Year: 2020

Psychology major, Women’s and Gender Studies minor and McNair Scholar

EMAIL:

ggarcia20@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

Fall 2020

HOMETOWN:

Hanover Park, Illinois

WHY I CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

Small class sizes, the psychology major and being in the heart of downtown Chicago.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

I want to work in higher education administration. As a first-generation Latinx college student, having someone who understands what I am going through because they share a similar background has made all the difference in my educational experience. Having diverse faculty and administrators on college campuses is important to successfully creating inclusive learning environments.

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

Identity, Knowledge and Power with Professor Leslie Bloom. This was an experiential learning course that focused on self-defense and empowerment in everyday life. I learned lifelong lessons and skills and I highly recommend this course to students.

ADVICE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS:

Take advantage of student employment opportunities on campus. Working an on-campus job is a great way to combine work and school and your supervisors may serve as future references, too.

FAVORITIE SPOT IN CHICAGO:

The Museum Campus by Lake Michigan provides a lovely view of the city skyline.

 

 

 

 

April 23 is World Book Day and we asked CASSAC members Nick Vasilevski (histotechnology major) and Karoline Walczak (cyber and information security major) to recommend some of their favorite personal and professional development books. We have included links to Amazon, but you can find these books at your local public library or at the Roosevelt library, too!

 

The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, John C. Maxwell

Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, Amy Cuddy

How Remarkable Women Lead, Joanna Barsh and Susie Cranston

Empathy: Why it Matters and How to Get It, Roman Krznaric

Your Comfort Zone is Killing You: Finding the Courage to Be You, Billy Anderson

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: And It’s All Small Stuff (series), Richard Carlson

 

What are your favorite personal and professional development books?

Roosevelt McNair Scholar Yasmin Reynoso pictured with her research poster on “Topic” at Baylor University, Waco, Texas.

NAME:

Yasmin Reynoso, a sociology major and political science minor

EMAIL:

yreynoso01@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

Spring 2020

HOMETOWN:

Prospect Heights, Illinois

WHY I CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I’m passionate about Roosevelt’s Social Justice Mission and it was one of the main attractors when transferring in.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

I wouldn’t say I have a particular dream job, but I do know that I want to pursue a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration after graduating from Roosevelt with my Bachelor’s. My dream is to work with underrepresented students on college campuses and help them realize their full potential. There have been many people in my life who were instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and I would want to do the same for others.

EXTRACURRICULARS:

• College of Arts & Sciences Student Advisory Council (CASSAC) Member
• Alpha Phi Omega, Co-Ed Service Fraternity
• Association of Latin American Students (ALAS)
• National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) Member
• Program Assistant for the office of Multicultural Student Support Services (MSSS)
• Jumpstart Corps Member (2 yrs)

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

Sociology in Action with Dr. Heather Dalmage. We had the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussion as well as participate in a number of workshops and presentations through a sociological lens.

STUDY BREAK GUILTY PLEASURE:

Netflix! I most recently finished watching The Politician and Patriot Act.

CAUSE I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:

Working with children in educational settings! I’ve had the pleasure of working with children through STEM camps and through Jumpstart and these have been rewarding experiences. With Jumpstart, we served under-resourced communities to promote quality early learning through language, literacy, and social-emotional programming.

ADVICE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS:

Prioritize your needs to ensure your mental well-being! Get involved in what you’re passionate about and seize opportunities that Roosevelt has to offer.

 

By: Jessica Melnik

The long, cold, and gloomy days during the winter months can make you want to stay in bed and do absolutely nothing. You’re not alone. There are many healthy ways to cope with the winter blues.

Add more light into your home.

Setting a timer on lamps to turn on before you wake up starts the day off on a bright mood. Incorporating light during the dark winter evenings is clinically shown to be therapeutic.

Invest in a planner.

A college student’s work load and/or course load may increase during second semester. Write down due dates in an organizer or planner to stay motivated and on track. Schedule activities with those who make you happy such as family members or friends.

Exercising may change your mood in a positive way.

It can relax your mind and/or help you take your mind off of the stress or anxiety you may be feeling. If you prefer to exercise outside as you do in the warmer months, no problem: just bundle up!

Eat a healthy diet.

As hard as it may be during the long winter months, try to maintain a healthy diet.  Fuel your body with a salad instead of potato chips and with an apple instead of a sugar loaded Starbucks coffee.

Decluttering your space.

