Communications Studies major Tatiana Plowman addresses stereotypes that people might have about what it means to be an honors student, and portrays the UI Honors Program as a "smaller community within" and a "special environment," bringing students together. 

Dear Prospective Student,

Welcome to the next step in your academic journey which is finding the perfect place to call home. It is not an easy task by any means. Believe me, I took countless in-person and virtual tours myself. I had no idea what I wanted other than the chance to flourish in a higher-education setting. I just wanted to experience anything I could get my hands on. This is the best time to figure out what works best for you in all regards; education, college town, resources, cuisine and my personal favorite: the people. Just know that one day the decision will magically click for you!

I should probably take a second to introduce myself. My name is Tatiana Plowman, and I am a current third-year student majoring in Communication Studies, minoring in Spanish and Cinema and pursuing a certificate in Event Management. As I would like to summarize it, I’m passionate about a lot of different areas! I am originally from Lee’s Summit, Missouri about 4.5 hours away from Iowa City. Selecting Iowa came down to opportunities inside and outside of the classroom to grow as an individual in all regards.

Entering a large University can seem a bit intimidating at first, but I promise you that you can find a smaller community within. One of the ways that I discovered a safe spot in a crazy storm was through the Honors Program. The Honors Program facilitates a special environment in which students of all majors, backgrounds and cultures can come together to collaborate and grow on deeper levels. The program offers so many unique opportunities, both educational and social, to experience.

Being an honors student doesn’t require lengthier papers, more exams or extra homework assignments. It is simply that opportunity to discuss new concepts and develop stronger understandings of classroom topics. You are given the chance to be in smaller discussion-based courses to better connect with your professor and other peers. With the Honors program, that 500-person course can turn into a course of 15 students instead. There is also honors housing only, special designated study spaces and social events to meet other students. I have made so many lifelong connections through this program. The hands-on experiences and mentorship are unbeatable. The Honors Program is simply just another portal to a world of wonder.

When speaking with prospective students, I discovered that they want to establish their place in the program right on day one. An exclusive opportunity for Honors first-year students is participating in Honors Primetime. This is a three-and-a-half-day workshop geared at exploration, mingling and fun. Various professors lead different courses surrounding topics of interest ranging from Trashcano! to the one I participated in called “How Your Clothes Were Made?”. It is a great opportunity to meet other honors students, gain one semester hour of credit and learn how the honors program functions at UI. I loved getting hands-on experience in a course outside of my major. Participating in Primetime also gives you the chance to move to campus a week before classes start to help you get acclimated to campus. This is just one of many opportunities that you are provided with as an honors program member.

The slogan of “Iowa Nice” is a thing, and the Hawkeye community is ready for you with open arms. There are so many people who are here to help you along your educational path. Please, feel free to reach out to me tatiana-plowman@uiowa.edu with any questions about anything regarding the University!

Tatiana Plowman