Author: Mike Ensdorf

By: Amiracle Williams-Anderson, junior psychology major

This past summer I had the opportunity to study at Michigan State University for a Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP). This opportunity was brought to my attention through the McNair Scholars Program at Roosevelt University. The Summer Research Opportunity Program is an intensive summer internship where students attend an institution and conduct research under one of their faculty members, either alone or in a team.

While many schools offer summer research opportunities, I applied to and was accepted to Michigan State University’s program through the Big Ten Academic Alliance Application which focuses on Big 10 institutions. I worked with Dr. Kaston Anderson-Carpenter on his research dealing with risk behavior and stigma in gay Latino and Black men. This research was different from anything I thought I would ever work on because while I am a psychology major, I plan to specialize in developmental or child psychology. However, the knowledge I gained from this project can be applied to future research projects. I learned how to run statistical analysis on SPSS and Stata. I also learned how to code and look through a codebook from questionnaire data. The project had a lot of variables due to the questionnaire, and my mentor allowed me to choose what I wanted the focus to be.

Besides working with a faculty mentor, part of the program included professional development classes, GRE prep, as well as panels with professors, graduate students and alumni. It was interesting to see how much faculty and graduate students were willing to interact with the student researchers and help us with the journey. We also learned how to create research posters, effective PowerPoints and got to present at a conference.

The social aspects of the Summer Research Opportunity Program were also great. All the interns were in the same building, so I got to interact and bond with people from different stages and places in life. I got to see how research looked in different fields such as chemistry, history and political science, while also developing bonds and friendships with people I might otherwise never have met.

Despite the long nights and early mornings, my Summer Research Opportunity Program experience is one that I will never forget. The experience showed me that in a short summer I could improve socially and academically. And because of my experience, I am even more excited to attend graduate school.

By: Amiracle Williams-Anderson

MAIL:

mrung@roosevelt.edu

CAREER:

Professor of History and Director of the Center for New Deal Studies

HOMETOWN:

State College, Pennsylvania

COLLEGE:

BA: Oberlin College; MA, Ph.D. The Johns Hopkins University

UG MAJOR/MINOR: Major:

History  Minor: Religion

WHY YOU CHOSE THE MAJOR/MINOR:

I had an engaging AP history teacher in high school, and then encountered similarly erudite, talented, and challenging history professors in college. Simply put, I loved taking their classes so it made sense to make it my major.  I also fell in love with research.  History has allowed me to do something I love, which is to read other people’s mail without fear of being arrested.

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

I played varsity field hockey (division 3); I lettered for four years in a row.  One January term, I did an internship in the House of Representatives with the congressman representing my hometown district.   In terms of jobs, my first on-campus job was to vacuum one of the dining halls after dinner.  The vacuum was approximately the same size as me.  It could suck up an entire biscuit or plate of spaghetti without missing a beat.  My next job was in the library; I was a shelf-reader.  I absolutely adored that job, in part because I am a huge fan of libraries.

WHY YOU CHOSE TO WORK AT ROOSEVELT:

I cannot answer the question briefly, because it’s actually a long and involved story that spans two years and two separate interviews.  Let me just say that I accepted the position because I study the Great Depression/New Deal/World War Two era and politics so Roosevelt University seemed like an excellent fit.  Equally important, I met with students during my interview and was incredibly impressed by them, especially their devotion to the university.

WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON:

A book-length study of race, gender and labor relations in the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, America’s “money factory” (it’s where currency and postage stamps are printed) from its founding in 1862 to 2000.

BOOK YOU’D RECOMMEND READING BEFORE GRADUATION:

Coming of Age in Mississippi

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT…:

I have five siblings.

ADVICE FOR INCOMING/CURRENT STUDENTS:

Take a class in a subject you know nothing about and/or one that you feel you may not enjoy.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

My old office, AUD 476.  I loved that office and my office mate.

FAVORITE SPOT IN CHICAGO:

The lobby of the Santa Fe (Railway Exchange) building.

YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY:

Honestly, I don’t have a single person.  I look up to a lot of people and have been fortunate to have had many role models—parents, siblings, fellow academics, and so many of my students, who have persevered with grace in the face of enormous obstacles.