Get rid of/donate your old or unused stuff during the winter season. Decluttering not only keeps things organized, but it gives you something to do for a couple of hours, or maybe even days. Cleaning may be your new stress reliever!

Change up your routine by varying your workout routine; trying a new fashion; taking a new route to school or home.

You’re not alone.

Despite all of your best efforts, if you find yourself falling behind in your work/studies, or your health is suffering physically or emotionally, seek out professional help:

Roosevelt University’s Counseling Center:

Current Students: Counseling Center | Resources For Health and Wellness

Learn about the Wellness Programming, Resources, Staff, take a brief mental health screening, training options and other services are located here.

Counseling Center Staff

The hours for the Schaumburg Campus and Chicago Campus counseling centers are included here. You will also find the Counseling Center’s staff information and contact information.

Suicide Prevention link:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK (8255)

Provided here is the suicide hotline phone number which is through a national network of local crisis centers. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential and free emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

NAME: ​

Jessica Melnik

EMAIL:

​Jmelnik@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE: ​

May 2021

HOMETOWN: ​

Oak Lawn, IL

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT: ​

I transferred to Roosevelt after completing my Associate of Arts degree at a community college in Palos Hills. I decided to transfer to Roosevelt because the Paralegal Studies program at Roosevelt is approved by the American Bar Association. After completing my two years at Roosevelt, I will have not only a bachelor of arts degree in paralegal studies, but also a paralegal certificate. Having the privilege of attending a university like Roosevelt with some of the most knowledgeable professors in law guiding me was an opportunity I could not pass up.

MAJOR/MINOR:

​My major is Paralegal Studies and my minor is Criminal Justice.

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR: ​

I chose Paralegal Studies as my major because I wanted to help people in a legal and ethical way. Working under a lawyer and becoming an experienced paralegal familiar in the various areas of law, is the right path to follow if I decide to go to law school in the future.  I chose criminal justice as my minor because the subjects of paralegal studies and criminal justice go hand in hand. They both focus on law and it is a subject that has always intrigued me.

DREAM JOB AND WHY: ​

My dream job is to be a paralegal in a small firm in Chicago. I’m not sure what type of law I want to go into yet, but elder law, family law, and labor and employment law are areas I have enjoyed studying.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

As a transfer student, I am slowly but surely getting involved in Roosevelt’s extracurricular activities through the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Council​ ​(CASSAC). I also work as a part-time nanny and part-time at a hair salon.

ADVICE FOR NEW ROOSEVELT STUDENTS:

Connect with your professors. They will be your best mentors and resources for reference letters and career advice.

 

NAME:

Morgan Erickson

EMAIL:

merickson05@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

May 2020

HOMETOWN:

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

To play soccer and because of Roosevelt’s location in Chicago

MAJOR/MINOR:

Double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I enjoy learning why people do what they do, especially criminals.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

An FBI Agent because I am fascinated by people who commit crimes and their motives.

EXTRACURRICULARS:

I am on the Roosevelt Women’s Soccer team, and I am a member of Athletes in Action which is our campus ministry for athletes at Roosevelt.

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

Abnormal Psychology because I am fascinated with the human brain and with human behavior.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

Goodman Center

YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY:

My mom because she has come so far from having so little. She is a very confident, strong, encouraging woman and I want to be exactly like her.

by Angelina Anderson, honors program student and biology major

(photo of the 2019-20 SPA advisors)

I am proud to be involved as a peer advisor in the Science Peer Advising program (SPA).

SPA is a mentoring program offered to undergraduate students by Roosevelt’s Department of Biological, Physical and Health Sciences. In this program, science students can consult with a peer advisor who can help them balance student life through social, personal and academic support.

If you want to talk about stress in or outside of school, SPA advisors can offer multiple perspectives on how to manage your stress as a busy college student. SPA advisors also provide guidance on studying, planning and networking. And because all SPA advisors are science majors too, they are experienced in being part of the science community at Roosevelt. SPA is a diverse group of students who are passionate about helping their peers. This means that SPA can help you with anything that may be specific to your major, such as helping you to learn more about resources on and off campus, recommending a class they have taken or think you may find interesting, and much more. Information shared with your SPA advisor is confidential. However, to ensure student safety, SPA advisors are mandated Title IX reporters.

SPA is for any student who is studying in the Biological, Physical and Health Sciences Department at Roosevelt. This includes biology, biochemistry, allied health and pre-professional programs (pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, etc.)

