Author: Mike Ensdorf

1. Start Searching Early

Some internships and summer research opportunities open their applications as early as November. Websites such as internships.com focus on finding internships and is a great place to start. The Big Ten Academic Alliance has a Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) that allows you to enhance your academic and research skills by working one-on-one with a faculty mentor from a top research university. This program is great for undergrads who plan on applying to graduate school.

2. Talk to Your Professors

When we first start college, we always get told to attend office hours and often we ignore this piece of advice. I’m here to tell you that that is one of the worst decisions! Office hours not only get you help if you need it, they also give you time to get to know you professors. This helps establish a connection and if the professor is within your major, can make an excellent resource for recommendation letters. Some professors are also doing current research and if they know you and your work ethic, they might allow you to help.

3. Go to Career Fairs and Career Service Office

Your Career Services Office at your college is a great resource and is free of charge! The counselors not only help you identify career and/or internship fairs, they help with resume building and sometimes hold mock interviews.

Top employers attend career fairs to recruit talented students who are eager to gain experience and even if you don’t get one, the practice is amazing for future opportunities. Be prepared to give a 60-second introduction that describes how you can be of value to an employer and follow up with any recruiters you meet at a fair.

4. Contact Employers

After attending the fairs, make sure you call or visit employers in your area of interest and ask about summer jobs/internships. Make sure you have that 60-second introduction together because it can make or break your chances.

If they have summer jobs available or camp/resort opportunities, really consider applying to gain communication skills. Temp agencies can also provide information on potential jobs. Be sure to follow up with employers whenever possible to arrange an in-person or telephone interview.

Good luck out there!  You can do it!

 By: Amiracle Williams-Anderson

NAME:

Ellie Kurt

EMAIL:

ekurt@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

December 2021

HOMETOWN:

Valparaiso, IN

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

It is near my family and it was affordable

MAJOR/MINOR:

History Major Fine Arts Minor

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I love Art and History.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

History Professor, I want to teach empathy through history, and tell stories.

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

Peer Mentor, History Advisory Board

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

European History Absolutism to Revolution

FAVORITE SPOT IN CHICAGO:

The Art Institute

CAUSE YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:

Mental Health and Disability, I have anxiety and depression and I work a lot of students with disabilities.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

The 5 Most Interesting Coffee Shops in Chicago

By Kaylin Evans

 

Whether you’re a coffee fiend like myself, want an introvert friendly hangout place, or you just can’t get work done without your cat crawling onto your laptop, then you may be in the market for a new coffee shop. And while downtown and the north side are full of them, here are some gems hiding in places you may not look on your own.

 

Sip and Savor (Bronzeville)

While this coffee shop is a chain, the Bronzeville location is a gem in the heart of a historic south side neighborhood. This black-owned business features an extensive menu of espresso infused drinks sure to help kick you into gear for that last minute thesis you’ll spent hours writing there. The store is elegantly decorated and, instantly transporting you into another world with its dimly lit, low key setting. You’ll feel so relaxed that you may doze off. Better order a Red Eye!

L Cafecito Jumping Bean (Pilsen)

You might miss The L Cafecito Jumping Bean Cafe if you didn’t know it was there. Founded in 2006, the L Cafe is stationed just past the entryway of the Damen Pink Line stop. While the indoor seating is limited, the newly built outdoor space is home to beautifully painted benches and tables for your homework doing pleasure. You could also sit and take in some sunshine while stopping to smell the beautiful flowers planted at the forefront of the establishment. And all of this can be done while snacking on one of the many healthy, organic, and/or vegan options available on the menu, from fruits and protein bars to sandwiches and soups.

Robust Coffee Lounge (Hyde Park)

This coffee lounge is truckstop chic in the best possible way. Shrouded by glass walls, the bright, open space mou’re always met with a friendly face and a multifaceted menu of quirky frozen drinks (I highly recommend The Bullfrog), your typical coffee and tea brews, and their selection of pancakes and Belgian waffles which you can top with a wide array of delicious combinations like strawberries, peanut butter, Nutella, and more. It’s easy to stay in this cafe for hours getting lost admiring the wall art, rifling through the book swap shelf, or just trying to make your way through the extensive drink menu. This iakes for a positive, uplifting feeling as you walk through the door and to the counter. There, ys a perfect, Wi-Fi-enabled place to sit for hours and work, yet a lively social environment that is perfect for just meeting up with a friend. There is truly something for everyone in this shop.