CAUSE YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:

Economic justice and public service because these were causes near and dear to the hearts of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and I firmly believe that you cannot have a healthy democracy without both.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

Alone in Berlin

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO COLLEGE:

That you don’t need to be rich to study abroad.

EMAIL:

rmartire@roosevelt.edu

CAREER:

Rubloff Professor of Public Policy & Public Administration and Executive Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability

HOMETOWN:

Stratford, Connecticut

COLLEGE:

Indiana University

UG MAJOR/MINOR:

History Major—I then received my JD from the University of Michigan.

WHY YOU CHOSE THE MAJOR/MINOR:

The study of History requires delving into many different disciplines, such as economics, political science, religion, philosophy and anthropology. I found this cross-disciplinary approach to understanding the human condition stimulating and quite frankly fun.

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

I worked full time during undergrad at various jobs from pizza cook to janitor and manager of a phone marketing organization. I interned as a speech writer for a Member of Parliament in London, England (then MP David Trippier, who is now a member of the House of Lords), and volunteered on numerous political campaigns.

WHY YOU CHOSE TO WORK AT ROOSEVELT:

The University’s commitment to social and economic justice made it stand out to me—given that my other job is serving as the Executive Director of a think tank which has a mission focused on promoting social and economic justice through adequately financed public services that are designed to comport with best practices and satisfy demographically driven needs.

WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON:

A study of how the Illinois state tax system actually worsens the growth in income inequality that the private sector has produced over the 1979-2015 sequence.

BOOK YOU’D RECOMMEND READING BEFORE GRADUATION:

“Hard Ball-How Politics is Played by One Who Knows the Game,” written by Chris Matthews

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“No matter where you go, there you are” by Buckaroo Bonzai

ADVICE FOR INCOMING/CURRENT STUDENTS:

Broaden your horizons by taking elective courses in areas unrelated to your major, because you never know what great things that could lead to.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

The Auditorium Theatre.

YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY:

I have three—Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Dawn Clark Netsch.  All three of them epitomize what a public servant and involved citizen  should be: brilliant intellectually; informed on the substance of issues; passionate about social and economic justice; devoted to making real, systemic change happen; and possessed of the courage to fight for what’s right even when it is not politically popular.

CAUSE YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:

Eliminating structural racism in public policy systems generally and K-12 education specifically. The why is simple: if the American Dream means anything, it is that the circumstances of a person’s birth should not dictate limits for what he or she can make out of life. Public policy systems ought to be designed to level the playing field and provide everyone in America access to the opportunity to succeed, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or income class. Period.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

Bad Times at the El Royale

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM:

New York Yankees

WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO COLLEGE:

Too many items to list!

EMAIL:

tcao02@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

May 2021

HOMETOWN:

Kansas City

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I chose Roosevelt because of the social justice mission and I stayed because of the dedication of my professors to my academic journey

MAJOR/MINOR:

Philosophy/Pre-med

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I believe philosophy plays a large role in making decisions in the medical field, and emergency medicine is the ideal field for me because it is hands-on and fast paced.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

An FBI profiler because I watched Criminal Minds once and I love over analyzing things.

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

CASSAC, volunteer at Rush University Medical Center and Village Leadership Academy, and I do jiu jitsu for fun.

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

Organic Chemistry. It is a very humbling and challenging class.

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

Countin’ Up by Rico Nasty

STUDY BREAK GUILTY PLEASURE:

No breaks. The grind never stops.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“oh god oH GOD” – Big Sean (the way he says it comes off chaotic and I feel that energy)

ADVICE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS:

Don’t compare your progress to other people’s progress, because everyone moves at a different pace. You might have to take a class twice. You might fail an exam. Don’t let that discourage you because at the end of the day, persistence is what gets you places. Also, celebrate your successes!

CAUSE YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:

Firstly, I am an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, but I am honestly passionate about any cause that betters the quality of life of those who experience trauma in general.

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM:

THE ROYALS. WOO! LET’S GO ROYALS!!

Jordan Fierst, second from right, with fellow Roosevelt students on a private tour of Soldier Field.

