and miles of scenery. You should keep your eyes on the road! So next time you want to make fun of someone who is from Nebraska, make sure you find out what part they are from. That way you can’t be considered hypocritical on how beautiful your state really is.
Okay, let’s hit a little on sports. Now, I know that I am a student at Iowa State University and should be all about the Cy and the Cyclones, but my heart is still at home with the Huskers. I think that paying out-of-state tuition and having a nickname that matches the Cyclones mascots name supports Iowa State enough. And P.S., the Huskers FOOTBALL will never be let down to the Cyclones. You can laugh, I won’t tell.
Okay, I’m not really trying to bash on Iowa at all. I love it here and plan on staying for quite some time. The two main cities that I have been to, Ames and Des Moines, are absolutely beautiful cities. They are so clean and not as crowded like Omaha and Lincoln. I think that the cities are kept up very well and focus more on the people that already live here. Unlike Omaha who is all about getting the tourists’ attractions.
Like I said, I’ m not bashing on Iowa. It’s a beautiful state. One thing I am a little confused about is the theme Iowa portrays to those coming to the state. Tell me this, is Iowa “Fields of Opportunities” or is it “A Place to Grow?” I guess it just depends on what bridge you decide to cross the Missouri on when you come in to Iowa from Nebraska. Every time that I come back to Ames wonder if someone just forgot to change one of the signs?