Wormhole (Wicker Park)

The best word to describe this coffee shop is funky. This classic movie-themed cafe will send you decades back with its’ 80s movie and 90s video game memorabilia. This may be your one opportunity to sip a French dark roast with E.T. himself while you work on that English paper under a decommissioned DeLorean with all your favorite Star Wars characters lined up to cheer you on.

Kusanya Cafe (Englewood)

I’m not quite sure what it is about this place that makes it the best. It could be the menu, which boasts smile-inducing names like Bernie Mac and Cheese and Tuna Turner. It could be the aesthetic–rustic, woodsey, and homey. It may very well be the baked oatmeal topped with warm cream, fresh berries, and brown sugar that escalates you to a higher sense of self on contact. But it is more likely the sense of community you can feel as you walk through the doors of the shop. Kusanya may be in a neighborhood most students have been warned against, this shop is working to fight the stigma around low-income communities by providing outstanding opportunities for both social change and personal growth. The cafe hosts weekly free yoga classes for the community and organizes events geared toward the cultivation of the minds of young black men and women. Built from a run-down liquor store by student volunteers, it is a cafe whose history is the only thing richer than its coffee.

 

These shops offer not only quality brews and beautiful scenery; they are stopping points on a journey of reclaiming neighborhoods and erasing stigmas. Supporting these businesses means supporting the future of Chicago’s underprivileged areas by helping break the negative stigmas about these neighborhoods.

NAME:

Nicola Hannigan

EMAIL:

nhannigan@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

Spring 2021

HOMETOWN:

Chicago

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

Best price, best location, great program for me.

MAJOR/MINOR:

Biochemistry/Psychology/Neuroscience

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

Everything I study is preparing me to go into medical school, I am passionate about every subject I study.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

Neurologist / Neurosurgeon something to do with medicine and the brain, it’s just the most fascinating thing in the world to me. I read books on medicine and the brain for fun.

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

Membership director of CASSAC, weekly volunteer at Midwest Brain Injury Clubhouse, work at starbucks on the weekend

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

Neuropsychology Brain and Behavior, by far my favorite subject.

STUDY BREAK GUILTY PLEASURE:

Watching anything on MTV and probably having a snack like chips.

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT… :

I have changed schools and moved over 10 times in my life.

ADVICE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS:

Don’t freak out about everything! It all falls into place naturally, just keep a journal of your everyday to-do’s.

FAVORITE SPOT IN CHICAGO:

Down by the lake where I run, peaceful and tranquil.

CAUSE YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND WHY:

Fighting for people to get the medical care they need, and although outside of my field and major, I’m definitely passionate about making proper life-saving healthcare available to all without the ridiculous costs.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

Catfish – The Movie

Summer Music Festivals in Chicago

My name is Nick Vasilevski and I am writing a blog about three music festivals that take place during the summer in Chicago. I attend these festivals almost every year and have a great time. I also included the top 10 tips for attending musical festivals.

Spring Awakening (June 7-9)

Lollapalooza (August 1-4)

North Coast Music Festival (August 30- September 1)

10 Tips for Attending a Music Festivals:

• Make sure your phone is completely charged and bring a portable charger.
• If you don’t want to spend money on water at the festival (they do upcharge) buy a camelback backpack to refill your backpack at the free water refill station.
• Go with a group of friends that you trust.
• Fanny packs and small backpacks are your go to! Store personal belongings instead of holding them. Be prepared to have them checked before entering.
• Take public transportation, Uber’s and Lyft’s are very expensive on festival grounds!
• Make sure you eat before the festival and during the festival.
• Bring sun screen, the sun is beating down on your skin for hours.
• Bring cash, a lot of places don’t accept credit/debit cards.
• Wear festive clothing, be creative!
• Comfortable shoes are your best friend!

 

DANCE, LAUGH & HAVE FUN!

