What’s the matter with Iowa? I’ll resist the temptation to answer with a flippant “everything,” because that’s just not true. Iowa is a very nice state. But in this go-go-go Web 2.0 world, “nice” just doesn’t cut it. People, places and ideas all need to offer something extra. They need an edge.

As a Wisconsinite, I realize I might not have the authority to write about the great state of Iowa. No one wants an outsider telling them how to do things. But sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed — an outside perspective. And I assure you, having spent the first four years of my life in rural Iowa and choosing to spend my college years in the city of Ames, I do care about this state.

I was born here. I have family here. My friends are now here. And by going to a public university, I have to some degree put my education in the hands of the state.

I care about Iowa.

Aside from growing lots of corn, the most exciting thing Iowa has going for it is its integral role in U.S. presidential elections. During the caucuses for the 2008 election,

I was incredibly jealous. Just a state away, I had nowhere near the level of impact Iowans had on the selection of our next president. But these caucuses only happen once every four years — and it can only be guaranteed that once every eight years there will be fresh, non-incumbent candidates for both parties. The excitement of this year’s caucuses might not ever be attained again. Politics is an unpredictable field.

So what can be done to make Iowa a better place to be when it isn’t a political circus?

Perhaps the answer is in the people. Maybe they need to be nicer. Nice people tend to make for a good state.

Scratch that. I don’t think the people in Iowa could get much nicer. Having traveled to 41 states, I feel I have the authority to say the people of Iowa are some of the nicest in the nation. This is a state where people not only look at you when passing on the street, but actually smile and often say hi. And it may be perpetuating a cliche, but one of my favorite Iowa memories is learning to drive on a gravel road in the country — an experience during which I came across a man in a pick-up truck who gave me a slow, welcoming wave.

So what does Iowa need, really? Things that come to mind all point to the state’s weakness in regards to the arts.

Iowa is an agricultural state. In science, the state does not fall short. But well-roundedness is important. Art museums, performing arts venues, historical sites — all of these things exist in Iowa, but little effort is put into their promotion.

I could propose a detailed plan with suggestions for improvement in these areas. But

I won’t pretend that’s my field of expertise. You see, the simple fact of the matter is, the answer to what Iowa needs actually does lie within the people.

What’s the matter with Iowa? It needs people who care.

Not just people like me, who care enough to write a column and make suggestions — but people who are willing to put a stop to the “brain drain” phenomenon this state is experiencing. People who will choose not to take off for a job in Chicago or L.A. or D.C., but will instead stay right here and get to work. People who know this state and know what it needs. People who are willing to try things that might not work, respond to that failure, and try something new. People who are willing to see their efforts through until they finally do succeed, resulting in the betterment of the state.

Iowa needs people who won’t sit around wondering what’s the matter with Iowa. Iowa needs people who will stick around long enough to do something for the state’s benefit.

— Jessica Opoien is a freshman in pre-journalism and mass communication from Marinette, Wisc.