One of the best student-support services offered at Roosevelt University is the Professional Mentoring Program where Roosevelt students are matched with a professional currently working in their field of interest in the greater Chicago area. After my first year in the Professional Mentoring Program at Roosevelt, I could not be more appreciative of my experience within this program and I encourage all Roosevelt students to consider joining this program for the five reasons I list below.

1. It forces you to step outside of your comfort zone (an essential tool moving forward in the professional world) and eventually feel comfortable doing so!

Upon applying for the Professional Mentoring Program and soon after finding out I was matched with a mentor, I remember feeling excited. However, that excitement soon morphed into nervousness when I realized I would have to actually meet this person and form a professional relationship with him over the course of the year. As someone who is very shy, I thought: What am I going to say to him? How do I act around someone I admire and whose experience is so impressive that it is somewhat intimidating to me as a college student? But after our first meeting for coffee, I realized that my mentor was a person, just like me. We had a great conversation and my mentor truly took the time to listen to what I had to say. Had I not had the courage to step outside of my comfort zone when I first applied for the program, the unrivaled skills and experiences I gained from my involvement in the program would never have happened.

2. Through hands-on learning and experience, you are able to learn about the diverse array of professional opportunities available to you upon graduation.

After getting over the fear of meeting my mentor for the first time, we were able to come up with a list of goals for the year. One of the main goals we discussed was the opportunity for me to learn more about potential jobs I could hold once I graduated from Roosevelt with my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Sustainability Studies. Since the Professional Mentoring Program matches you with a mentor whose experience matches what you hope to do, this goal was easily met over the course of the year. My mentor is the Director of Strategy and Sustainability at the Chicago Park District, so I was able to attend numerous sustainability meetings at Chicago’s City Hall as well as receive a private tour of Soldier Field to learn about the sustainable initiatives taking place there. Having the opportunity to attend these meetings reaffirmed my decision to become a Sustainability Studies double major earlier this year. Hearing about environmental and sustainable issues throughout the city from a diverse array of organizations, truly opened up my eyes to all the routes my double major could take me to after graduation. Had I not attended a City Hall meeting focused on the accessibility and safety of bike routes throughout Chicago, I may never have found out that I was genuinely interested in making the city more accessible to bikers through the development of new bike routes. These experiential learning opportunities truly aided me in delving more into what post-graduation life might look like for me.

3. Membership in the Professional Mentoring Program will help you expand your professional network and connect you with professionals you may not have had an opportunity to meet.

Perhaps one of the biggest assets of being matched with a mentor through Roosevelt’s Professional Mentoring Program is all of the people your mentor will be able to connect you with. Before and after the meetings at City Hall, my mentor always introduced me to his colleagues. My mentor went out of his way to make sure I met these professionals and provided me with the space to engage them in conversation and to ask them questions. And not only that, but when I told my mentor I was thinking about going to law school after graduating from Roosevelt, he put me in touch with a colleague who recently graduated from law school and who also happens to be the Director of Operations at Soldier Field. Establishing these connections before I graduate is crucial, as they may help me when I start applying for jobs and law school after I graduate.

4. Your mentor will provide you with a new perspective and truly cares about you and wants to help you succeed in any way.

In addition to the many wonderful services provided by Roosevelt’s Career Development Center, a professional mentor can also provide resume and interview advice and can discuss career options. My mentor’s perspective has given me a new outlook on my own future, and the professional relationship with my mentor is one I anticipate will extend beyond graduation. It is so great to have someone who supports me in my professional endeavors and who is willing to guide me towards success.

5. This is a relatively small commitment with a massive reward.

The Professional Mentoring Program at Roosevelt is very flexible and understanding of a student’s busy schedule during the academic year. In order to be a student mentee, you are expected to meet with your mentor for just an hour every month. As someone who is president of two clubs on campus, a member of the women’s basketball team, and who works during the school year, I promise you that this is doable. And it is so worth it! This experience has opened so many doors for me and is, in my opinion, one of the most worthwhile opportunities offered to Roosevelt students. Professionally, I’ve grown to feel more comfortable embarking on post-graduation life because I have had these experiences and have formed these connections through the Professional Mentoring Program.

Roosevelt students may apply for the Professional Mentoring Program by September 13. For more information, contact Kristy Kotek, Director of Professional Mentoring, at kkotek@roosevelt.edu.