NAME:

Kaitlyn Greenholt

EMAIL:

kgreenholt@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

May 2021

HOMETOWN:

Chicago Ridge

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

Because I thought the location of the school would be most beneficial to me as it pertains to my major. Also because of the school’s mission in social justice and how that mission is emphasized in classes

MAJOR/MINOR:

Political Science with minors in Sociology and Writing

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I believe that politics shapes the way the world works and is responsible for the lives of not only constituents, but people all around the world. Thus, the easiest way to make change is to immerse yourself in the political world.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

My dream job is to be a CNN commentator because I’ll get paid for going on television and talking about my opinion regarding current events, legislation, etc.

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

Currently, I’m a student ambassador in the Office of Admission.

FAVORITE COURSE TAKEN AT ROOSEVELT AND WHY:

So far, my favorite course I’ve taken at Roosevelt was a class on Contemporary Urban Issues. In the class I was able to learn about a lot about urban inequality and how there’s systems in place to oppress lower-income communities. The class helped me shape my outlook on life, and has inspired me to want to base my future career around urban development.

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT… :

My favorite book genre is fantasy.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

The library

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

Captain Marvel

With summer approaching it is time to put together an awesome playlist to enjoy for festivals, beach days and walks along the Chicago River. No summer is complete without music. Catchy tunes make summertime activities all the more enjoyable by being able to belt out lyrics with friends and family. Here is a list of songs that have the potential to be the top songs of the summer.

The Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”

The return of the Jonas Brothers put people into a frenzy with many feeling nostalgic at the reunion of the boy band. “Sucker” is a lively piece of pop rock and is sure to be a tune of the summer.

Cardi B and Bruno Mars – “Please Me”

A fantastic duo that we have seen come together in the past for their hit “Finesse.” Cardi B and Bruno Mars have collaborated once again with “Please Me” being described as a mid-temp retro groove which has been climbing the charts.

Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road” (Remix)

This is a rap/country hybrid that has gained a lot of popularity probably because Billy Ray Cyrus is featured alongside Lil Nas X. This song would be great for summer road trips or nights out around a bonfire.

Marshmellow and Chvrches – “Here With Me”

For this song, EDM artist Marshmellow has teamed up with the alt-rock Scottish trio Chvrches. “Here With Me” has a catchy hook that is sure to be around come summertime.

Twenty One Pilots – “Chlorine”

“Chlorine” is off the Twenty One Pilots album titled Trench. The musical duo continues to put out powerful anthems with “Chlorine” encouraging individuals to use their creativity as a constructive outlet.

 

By: Callie Barnum

NAME:

Nicholas Vasilevski

EMAIL:

nvasilevski@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

Summer/Fall 2020

HOMETOWN:

Darien, IL

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I chose to attend Roosevelt University for many reasons. Living in the Loop has always been a dream of mine. The views are breathtaking from the school and there are so many things to do around campus. The class sizes are small compared to other Universities, which is great because you really connect with students and professors. Roosevelt University has so many clubs and internship opportunities especially being in the center of Chicago. 

MAJOR/MINOR:

Histotechnology

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I chose to major in Histotechnology because of the amazing job opportunities it has to offer. Every hospital is in need of Histotechnologists. Laboratory work and using the microscope has always been an interest for me. It was very tedious work and very competitive, but I pushed through and wanted to do what I love and enjoy.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

My dream job is a Pathologist Assistant. After mastering the skills of Histotechnology and working in the field for a few years, my next step is getting my Masters in Pathology Assistant. Being able to do the gross examination of specimens is so interesting to me.

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

I am a Chemistry Laboratory Assistant / Prep Chemist. I am apart of CASSAC and GPS.

STUDY BREAK GUILTY PLEASURE:

Netflix

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

10th floor study room with a view of the city.

LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED:

Velvet Buzzsaw

The Best Museum to Visit and Why

By: Aurora Martinez

Visit these top museums in Chicago to begin your museum adventure. You’ll be surprised by how much you will discover.

1. The Field Museum

Source: https://www.fieldmuseum.org/visit

 

The Field Museum is located on Chicago’s iconic Lake Michigan shore and is one of the largest museums in the world. Not only will you encounter Maximo the Titanosaur, which stands 28 feet tall, you’ll have the opportunity to experience how the Ancient Egyptians lived by visiting the Inside Ancient Egypt and the Mummies exhibit. You’ll practically need a whole day to explore the rest of specimens and artifacts from all over the world here.