The SPA office is located in the Wabash Building, Room 909. To learn more about SPA, contact  the SPA coordinator Amparo Perez at aperez27@roosevelt.edu  or the SPA student leader Victoria Lopez at vlopez21@mail.roosevelt.edu. And, as always, all Roosevelt University students have access to resources provided by our Counseling Center, Learning Commons and Career Development Center.

** SPA is hosting a Black History Month event on Thursday, Feb. 27: “Good Hair-itage” – a viewing of Chris Rock’s acclaimed documentary “Good Hair” at 5 p.m. in the Auditorium Building, room 236. Refreshments will be served. Open to all Roosevelt students. Join us! **

By Evi Arthur

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day.

I’m not a naive person, I know that Valentine’s Day is a holiday created with the sole purpose of commodity. Every February 14, companies all over the world target me, a college-aged woman, in order to sell me chocolate, cutesy decorations, lingerie, cards, alcohol, expensive dinners — you name it.

But, in spite of all this, Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays — it’s right up there with Christmas and Arbor Day.

However, as a single person in a friend group of people who are all in relationships (and therefore have plans on Valentine’s Day), my February 14 is wide open.

So, for those of you in my boat, here are a few things to do to get you in the Valentine’s Day spirit, even if you’re just having a chill night at home.

1. Binge Netflix.

You might do this every other day of the week, but at least tonight you’re bingeing with a purpose. In my opinion, there’s nothing more relaxing than a night on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a Netflix show after a long day. Watched the entirety of your list? Here are my recommendations:

• New Girl
• Wine Country
• Any John Mulaney special
• Evil Genius
• Sex Education
• Umbrella Academy
• Set it Up
• She’s Out of my League
• The Notebook (a Valentine’s Day classic)
• Sleeping with Other People

That should be enough to get you started. Don’t have Netflix? Check out your local library; it’s free!

2. If you’re starting to get sick of the cold and the barren trees, consider checking out the Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show to brighten up your winter.

Tickets are under $20, and they even have an “Orchids After Hours” event with cocktails and food on February 14^th.

3. See plays like Roe, Grease, and Fun Home for a discounted price during Chicago Theatre Week.

4. For those of the legal drinking age, check out this fun Princess Bride themed bar, aptly dubbed “As You Wish,” in Lincoln Square.

I’ll bet you’ll have an inconceivably good time!

5. Last but not least, just because you don’t have a valentine for Valentine’s Day, doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself!

Celebrate the happy heart day with a cupcake from Cupcake Wars winner Molly’s Cupcakes, with locations in the South Loop, West Loop, and Lincoln Park. Also consider checking out Sugar Bliss –  both locations are downtown (and within walking distance of the Wabash building) and their cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate!

Whatever you decide to do this weekend, remember to be safe and have fun!

By: Amiracle Williams-Anderson

Food can be a love language. And with Valentine’s Day nearly upon us, here are some of my favorite recipes that you can cook for that special someone.

Pretty in Pink Heart Cookies

This amazing cookie recipe is perfect for the occasion. You can easily cut the recipe in half or modify it to your liking. You can also create different shapes and use this recipe for other holidays such as Christmas or Halloween.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without a classic chocolate covered strawberry. This is a low stress dessert that only calls for 3 ingredients. Shortening can be substituted with coconut oil, too.

Cheesecake in a Jar

Cheesecake is my favorite dessert! New York-style, Oreo, Turtle…You name a flavor and I’ve probably had it. However, storing it and figuring out ways to keep it fresh was a hassle until I found this cheesecake in a jar recipe. And it’s also the perfect portion size for two!

Garlic Shrimp

I think shrimp is one of the greatest things on earth. It can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and anything in between. This recipe also includes a cocktail sauce recipe that you can use instead. Add crab legs, potatoes and corn to the mix, and you will have a seafood boil!

Veggie Lasagna

This veggie lasagna makes a hearty meal that anyone would fall in love with!

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

NAME:

Michelle Delgado

EMAIL:

mdelgado08@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

August 2020

HOMETOWN:

Chicago, IL

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I always knew I wanted to be a commuter student. I was not willing to leave the beautiful City of Chicago. I am very family oriented and preferred to stay at home.

MAJOR/MINOR:

Allied Health: Histotechnology with a Psychology minor

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

Ever since I started volunteering at Advocate Hospital, I discovered the many important medical jobs behind the  scenes at a hospital that I never knew existed. I learned that I can make important contributions in the health care field without direct patient interaction. When I began to conduct research at the Field Museum’s Pritzker DNA Laboratory, I fell in love with working with a microscope. Histotechnology is a career where I cann work behind the scenes and make a difference while assisting in a patient’s diagnosis.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

My dream job is to be a pathologist. I want to be able to diagnose medical diseases and use laboratory tests to monitor  patients’ health.

