When it comes to wasting time, I totally dominate. I can spend a good four hours straight on the computer doing absolutely nothing important. This is a good thing when I’m stuck in an airport on a layover; not such a good thing when I’m studying for exams. So what fills the time? There are the staples of internet dalliance (Facebook, ESPN.com, Weather.com and Pandora) and then there are a few of my own faves.

Posted in Current Students, Life in Des Moines | Leave a Comment

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

I have a professor this semester whose choice interjection is, “Make sense?” He says this phrase at least 20 times during an hour class period. I find his choice of words extremely comical given the fact that he’ll rarely wait for anyone to actually respond, but if he did, my answer would inevitably be the same every time: “Nope. Not even a little bit.” 

“Make sense?” “Negative.” “Make sense?” “No chance.” “Make sense?” “Absolutely not.” 

Posted in Current Students, Prospective Students | 1 Comment

Hey ya’ll! I’m a new blogger. My name is Kendall Conder. I’m a 24 yo SWF, born and raised in Las Vegas. I graduated from Auburn University in 2007 (War Eagle Go Tigers! Yes, I know about Chizik… and Rhoads). I started physical therapy school at DMU in August 2008. 

Little bit about me: I maintain an exceptional level of awesomeness at all times. I dominate when it comes to all things non-academic. I enjoy cooking, obsessing over college football, planning vacations I don’t have time or money to take and watching snow fall from the sky (it blows my mind). 

Since the move to Iowa, I’ve taken note of some important things outsiders should know about those indigenous to the Land of Corn. Below is an exhaustive list of four distinguishing characteristics of Iowans. If you ever encounter someone who appears to meet all four criteria, there is a 96% chance they are 100% Iowan.

Posted in Current Students, Life in Des Moines, New Students, Prospective Students, Student Bloggers | 4 Comments