 

Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Hours: Daily 9:00AM-5:00PM

Basic Admission: $24 Adults; $21 Students (w/ID)

 

 

2. Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Source: https://www.instagram.com/msichicago/

 

Looking for a hands-on interactive museum? If so, the Museum of Science and Industry is a fun choice for you. Watch baby chicks hatch and grow while learning about genetics in Genetics: Decoding life. Also, make sure to explore the tornados, avalanches, lightnings and other natural phenomena found in Science Storms.

 

Address: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637

Hours: Daily 9:30AM-4:00PM

Basic Admission: $21.95 Adults at door; $19.95 online

 

 

3. The Art Institute

Source: https://inspiredimperfection.com/adventures/the-art-institute-of-chicago/

 

The Art Institute is home of over 300,000 works of art ranging from medieval and renaissance art to contemporary and pop art. Join a free guided tour and view at some main highlights of the Art Institute such as the American Gothic, Nighthawks and Sunday on La Grande Jatte.

 

Address: 111 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Hours:  Daily 10:30AM-5:00PM, Thurs until 8:00 PM

Basic Admission: $25 Adults; $19 Students (w/ID);

Free for Illinois residents on Thursdays from  5:00PM-8:00 PM

 

 

4. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Source:  Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

 

So much to see at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Besides supporting your local Chicago rising artists here, you can find pieces from Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami and retrospective artist and sculptor,  Doris Salcedo and so much more. My current favorite exhibitions are Chicago Works, MCA Screen and Atrium Project.

 

Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Hours: Tue & Fri 10:00 AM- 9:00PM,Wed-Thu & Sat-Sun 10:00AM-5:00PM

Basic Admission: $15 Adults; $8 Students (w/ID); Free for Illinois residents on Tuesdays

 

 

5. Alder Planetarium

Source: https://www.space.com/18105-adler-planetarium-chicago-photos.html

 

Explore the planets, the stars and beyond at the Adler Planetarium. You can create your own mini crater, learn about our solar system and experience what you’ll see in outer space. Make sure to check out Alder’s newest sky show, Imagine the Moon and my favorite Planet Nine.

 

Address: 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Hours: Daily 9:00AM-4:00PM

Basic Admission: $12 Adults; Students (w/ID) receive $2 off any admission

 

 

6. Wndr Museum

 

Source: https://wndrmuseum.com/#wndr

 

Wndr Museum has been the most trendiest pop-up place to visit today. This Instagram-famous museum is known for Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room and their zero-gravity ball pit. Buy your tickets soon because it’s here for a limited time and the best way to travel here is through public transportation. Oh, and if you happen to use the bathroom…I dare you to press the red button.

 

Address: 1130 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60607

Hours: Wend 4:00-8:00PM, Thurs-Fri 12:00-9:00PM, Sat-Sun 10:00AM-8:00PM

Basic Admission: $32 Adults

 

 

 

Feel free to check out these free Chicago museum days in 2019: https://do312.com/p/chicago-free-museum-days

Events:

CASSAC Karaoke Night 2019

CASSAC Karaoke Night was a super fun event focused on promoting relaxation during the time between midterms and final. Students were able to sing to their heart’s content, and gave bold and creative performances for everyone to enjoy. All genres of music were covered. Performers hit the stage, singing anything from “Old Town Road” to “Copacabana” and from “La Vie Bohème” to “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The Playlist was built to have something for everybody. All singers could choose to perform with various props, like feather boas, crazy hats, and sunglasses. The audience was thoroughly entertained by every performance, and they enjoyed the show, while partaking in the buffet of snacks.  Overall, CASSAC Karaoke Night 2019 was a major success, and we can’t wait until next year!

Book Drive for Incarcerated Women:

We collected around 285 books to donate to the Chicago Books to Women in Prison Organization. It is a nonprofit organization that distributes paperback books to incarcerated women nationwide, free of charge. We also sent around 115 hard cover books to Open Books. This cause is so important because reading provides the opportunity for self-empowerment, education and entertainment for all people. We are grateful for everyone’s generosity and hope we can continue to do similar events that support the well-being of others.

