Author: Mike Ensdorf

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.

NAME:

Angelina Anderson

EMAIL:

aanderson52@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

Spring 2021

HOMETOWN:

Bartlett, IL

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I like that it’s a smaller school with an enclosed campus in one building.

MAJOR/MINOR:

Biology major and honors student

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I love that the field of biology is always changing. A career in biology will provide many different opportunities to learn something new.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

Genetic Counselor, because genetics is my favorite subject within biology and I like the idea that this career would allow me to help people both directly as a counselor and indirectly in the lab through research.

EXTRACURRICULARS:

CASSAC, Honors Program, Professional Mentorship Program, and Alpha Gamma Delta.

STUDY BREAK GUILTY PLEASURE:

Taking a snack break

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

The Murray-Green Library

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM:

The Blackhawks

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE COMING TO COLLEGE:

I wish I knew what I wanted out of college so that I could have started at Roosevelt instead of having to transfer in after my first year. But in the end, it is all working out!

By Morgan Erickson, psychology and criminal justice major

Are you looking for the right meals to eat in the Roosevelt McCormick Dining Center (fondly known as “the Caf”)? Here are my recommendations for the best meals from each station.

Two of my favorites from the Grill include the philly cheesesteak sandwich and the breakfast sandwiches. The philly cheesesteak comes with chicken, grilled onions and peppers, and your choice of melted cheese on a white roll. I’m not sure if this is a coincidence or not, but when I’m eating a philly cheesesteak from the Caf, my week is so much better! I also highly recommend stopping by the Grill for breakfast (Monday-Friday from 7:30-10:00 a.m.). Nothing is better  than a bacon, egg and cheese bagel sandwich. A good source of protein if you are on the run, too.

The buffalo chicken wrap is always the go-to when it is the special of the week at the Deli station. The buffalo chicken wrap is served on a tomato wrap with sliced chicken, lettuce, american cheese, tomatoes, and buffalo sauce. It is served cold but but can always be warmed up in the toaster or panni.

My favorite special at the Bravo station are the crepes. Crepes only come around every so often so when they are out, I always make sure to take advantage! The crepes are made right in front of you and there are plenty of toppings (Nutella, bananas, whipped cream, and berries) available.

The World Flavors station has some of the very best Caf options. They serve nachos, quesadillas, chicken and rice, but my personal favorite are the tacos. There are multiple meat and vegetarian options and a choice of toppings such as cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, cilantro, and jalapenos.

Do you have some favorite “Caf” meals that I didn’t list? Let me know.

By: Tatiana Sosa & Morgan Erickson

With the end of the fall semester, many of us will catch a breather and enjoy time with family and friends, or maybe even stay in bed all day watching movies. To that end, here are some of our favorite holiday movies.

“Elf”

A family friendly comedy classic starring Will Ferrell who plays the Elf that ventures to New York City in hopes of reconnecting with his real father. As he has been told by Santa himself, he was put up for adoption and now has to face barriers as he tries to fit in with his new family. This is our number one favorite holiday movie.

“ Home Alone”

Another great comedy classic to watch with the family. The main character in the movie, 8 year-old Kevin McCallister, is played by Macaulay Culkin who acts bratty the night before his family leaves for Paris for Christmas and he accidently gets left behind and is “home alone.” During his time at home, Kevin faces trouble with two con men who are trying to burglarize the McCallister home.

”Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”

In this film, Kevin mistakenly gets on a plane to New York City while the rest of his family is on their way to Florida for the family holiday vacation. He stays at the fancy Plaza Hotel and ends up meeting with the same two burgulars. What does he do? He tries to stop them from stealing from a toy store on Christmas Eve.

“The Grinch”

The Grinch is a newer animated version of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” The storyline remains the same – the Grinch in no fan of Christmas. After he steals Christmas from the people of Whoville, he realizes that gifts are not what Christmas is all about. Instead, being with family and friends is what is important. Cindy Lou Who invites the Grinch to Christmas dinner with her family and his heart is whole again.

“A Christmas Prince”

A Christmas Prince is one of our personal favorites. If you enjoy cheesy Hallmark movies, be sure to put this one on your list! (There are also two sequels: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding, as well as A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby.) In the first movie, a journalist named Amber travels to Europe to write an article on Prince Richard. When she arrives at the royal castle, she is mistaken as the American tutor for the prince’s younger sister. Amber goes along with playing the part of tutor and she becomes very close with Prince Richard and the rest of the royal family. Can you guess the ending? We bet that you can!

More holiday movies to enjoy:

1. Home Alone 3
2. Polar Express
3. Four Christmases
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas
5. The Santa Clause
6. Arthur Christmas
7. Bad Santa
8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
9. Miracle on 34th Street
10. Jingle All the Way
11. A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding
12. A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby

 

By Angelina Anderson, biology major and honors student

As the fall semester comes to a close and the holiday season is upon us, there is a lot to do in and around the Chicagoland area, especially if you are staying in town for winter break. Whether you’re from Chicago or not, you can definitely find something new and interesting to do in the coming winter months.