By: Jordan Fierst

Don’t have a car but want to explore Chicago? No problem, the U-Pass will let you do it all for free! When you first start at Roosevelt University, visit the Registrar’s office to obtain your U-Pass. The U-Pass offers unlimited rides on any CTA bus or train during the Fall and Spring semesters for full-time students (12 credit hours or more).  Students pay $153 per semester, compared $100 per month for typical CTA riders.  It is a fantastic deal, considering the U-Pass can get you anywhere in the city!  Roosevelt is in the loop and accessible to many lines, here are some places the U-Pass can take you on the red line:

Jackson– The Art Institute of Chicago

• Everyone needs to visit the Art Institute of Chicago at least once in their lives! This can be fun with a friend, a group of friends, or even by yourself. The Art Institute has so many beautiful pieces to enjoy.

Monroe– Millennium Park / The Bean

• Everyone knows about the bean in Chicago. Go and take a picture in front of it and enjoy the amazing views of the city from the bean. During Christmas time, the giant Chicago Christmas Tree is put up and decorated beautifully in Millennium Park. Enjoy rock climbing? Visit the Maggie Daley Park Rock Climbing in the summer months and the Ice Skating Ribbon in the winter.

Lake– AMC Dine-in Theaters Block 37 / Chicago Theater

• Enjoy $5 Tuesday movies at AMC Dine-in Theater!
• Visit the Chicago Theater for concerts, musicals & plays!

Grand– Shopping on Michigan Ave

• Retail therapy! Enjoy stores like: Forever21, H&M, Sephora, Loft, Zara, and many more!

Chicago– Sprinkles ATM cupcake / Water Tower Place

• Craving a cupcake? Sprinkles is the place to go! They have an ATM cupcake machine outside their stores that gives you fresh cupcakes the same way you’d pull cash out of an ATM machine! My favorite flavor is the chocolate chip cookie cupcake!

By: Nick Vasilevski

 

 

EMAIL:

mpivarski@roosevelt.edu

CAREER:

Associate Professor of Mathematics & Department Chair, Mathematics, Economics and Actuarial Science

HOMETOWN:

Just outside of Pittsburgh, PA

COLLEGE:

Carnegie Mellon

UG MAJOR/MINOR:

Math major, Computer Science minor

WHY YOU CHOSE THE MAJOR/MINOR:

I fell in love with math when I took a baby analysis class in my freshman year.  It was amazing that you could show why all of mathematics fit together.  I also greatly enjoyed the ideas about how computer programs fit together; algorithms in particular felt like solving puzzles in a very fun way.

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

Math and computer science tutor/grader, summer math research (REU) at William and Mary and at Mt Holyoke, lots of study groups with friends.

WHY YOU CHOSE TO WORK AT ROOSEVELT:

I wanted to help students learn about how awesome math is!  When I interviewed at Roosevelt, my notes to myself are on how collegial the faculty was and how the students were enthusiastic.  My notes were correct– I’ve been continually inspired by how wonderful the students and faculty are here! As a bonus, Roosevelt is in a fantastic location (and relatively close to Fermilab, where my husband works).

ADVICE FOR INCOMING/CURRENT STUDENTS:

Make friends– your community here is essential! Plus learning is more fun when you can explore ideas with others.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

The 10^th Floor Learning Commons has a wonderful feel to it!  But anywhere people are doing math is a fun place to be!

YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY:

Mr Rogers! Everyone loves Mr Rogers; he took the time to connect to people without just telling them what they wanted to hear.  He also advocated for the kind of friendly neighborliness that the world can always use, especially now.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

My Little Pony: The Movie (Why yes, I do have a kindergartener.)

My name is Ellie Kurt, I am a History Major and Fine Arts Minor in my second year at Roosevelt. I am also a Peer Mentor in the Learning Commons.

