I wore ISU merch around Iowa’s campus for a full week

All you Iowans know that the Iowa vs. Iowa State rivalry is basically World War 3.

The intro…

I’ve grown up being an Iowa fan my whole life, and when it came down to picking my college, ISU was never even up for discussion. This year when Iowa played State in football (and won of course), I knew I couldn’t miss it.

Within the first 10 minutes of being in Ames, 3 cyclones yelled out of their car window “F*** THE HAWKS” as me and my friends walked past in our black and gold.

So, here I am, ready to take on probably one of the bravest tasks I’ve ever had to face.

I’ve decided to wear ISU clothing *barfs* for a week around our beloved campus, and see how you, my peers, react.

Now I don’t know why God put this thought into my head, but I really hope it ends well.

The social experiment… 

Day 1

Immediately after leaving my dorm this morning I was on high alert and I can honestly say I’ve never felt more self conscious walking around.

Within the first minute of walking through the dining hall I saw over a dozen people wearing Iowa clothing, including my roommate who went with me (thanks for the support bae).

I received plenty of crap from my friends, one even asking if she could “take a picture throwing me into the dumpster”. Hm. Hard pass on that one.

And after I made a sassy comment to a floor mate I got the well deserved comeback of, “Don’t judge me you cyclone”.

No comments were too harsh though, however I did catch quite a few people checking me out as I walked through campus (and I’m pretty sure it’s not because they thought I was pretty).

Day 2

After trudging my way out of 8am chem lecture, I was too tired to even remember I was wearing a Cyclone shirt. That was until my friend pointed out, “Everyone actually is staring at you”.

I then sent a Snapchat to my BFF proudly displaying my yellow and crimson sweatshirt. He then replied with a selfie of him flipping me off.

Upon me not replying to said snap, he sent a second one, flipping me off again, but this time with the caption, “This is for your sweatshirt, not you”.

So lets fast forward to math now. It’s 3:30, last class of the day. I’d pretty much avoided the public eye since lunch after forcing myself to go study, but here I was walking into class and about to take my usual seat in the corner. Sitting at the desk next to mine, was the same high school friend I always sit by, proudly wearing a Hawkeye baseball cap.

It took him a total of 5 seconds to notice me and acclaim: “God, that sweatshirt is ugly. WHY are you wearing that?”.

I hadn’t even taken my back pack off yet.

Day 3

TODAY SOMEONE PUNCHED ME IN THE FACE

(Just kidding, that didn’t actually happen – but it would make for a good story)

Speaking of faces though – I attempted to do a face swap on Snapchat before my lecture this morning started. It didn’t go quite as planned and ended with me being told, “Even your face hates Iowa State”.

Upon posting this picture to my snapchat story, I immediately received a snap (from a fellow Hawkeye) with caption, “Kelly what are you wearing??” 

After a long day, I came home to my friends waiting in my room, wearing Hawkeye gear of course. They asked to take a picture with me – the final product:

Day 4

So, I wore my ISU shirt to Union.

It was an evening March Madness event (so technically I was within the theme), and it was actually a really good night. The shirt was a major conversation starter where 50% of the conversations ended with people jokingly walking away once they read my shirt. At least I think they were joking…

Most guys would just say, “Why?” while I got, “You look really cute tonight, except for your shirt,” from several ladies.

The shirt did force me to explain myself a lot but it definitely made my presence known. There was a large amount of people wearing Hawkeye apparel and of course they wanted to snap a pic with someone wearing ISU.

I also received this killer snap from a not so pleased fellow Hawkeye.

Day 5

I hit the mother-load.

Now I don’t know whether or not this Yak was about me, but it helps my case either way.

Perhaps this Hawkeye had a Cyclone once break their heart, or maybe they’re just a  really big fan, but they definitely put some passion into this one.

Whoever you are, I hope you’re reading this.

Although I generally don’t understand why people would wear ISU stuff on campus, I hope you all feel like you are able to express yourself.

The wrap up…

So as our week comes to an end, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed this little experiment of mine. Never will I question the strength of Hawkeye pride here on campus.

And although it was fun to sport the red and yellow, I think I’ll stick to black and gold.

GO HAWKS!