I recently ventured out to the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza for some hot chocolate. Even though I am a Chicagoland native, this was my first time visiting this famous spot and I was fascinated to see all of the booths with different ornaments, decorations, and handmade items.

Other attractions in Chicago are the outdoor ice skating rinks located throughout the city and  suburbs. Just two of my favorite rinks are the one in Maggie Daley Park on the ribbon walk way and the rink at McCormick Plaza. Whether you know how to skate or not, outdoor ice skating can be a blast. You can rent skates at many of these locations, too.

Another fantastic sight this time of year is Chicago’s Christmas tree lit up and decorated in Millennium Park. Each year a tree is picked to decorate Millennium Park and this year’s tree hails from Elgin, just west of Roosevelt’s Schaumburg Campus. And the Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Morton Arboretum are also known for their holiday decorations and fun.

Does the holiday season make you want to sing? Join in the fun at Caroling at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. And finally, you can finish up the holiday festivities at Navy Pier’s Winter Wonder Market.

If you will be in the Chicagoland area for winter break, be sure to bundle up and try out some of Chicago’s winter holiday traditions and events!

For more information about winter events in and around Chicago, consult TimeOutChicago. (All photos courtesy of TimeOut Chicago.)

 

By Amy Holm, junior

Hi, my name is Amy Holm. I’m a junior transfer student studying the history of medicine. I’ve developed different study strategies over time that I would like to share with you.

1. Time management is hogwash.

This might be surprising to you, but if you concentrate on time management, all you’ll do is feel guilty about the time you’ve “wasted.” Don’t get me wrong, finding hidden time in your day to do your homework is great! If you can concentrate on studying while on a train or bus, more power to you. But if you’re stressing about how little time you have, then get rid of the time management mindset. In fact, try to forget time exists and focus simply on the task you have to accomplish.

2. Multitasking is also hogwash.

Focus on one task at a time and the quality of your work will go WAY up.  You’ll get your work done faster and you’ll increase your productivity if you stop multitasking. If you task switch, your productivity goes down 40% according to this Psychology Today article. Start one task and finish it before going on to the next task. Multitasking also encourages forgetfulness, procrastination, and feelings of loss of control. Multitasking causes stress and can cause insomnia by putting your brain on overdrive.

3. The Pomodoro Method

This method is where you do your work in 25 minute intervals and take small breaks in-between. I generally use this method when I’m studying for an exam because only so much information can be absorbed in my brain at one time. My breaks are usually only 5 minutes; enough time to make some tea, use the bathroom, or clean my workspace. Then I go right back to work. But there is a small rule for the Pomodoro method: do not use your breaks to be on your smartphone. Using your smartphone does not represent a true break for your brain. Instead, stretch, meditate, or try one of my tips and then get right back to work!

4. Which is most important task?

Take a piece of paper and list all of the tasks you have to do. Then start categorizing them into four sections:

• Urgent and important.
• Urgent but not important.
• Not urgent, but important
• Not urgent and not important.

This method will help you determine which tasks you should concentrate on first.

5. Procrastination?

Verbalize your excuses and create the 5-minute plan. Only work on a task for 5 minutes and do whatever else you want to do. Usually it’s beginning a task that is the most problematic. Procrastination is where you’re so stressed out over a task that you ignore it completely hoping it will go away. My method is to just dig in to the task because otherwise my stress will become much worse. Once you start, you could very well forget that you were supposed to do it for only 5 minutes and end up completing the task.

6. Sleep

Do not do homework in bed and do not sleep at your desk! Otherwise you are training yourself to be awake in bed and to sleep on hard surfaces. Sleep is a lot more important than most college students realize. Everything you just studied? You won’t retain it without sleep. I would rather go over some material and go to sleep than try to cram everything in my brain and get no sleep. Avoid naps, no caffeine after 3 p.m., stop using technology 30 minutes before bedtime, and avoid oversleeping, too.

7. Caffeine

I also try to avoid caffeine as a way to stay awake. Caffeine can cause dehydration and one of the main symptoms of dehydration is fatigue. Large quantities of caffeine can induce behavioral depression, which results in sleepiness and decreased performance. Caffeine burns calories as it stimulates insulin production, leading to a sudden drop in blood sugar and feelings of lethargy.

8. Learn your learning style.

Some people can only learn when they move! Some are more visual learners; some are audio learners; and some can only really learn by reading. Some people have to have visual and audio to learn; some people can only learn things when they’re alone, while others learn best by group  study. Find out what actually works for you and find out the strategies that work best for the way you learn!

9. Trying to concentrate

Keep a concentration score-sheet. Whenever your mind wanders, check a mark on the sheet. This reminds you to get back to work and helps encourage self-observation. Find a location that is made for studying. It needs to be somewhere quiet and well lit. Put your smartphone out of sight and out of mind.

10. Ask for help!

If you do not understand a concept or if you are having trouble figuring out how to complete a task, go to your professor’s office hours; go to the learning commons; get a peer mentor. You can’t do everything yourself and that’s okay! People are there to help you succeed.