College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Blog:

This semester we launched our Undergraduate blog with stories about academics, student experience, life in Chicago, and much more. Since our launch March 1^st we have had 143 page views and we are hoping to keep tracking this number to see what type of content people are drawn to the most. In April, our most popular posts include:

• Faculty Friday: Interview with Professor Nobby Cordeiro (30)
• Feature Friday: Zoey Bezilla (14)
• Tip Tuesday: Tips for Commuter Students (11)
• Major Monday: The Importance of General Education (9)
• The Challenges and Fulfillment of Being a First-Generation Student (7)

We can’t wait to continue to extend CASSAC’s good work and insights to a wider audience, and share the student perspective with you.

 

 

 

EMAIL:

jfierst@mail.roosevelt.edu

ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE:

May 2020

HOMETOWN:

Menomonee Falls, WI

WHY YOU CHOSE ROOSEVELT:

I chose Roosevelt for a few reasons. First of all, it allowed me to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level. Further, living in the heart of downtown Chicago and experiencing life in the city was unrivaled. However, the small class sizes and unique social justice mission still made me feel like I would be a member of the community and working with others who cared about similar issues as me.

MAJOR/MINOR:

Majors: Political Science and Sustainability; Minor: International Studies

WHY YOU CHOSE THIS MAJOR/MINOR:

I chose Political Science because I have a genuine interest in how our government works and the issues that are going on around me, and I saw it as a great avenue towards law school in the future. I chose Sustainability after taking an introductory international relations class and realizing how closely matters of our environment intertwined with politics. I chose International Studies because I love traveling and new experiences, and I am intrigued about how other nations operate.

DREAM JOB AND WHY:

I would love to be an international human rights lawyer or to be a political speechwriter. After some time in the field, I would then love to potentially become a professor. I think that these are all ways that promote the ability to initiate on-the-ground change, and I would love to be apart of something that creates more good.

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

President of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Council (CASSAC), President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), member of the Roosevelt Women’s Basketball Team, Honors Program, Graduate Plan for Success Program, and Professional Mentoring Program, work as Front Desk Aide at Goodman Center and have been a Summer Camp Counselor and Youth Sports Supervisor the last two summers, interning for Organizing Corps 2020 this summer, interned for the JB Pritzker gubernatorial campaign this past fall, have volunteered at the Chicago Marathon and organized donation drives for victims of the California wildfires and underprivileged youth athletic programs in the city

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

“I Like That” by Janelle Monae

FAVORITE QUOTE:

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” -MLK Jr.

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT…:

I am the oldest of four children, and my parents have kids in college, high school, middle school, and elementary school right now!

ADVICE FOR INCOMING STUDENTS:

Get to know and talk to your professors and peers! Some of the greatest things I have learned at Roosevelt have been while listening to others talk about their lives.

FAVORITE SPOT AT ROOSEVELT:

Ganz Hall

FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM:

Milwaukee Bucks

Finding a Place to Study

By: Jasmin Acosta

Hello everyone and welcome to the CASSAC blog! My name is Jasmin Acosta and I am a senior, Biology major.  I know how difficult it can be to commute to campus and find a quiet place to study so I’m here to make life a little simpler for you!

Roosevelt has so many study rooms hidden throughout both the Wabash and Auditorium buildings. The Wabash building has 32 floors but only floors 1-13 are accessible to commuters, the Auditorium building has 10 floors all available to everyone.

In Wabash, the 10^th floor offers about 7 individual study rooms for students and sometimes even the conference room. No worries if you don’t find a study room there, there’s more places than just that one!

The 3^rd and 4^th floor of the Wabash building also have places to study! The 3^rd floor has a computer lab as well as a black-and-white printer and a “Netflix room” which can also be used as a place to study!

The 4^th floor does not have rooms but there are many small couches that you can go to when you’re feeling a bit tired and in need of a nap!

In the Auditorium building there’s the 2^nd floor and the library which are also great places to study.

Although the school does offer many places to study sometimes it’s nice to leave campus for a bit. Places like Starbucks and the Harold Washington library on State St. and Van Buren are also great places to study!

HAPPY STUDYING!