EXTRACURRICULARS:

Science Peer Advisor, Policy Research Collaborative Fellow, Field Museum Research Intern, and CASSAC member.

STUDY BREAK GUILTY PLEASURE:

Chocolate covered espresso beans

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT:

I am the youngest of 67 grandchildren and the only one to ever attend college.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

Science Peer Advisor office space

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM:

Chicago White Sox

NAME:

Courtney LaPorta

EMAIL:

claporta@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

December 2020

HOMETOWN:

Streamwood, IL

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I received academic scholarships.

MAJOR/MINOR:

I am majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC).

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I was undecided about whether to major in marketing or advertising because I was interested in both. Roosevelt’s IMC major includes marketing, advertising, and public relations and teaches how all three are together in developing one key strategy.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

Creative department at Leo Burnett because I enjoy the development process of creating an advertising campaign and I admire the content that this advertising agency creates.

EXTRACURRICULARS:

During the academic year I work on-campus as a librarian assistant in the Roosevelt library. During the summer and over winter break I am a dining supervisor at Friendship Village in Schaumburg, IL.

INTERNSHIP:

I am a social media intern for Roosevelt’s Gage Gallery.

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

Media Writing taught by Prof. Bruce Boyer. I learned to create campaigns that include all three IMC disciplines and how to copywrite. Prof. Boyer taught me the process of trial and error when it comes to creating campaigns. I learned that you might have to create 50-100 taglines before you get it right and even then, you might have to start the process over again. As students we assume that failure is bad, but this course taught me that failure is to be expected because it is part of the process, and you must keep going until you get it right.

“GOING TO CRUSH THIS EXAM” PUMP-UP SONG:

“Mr. Brightside” by the Killers (Que Cameron Diaz in The Holiday)

STUDY BREAK GUILTY PLEASURE:

Watching an episode of The Real Housewives.

BOOK YOU’D RECOMMEND READING BEFORE GRADUATION:

Educated by Tara Westover

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now.” – Unknown

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT:

I am a twin (His name is Mario and he is a travel manager for Portillos, where he goes across the country to open new locations and has been in their commercials).

ADVICE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS:

Take advantage of the Learning Commons and have a writing tutor work with you on papers before you turn them in. Apply for on-campus jobs a month before the new school year starts to have time to interview and accept a position before classes start.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

The Murray-Green Library (the view of the lake at 7:30 a.m. is something every student should see at least once).

FAVORITE SPOT IN CHICAGO:

Anywhere on West Randolph Street in the West Loop. Best restaurants for brunch with the girls or date night. I highly recommend Bar Siena and Little Goat.

CAUSE I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT:

The Homeless Period Project. Living in Chicago, we walk by homeless women every day and rarely think how they get their feminine products. I watched a documentary a few years ago about what women living on the streets do during their menstrual cycle and the options that they choose can lead to serious medical issues. The Homeless Period Project provides “period packs” for women who are living on the streets, because every woman should have access to feminine products.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

Booksmart

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE COMING TO COLLEGE:

How to study smarter. It took me half-way through my first semester of college to discover which method works best for me. If you’re like me, re-reading class notes or the textbook is not enough. I use Quizlet to take practice tests and it has helped me tremendously.

 

NAME:

Tatiana Sosa

EMAIL:

tsosa@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

May 2022

HOMETOWN:

Chicago, IL

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I chose Roosevelt University because I didn’t want to go away from home for school, but I also knew I wanted to be in the heart of downtown Chicago. I also really liked the diversity and inclusivity of the campus when I attended new student orientation.

MAJOR/MINOR:

I am majoring in Biology.

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

After freshmen year, I realized I wanted to follow the pre-med curriculum and major in biology. My courses are preparing me for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as well as expanding my knowledge in biology, chemistry and health sciences.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

My dream job is to become a physician, specializing in pediatrics. When I was younger, I had really bad asthma which meant I spent a lot of time in the hospital because I had difficulties breathing on my own. While being in and out of the hospital a lot, I developed a very strong bond with my doctor and his assistants who I still visit today. With that in mind, I want to be able to pay that back and be the support system to another child just like my doctor was for me. Apart from my own experience, I have a strong interest in healthcare and children.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY:

I volunteer at Community First Medical Center in Chicago.