Culture Shock & Cornfields: A Louisiana Student’s Move to Iowa

Ahh, Iowa in the winter... COLD. Iowa in the summer... HOT. You have to love that, right? Any native Iowan or Midwesterner knows the four seasons have their extremes.

But that's how we like it, right? If nothing else, it gives us something to talk about with the checker at the grocery store.

A Louisianian's Experience in Iowa

Intern Ema is a proud Panther, set to graduate this spring. For her entire college career, she's been a member of the UNI Swimming and Diving team and has repped the school, and our state, all over the country.

Now, as she finishes up her UNI and college career, she can certainly express her opinions on the Hawkeye State, and how it compares to home, which is Baton Rouge, Liousania.

Before we get into the Q&A, a couple of facts about Baton Rouge. The city is the capital of Louisiana and boasts a population of nearly 230,000. That makes it more populous than any city in Iowa, including our capital, Des Moines.

While Cedar Falls, home to the University of Northern Iowa, is steadily growing, the population is still just under 41,000. That alone makes the two cities very different.

Ema, who is majoring in Digital Media, sat down with me and answered a few questions about the differences in our two states, and regions.

Ema, second from the right, is a senior at UNI - photo courtesy of Kerri Mac (Townsquare Media)

Q&A Time - 5 Questions with Intern Ema

I asked Ema these questions during her most recent visit to the studio to work as an intern.

Growing up in Baton Rouge, what was the first impression you had of NE Iowa when you moved to go to UNI?

The first time I came to Iowa was in December of 2020. It was 29 degrees and I remember being so cold (little did I realize it gets a lot worse). The first thing I noticed was how flat Iowa was, along with all the farms. There are like no trees in Iowa!

Becoming a legal adult during your time in the Hawkeye State, what is something you noticed about people around your age in Iowa vs. in Louisiana?

Everyone in Iowa is so down to earth. I can't say this for the rest of Louisiana, but Baton Rouge can be a bit hoity toity. Lots of people go to private catholic schools and there's a lot of old money.
The fashion is a lot different too. For college football games, girls wouldn't be caught dead wearing a T-shirt and shorts like we wear here. It's all frilly dresses with giant poofy sleeves.

Iowa winters can be wild! Especially coming from a southern state. What did you think about your first Iowa winter (or any since)?

I had only seen snow a handful of times before I moved to Iowa, so that part was really exciting for me. I think the snow is so pretty and I still love it. The day-to-day cold temps aren't terrible as long as I bundle up.
For me, the hardest part about winter is how long it lasts. It gets a little annoying when it's still snowing in April.
This current winter is the first one where I find myself thinking… “okay, this is getting annoying!”

What do you make of "Iowa cuisine"? What's the wildest thing you've eaten here?

As someone who's eaten frog legs and alligator, I can't say that I've had any Iowa food that is too wild.
One midwestern staple my Iowa friends love is tater tot casserole.
I haven't tried it, but it doesn't look too appetizing. Burgers here are super agree! I love Wilbo’s!

If you had to describe your Iowa experience (thus far) in ONE word, what would it be?

FULFILLING!

Ema was very animated when we discussed her experiences. She's enjoyed her time here not only as a student-athlete but as a member of the community. She works as an assistant swim coach for the Black Hawk Area Swim Team.

While she decides what's next after college, I think it's fair to call her, at the very least, an honorary Iowan!

Whether honorary or official, make sure you check out these scenic drives in our state!