I came to Roosevelt from a non-traditional high school background. I was on homebound, which basically means I was still enrolled in public school, but because of my chronic health problems and mental illness, I did school from home and a teacher would come to my house to help me with my classes and proctor my tests. I was very apprehensive to begin college because I hadn’t been in a formal educational setting consistently for almost six years. In preparing to come to Roosevelt me, parents, and doctors decided it would be good for me to get accommodations for my mental and physical health issues through disability services. While there, the then director told me about the peer mentor program. When I started in August my peer mentor Vera got in contact with me. Vera would read my papers and helped me try to be social. She did a great deal to make me feel like Roosevelt was the right place for me to be and that I could succeed in college even with the challenges I face. Along the way she became one of my best friends and we still see each other and talk a lot even though she graduated last semester. I became a mentor myself this semester because I wanted to help students the way Vera has helped me. I can say confidently that the Mentors are one of the most welcoming communities at Roosevelt. I would encourage freshmen to join the program even if they feel confident academically, it is nice to have someone to talk to and help you get integrated into the University socially.

The Peer Mentor Program is a resource for all students here at Roosevelt. It is a common misconception that we only serve freshman and students with disabilities. The program allows students to get advice about college from someone else who is going through the same thing. We help students get organized by helping them develop ways to keep track of their assignments and balance their school, work, and social lives. Another way we serve students is by teaching test taking, stress management, and study skills. I have also helped students get in contact with their professors and other resources here at Roosevelt. The mentors also host events, like Peace and Love Fest in February and Friendsgiving, and go to other events on campus with mentees as a way of building the Roosevelt community. Basically, Peer Mentors are here to help students to succeed in college. I would encourage freshmen to join the program even if they feel confident academically, it is nice to have someone to talk to and help you get integrated into the University socially.

EMAIL:

cmchale01@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

May 2021

HOMETOWN:

Orland Park, Illinois

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I thought Roosevelt had many great student support systems, like the Academic Success Center. This showed me that the University cared a great deal about their students’ success.  

MAJOR/MINOR:

Majoring in History and Political Science, minoring in economics and philosophy

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I have been interested in History and Political Science since I was a child, but I didn’t know anything about Philosophy and Economics until college. I enjoy my minors because they are challenging and incredible logical. To me, all of these subjects are very intertwined, so a person can not fully understand one without having some understanding of the others.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

My dream job changes every other day, so I can’t say anything for sure. However, I think I would enjoy a job having to do with public policy.

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

I work as the History Program Assistant in the Office of History, Philosophy, and Art. In Office of Admission, I give tours as a Student Ambassador. I am also the Vice President of CASSAC.

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

The Game of Thrones Theme Song

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.” — Abraham Lincoln

FAVORITE SPOT IN CHICAGO:

Grant Park

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

The Lego Movie 2: Second Part

EMAIL:

aschuh@roosevelt.edu

CAREER:

Associate Professor and Program Director, Public Administration

HOMETOWN:

Chicago, IL

COLLEGE:

University of Illinois at Chicago

UG MAJOR/MINOR:

Sociology/Political Science

WHY YOU CHOSE THE MAJOR/MINOR:

I chose my major because I had a great high school teacher in sociology. I chose minor because my roommate in the Foreign Service was a political science major and she interested me in the subject.

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

My parents could not afford to send me to college and my father would not fill out scholarship or financial aid forms. So I had to fund my education without any assistance. During my first year I worked full time and took a full time course load. Because this burned me out, I dropped out of school and didn’t return until five years later after I had saved enough money to go to school full time. I finished the remaining three years in two years. I never was involved in clubs, internships or volunteer work because I focused entirely on my education. Until I began going to school full time, I worked as a court reporter and a secretary.

WHY YOU CHOSE TO WORK AT ROOSEVELT:

While working for the U. S. Office of Personnel Management in Chicago, I had been an adjunct at Roosevelt. This gave me an opportunity to learn about Roosevelt’s social justice mission. So once I retired from the government, teaching at a university with a social justice mission seemed a natural step.

FAVORITE QUOTE:

John Kennedy’s inaugural address: “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT…:

When I worked in the Economic Section of the American Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia one of the Economic Section Foreign Service officers was actually a CIA agent. When my two year tour of duty was over and I was returning to Chicago to complete my undergraduate degree, the agent told me that I should get in touch with him once I completed my degree because the CIA would be interested in hiring me as an analyst.

