Meet McKenzie Story, a fun-loving gal who can also be seen studying her butt off daily. She loves dance more than a lot, which has helped her to become a captain of U Iowa’s Dance Club. She is passionate and hilarious and someone everyone should get to know (I’m lucky enough to call her one of my best friends!).
Year:Â Sophomore
Major:Â Journalism… but everything is subject to change!
Hometown:Â Algonquin, Illinois
Relationship Status: LOL… Just kidding! I’m really trying to learn to love myself. ClichĂ©, I know, but I’ve come to realize it’s absolutely necessary.
What activities are you involved in?
I am a captain of UIowa’s Dance Club and am part of the performance team. I absolutely love it! I recently joined a service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and love the opportunities it has offered me so far. I also have a job on campus. I really love to dance and work out (and wakeboard or waterski in the summer!) in my spare time, but I make time to relax by doodling in my notebook, listening to music, and exploring what Iowa has to offer with my friends.
Why did you choose the University of Iowa?
Originally, I was interested in this school because it’s a Big Ten, it has great programs for practically everything (which is great because I was undecided on a major until recently), and is just the right distance from my hometown. But when I visited and began to learn more about the school and all the awesome opportunities Iowa offers, I felt at home. I’ve met so many amazing people, there’s always something going on around campus, and the professors are super invested in their work. Plus, we have a really fun night life!
What do you love most about college?
THE FREEDOM. I love setting my own schedule and being able to do what I want to do when I want to. It’s definitely made me a more spontaneous, but also more responsible, person. Oh, and there’s free stuff, like, everywhere.
Starbucks drink of choice?Â
Depends on the season. In the summer, it’s either a vanilla bean (if you add a pump of hazelnut it tastes like cookie dough!)Â or a light iced caramel Frappuccino, and in the winter I go for a skinny vanilla latte. AND OMG THEIR CAKE POPS ARE TO DIE FOR.
Celeb crush?Â
Dylan O’Brien *insert heart eye emoji*
Favorite song (of the moment)?Â
Ugh, I love music, this is hard! I guess I’ll go with Magnets by Disclosure featuring Lorde. I just heard it and can’t get it out of my head!
Favorite place to be and why?Â
I love having open space and being outdoors, so one of my favorite places is my grandpa’s farm. I love laying out in the sun, swimming in the pond, climbing trees, and picking apples. It’s so quiet and serene. On the other hand, I love the occasional trip to Chicago because there’s always something to do or go see!
What is it you love most about dance?Â
Where do I even begin? I guess my favorite aspect of dance is the creativity. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old and have basic technique and training, but I love that there are no limitations to what people’s bodies can do. I’ve come to learn that there is a distinction between being a dancer and being a choreographer, and I tend to learn toward the choreographer side more because I am constantly creating routines and combinations in my head, even if I can’t physically do them myself. Dancing also allows me to express myself, which can be really helpful especially if I’m stressed or going through a difficult situation. It’s my outlet. AND, not only is it a great form of exercise, but I love the people that I meet through dance. They’re always so passionate, and it’s really cool that such a wide variety of people are united by one thing.
What is your proudest moment?Â
I’m not sure if I have one definitive “this is it” sort of moment, but I can pick out a ton of little moments that make me proud of who I am and what I’ve accomplished. Whenever I think about the group of friends I’ve established and the reputation I’ve created for myself as a hardworking and caring student, athlete, daughter, sister, and friend. Or when I consider obstacles I’ve overcome such as boy troubles, friend drama, family fights, and body image issues. Yeah, I feel proud when I get a good grade on an exam or someone compliments me or something, but to me, all the minor challenges that occur every day are the ones that make me who I am, and that is something to be proud of.
If you had two hours to do anything (forget travel time, responsibilities, etc.) what would it be?
Okay, this is gonna sound outrageous but here we go: I would spend the first hour learning to surf in Australia and then go snorkeling to see the Great Barrier Reef. Then I would go to shore to dry off, and there would just happen to be a Hillary Duff concert/dance party, and all my friends would just happen to be there, and we’d spend the rest of the time on the beach dancing and listening to music and soaking up the sun and who knows, maybe we’d see a kangaroo!