EMAIL:

rbuccola@roosevelt.edu

CAREER:

Professor of English and Chair of the Department of Humanities, Roosevelt University

HOMETOWN:

Louisville, KY

COLLEGE:

Bellarmine University

UG MAJOR/MINOR:

English and Journalism/Communications double major

WHY YOU CHOSE THE MAJOR/MINOR:

To be a writer

EXTRACURRICULARS DURING UG (CLUBS, ORGS, JOBS, INTERNSHIPS, VOLUNTEER WORK, ETC.):

I founded the campus chapter of Amnesty International and served as the news editor and subsequently editor in chief of the campus newspaper, The Concord.

WHY YOU CHOSE TO WORK AT ROOSEVELT:

It reminds me a great deal of Bellarmine, actually, and I had a wonderful educational experience there. The low student-faculty ratio is a similarity, as is the opportunity for faculty to work closely with students both in and out of the classroom. Finally, the really amazing opportunities to hear from and meet cutting-edge thinkers and writers offered at both institutions is a major draw. By my senior year, I had had the opportunity to meet and interview Joyce Carol Oates and Norman Mailer.

WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON:

I just finished copy editing an article on “marathon” productions of Shakespeare’s history plays for a new series called Cambridge Elements which will be published online by Cambridge University Press. Right now, I have a pile of books on my desk about Hamlet for a teacher workshop on the play at Chicago Shakespeare Theater where I will deliver the kick-off lecture. Next month, I start work as the dramaturg for The Shakespeare Project of Chicago’s production of Thomas Middleton and Thomas Dekker’s 17^th-century play The Roaring Girl (based on a real cross dressing woman in 17^th-century London, Mary Frith!).

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Don’t dream it. Be it.” – The Rocky Horror Picture Show

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT…:

I was painfully shy as a child. Now, if you walk into an elevator with me, I 100% guarantee that I will talk to you.

ADVICE FOR INCOMING/CURRENT STUDENTS:

The answer is “yes.” Take advantage of all of the incredible opportunities that will be offered to you at Roosevelt, and in the surrounding city.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

The Sullivan Room

FAVORITE SPOT IN CHICAGO:

The lakefront – anywhere along the entire length of it. It is amazing to live next to an inland sea, with its own weather and eco-systems.

CAUSE YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:

Social justice which, for me, right now, means fighting for women’s rights to equal pay and to control of their own bodies, and working to address the effects of climate change, which will become catastrophic in our lifetimes if we do not take drastic action now.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

Christopher Strong (1933) – I have a thing for pre-code films, and this one stars a young Katherine Hepburn as a pioneering pilot who flies around the world.

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO COLLEGE:

Incremental crises (like paper assignments or exams that don’t go as well as you’d hoped) fade very quickly into the background. Employers don’t really care what your GPA is. They care about what you know, the skill sets that you bring to the table, your level of commitment to the work that you do, and the generosity of spirit that you bring to the communities with which you interact. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Take care of figuring out who you are, what makes you tick, and what makes you happy. The rest will fall into place and come into focus around you.

By Phylicia Richardson, senior psychology major

After talking to fellow transfer students, I realized we all have different reasons and stories for why we decided to transfer to Roosevelt University. This is my experience.

Why did I transfer?

The institution I transferred from is a community college in Miami, Florida. I graduated from that institution with my Associate of Arts degree with a major in psychology. In my final semester, I knew I wanted to continue my education and receive my bachelor’s degree at a university.

How did I choose Roosevelt University?

I initially thought it was best to remain in Florida. So I originally only looked at in-state universities. But upon further consideration of what I wanted and what was the best learning environment for me, I took a risk and applied to intuitions outside of Florida that had strong psychology programs. I found Roosevelt during my search and I am glad that I did.

How did I know Roosevelt was the school for me?

When I received my acceptance letters from the different schools, I decided to research the history of those institutions. After learning more about the history of how Roosevelt University was founded, I knew Roosevelt was the place for me. Diversity has always been a research interest for me and I knew what it meant to me to attend a university whose foundation is rooted in manifesting diversity, inclusion and equity. Knowing that if I had wanted to attend Roosevelt University when it first opened in 1945 that I would have been allowed to attend means a lot to me. Seeing the photographs in the hallways of the Auditorium Building of the early students are constant reminders of Roosevelt’s moral beginnings and why I am proud to walk these halls.

What have I gained in transferring?

 I have gained so much during my time at Roosevelt. I have made life-long friends by getting involved in student life, including the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Council (CASSAC), the Student Board of Conduct, the McNair Scholars program and Alpha Phi Omega.

                  

Was it hard settling into a new city and university?

Change is always hard. Being away from my family and my best friends was a first for me. The beginning of my first semester was a little lonely. Thankfully, Roosevelt welcomed me with open arms, I was able to find people I connected with and began to form a new type of family. I really took #ChicagoIsOurCampus campus to heart. Every chance I get I try and explore different parts of the city. My favorite part of living in Chicago is the duality of nature and the urban landscape that exist here.