ADVICE FOR INCOMING/CURRENT STUDENTS:

If you are having trouble keeping up with your assignments, get in touch with your instructor right away. The two of you can work out a plan to deal with the problem before it becomes much more difficult to resolve.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

The Auditorium 8^th floor space by the elevator on the Michigan Avenue side of the building because there is a picture of Franklin Roosevelt with this quote: “Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country”

CAUSE YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:

Voting rights is definitely a cause that I am passionate about. As a child I saw almost daily on the news the struggles of those in the civil rights movement trying to ensure that everyone had an opportunity to exercise the right to vote. When I worked for the Office of Personnel Management in Chicago I observed elections in the South as part of the Voting Rights Act. When I worked for the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, D.C. , one of my responsibilities included management of the unit that obtained election observers for the Department of Justice. I now teach a course on Voting Policy and I think it is important to make students aware of current voter suppression activities, the importance of a strong and healthy voting system and the need to exercise our precious voting rights.

EMAIL

mdwyer03@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

May 2021

HOMETOWN:

Oak Lawn, IL

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

The most affordable option, also it was in a city rather than a college town. Lots of ability for mobility.

MAJOR/MINOR:

History/Political Science Major, WGS Minor

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I always enjoyed History and wanted to pursue it further in higher education. I found that History has very important connections to Political Science, so I recently added that major. I also feel strongly about my commitment to Women’s and Gender Studies.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

I would like to be a political analyzer or work in historical research.

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

Women’s and Gender Studies Program Assistant, Restaurant Hostess, History Advisory Board Member, CASSAC Member.

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

My favorite course at Roosevelt so far is The Politics of Sex, which is a WGS course. I found that the discussions were incredibly informative and really gave me inspiration for what I want to do in the future.

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT… :

I have been learning Dutch for the past year! (I am preparing for study abroad at Tilburg University in the Netherlands.)

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

Fainman Lounge

YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY:

My role model is Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg because she has remained committed and passionate about her work for long enough to have made a difference in history.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

If you consider this a movie, John Mulaney’s Kid Gorgeous

As someone who loves pop culture, I have been asked to share a few of the shows I would highly recommend watching on Netflix.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

The TwilightZone (1959-1964)

If you have ever been interested in the horror genre, The Twilight Zone will most definitely be your cup of tea. This infamous TV series struck fear into the hearts of unexpecting 1960s families and continues to terrify viewers to this day. Episodes such as Time Enough at Last and The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street have remained staples of American pop culture. This show features a dynamic social commentary and a showcase of the faults of man. This makes for a great watch for college students who find themselves trying to understand the world around them.

Round Planet (2016)

Have you ever found yourself watching a nature documentary and going “wow, this is boring”? Then look no further than Round Planet to combat your need for entertainment and environmental criticism. This docuseries has episodes dedicated to diverse forms of life and ecosystems, and a comedic narrator willing to help you through the heaping amounts of information by throwing in his two bits wherever he sees fit. This show is perfect for a cozy night of comedy and environmental education.

Arrested Development (2003-2006; 2013-Present)

Are you looking for an easy going comedy to kick back and relax to? Then this is the television series for you. This show has become a cult classic among comedy connoisseurs. With five seasons under their belt, this Rube-Goldberg-esque comedy machine is on a roll. Many notable stars, like Will Arnet and Michael Cera, got a start on this show. So grab a frozen banana and enjoy this timeless comedy.

Atypical (2017-Present)

This beautifully written show follows the life of an autistic high schooler named Sam. Autism is very rarely represented in television and movies, and represented well or accurately even less. This shown has been regarded as one of the most essential shows to watch as an autistic person do to the rawness of the plot points in the show. This dramatic series is relatable to anyone coming of age as Sam learns more about love, family, and life. Through laughter and tears viewers can see themselves in Sam and his family, because “every family is atypical”.

Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)

Did you watch The Office and enjoy it? Did you dislike The Office because you thought it needed more nature? Then Parks and Rec is the show for you. Filmed in the pseudo-documentary style of The Office, this show follows the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana. This heart-touching comedy will show the most eventful parts of government work and the day-to-day struggles of adult life, such as beating a homeless man out of a tube slide with a broom or trying to kickstart your rock band. Parks and Recreation is a brilliantly acted comedy and deserves all the love it can get.

By: Aero Cavalier