I define the years between first and fifth grade (and sometimes ’til eighth) as a kid’s “awkward years.” These are the years when every cute five-year-old suddenly transforms into a weird-looking or flat out ugly preteen. It’s primetime for buckteeth, acne, bad haircuts and poor wardrobe choices. I accentuated my awkwardness by crimping my hair for special occasions. Upon my request/temper tantrum, my mother would spend hours ironing tiny right angles into my derriere-length locks. On the first day of school, I would proudly show off her skills as an indication of coolness to my new classmates. I don’t recall anyone ever complimenting me, but I’m pretty sure they were impressed. 

Sixth grade is a tough transition. Textbooks, lockers, deodorant… they’re big changes for everyone. The stresses of these changes are nothing compared to the pressure a middle-schooler faces to be a part of the “in” crowd. I wanted to be “in,” and, I knew from experience, classification started at the first impression. That’s why it was imperative that I wear my backpack correctly when walking into homeroom on the first day. One strap? Two, but really really loose? High and tight? I deliberated in front of the mirror for hours to resolve the almighty backpack-strap dilemma for my grand entrance. I ultimately chose the onesy as the coolest option. Unfortunately, my new classmates were too busy making fun of my crimped hair to notice the strap situation, and on the first day of middle school I was immediately discarded to the “out” crowd.

Posted in Current Students, Life in Des Moines, New Students, Physical Therapy | 5 Comments

What a joy! I think I found my new favorite restaurant in downtown Des Moines. The place is called Centro (pronounced Chen-tro) and they serve pastas and pizzas and everything I like. 

I started off with the steamed mussels appetizer which tastes like it’s bathed in butter blended with sweet roma tomatoes. Oh so juicy and savory!

Then, I had the Centro Carbonara pasta for my main dish and I was totally looking forward to it. I remember the first time I had pasta carbonara in Rome, Italy and it was mouth-watering, warm your tummy delicious and fresh! I salivate just thinking about my first experience with it. So, I set my bar up pretty high for any version of a carbonara in the states and I must say, Centro isn’t too shabby!

Posted in Life in Des Moines | 1 Comment

Being a healthcare professional means taking care of people from all walks of life. Many will have particular needs you should be aware of. Several campus groups and offices pulled together to put on an interesting event on Monday. Learn from a doc about health care issues and needs of transgender individuals. 

The event is in our auditorium, 3300 Grand Ave., with free parking behind the building. Please RSVP by tomorrow, Feb. 13, IF you would like the free dinner. If you don’t intend to eat or are reading this after the 13th, you are still invited to come learn.

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Hockey? In Des Moines?  To that I say: as a matter of fact, yes!



I’ve been a lifelong hockey fan. To me, there’s no other sport like it – it’s such a fast-paced sport, the game can change faster than a 100 mph slapshot. It’s one thing to watch on TV, but it’s completely different to watch a game right in front of you – with seats right on the ice, no less.



Posted in Des Moines Events, Life in Des Moines | 1 Comment

by Barb Boose, editor of DMU Magazine

Some people enjoy winter, some hate it and others simply tolerate it. But on a recent frigid Friday night in Des Moines, a unique group not only enjoyed it, they literally leapt into it.

First-year DMU students John Budi and Jayten Shook were among approximately 100 people who kicked off the Des Moines Winter Games with the Polar Plunge, in which the Des Moines Register noted “otherwise seemingly sane, intelligent people dressed in costumes or stripped to their skivvies jumped into a five-foot-deep, barely-above-freezing pond.” Budi and Shook were cow and farmer, respectively.

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My family doctor is a DMU alum (D.O. class of 1990) and has been taking quite good care of my family for over 10 years. Just recently, she referred us to a local ENT to discuss tubes – the rite of passage for any infant plagued with ear infections (Otitis Media in doctor speak). Needless to say, I was pleased when I Googled the ENT and discovered he, too, was a DMU alum!  

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