Author: chernandez63

Spring Break!

Welcome Spring Break! As we wrap up week six of the semester, congratulate yourself on all your hard work and achievements. This semester so far might have been the most challenging, the most exciting, or the smoothest, but regardless, your dedication to your education is worth celebrating. This Spring Break, you can take the time to recharge, spend time with family and friends, and explore the city. Below is a list of events and activities around Chicago and places to visit if you’re in town. For those who will be travelling, be sure to read the section on travel tips to ensure a smooth voyage!  

Chicago Museums: Chicago offers a wide range of free museum experiences for its residents! The Art Institute of Chicago has free days on Monday, Thursday, and Friday until March 14. Make sure to register here beforehand! For a nice evening experience, the Adler Planetarium provides free admission every Wednesday from 4-10pm. Until March 26th, you can enjoy the Field Museum every Wednesday! The National Museum of Mexican Art and the Museum of Contemporary Photography offers free admission everyday year-round!  

Chicago Sports: Chicago offers plenty of events for sports fans. The Chicago Blackhawks will be playing at United Center against the Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators. The Chicago Bulls will also be playing this week! They will play against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers, also at the United Center.  

Spring Flower Show: This year, the theme of the flower show at Garfield Park Conservatory is Rooted in Mystery. Visitors will be able to learn about the purpose of roots and interesting facts, while being surrounded by beautiful flora. These new Spring plants include over 26 different types of tulips daffodils, and hyacinths. Reserve your tickets here! 

Chicago Riverwalk: Explore nature in an urban environment through the city’s Riverwalk. This 1.25-mile walk showcases Chicago History, breathtaking scenery, and unique architecture. From monuments, to memorials, and paintings, the Chicago Riverwalk presents a rich display of arts and culture.  

For students who plan on travelling, review these tips below to ensure a smooth trip!  

Be organized: It is important that you keep your documents, like ID and passport, organized within your bag. Considering purchasing a passport holder to keep it protected.  

Student Discounts: Many companies like Expedia and Amtrak offer special discounts for students! Although it might take some time, do your research to make sure you find the best option. Check out this helpful link which provides a list of flights for your specific destination and date.  

Travel in groups: When exploring a new place or even in your hometown, try to travel in groups as much as possible for your safety. Together, be aware of your surroundings and anything that might be suspicious.  

Check out the weather: If you are traveling to escape Chicago’s cold weather, or staying in a snowy environment, make sure to always check the weather! Plan out your outdoor activities if the weather permits and dress to be comfortable.  

We hope you have a wonderful Spring Break filled with fun adventures and time to rest! Congratulations on making it through the semester so far and can’t wait to finish off the school year strong! Send us your spring break pictures, and we’ll post them on our Instagram!  

Welcome Back

Hello Honors students!  

Welcome back to another great semester at Roosevelt! The Spring semester is the time to build up that confidence again through your commitment to your academic success or continue that educational streak even stronger than before. This is the perfect time of year to schedule an advising appointment to get guidance on your plan for the new semester! Not only can your advisors help you prepare for the next semester, but they can also be an amazing outlet for stress or asking for help managing your time and coming up with a plan that might be more suitable for your current schedule. Your regular advisors and Honors advisors are here to support you!  If you’re feeling great about your current state here at RU, advisors love to hear about your achievements as well! 

With the holidays being over and classes starting up again, we all know that this time can be very overwhelming. We encourage you to give yourself grace and take breaks as needed. Many students feel like they fall behind during the first five weeks of a new semester. That is the perfect time to review the syllabus for each class and plan out major assignments, and to reach out to your professors with any questions!  Regardless of how you might be feeling we all know you can do this and that you will continue to reach for success! Enjoy this semester and make sure you are maintaining a healthy balance between your class work and time for yourself! Go Lakers! 

Finals Tips

As our semester comes to an end, a wave of relief rushes over as we reflect on our hard work and perseverance. However, it is important to push through and finish strong as finals week approaches us. Whether you have final papers or in class exams, it can feel stressful to manage and prepare. We have gathered a list of finals tips that we have adopted for our personal study habits for a successful semester!  

Make A Schedule: Studying for multiple classes can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially when finding a place to start. The first step is always to create a study schedule. This ensures that you are dedicating enough time to each class. Plan out your free time in between classes and after classes to go to your ideal study space to focus. Creating a study schedule can also prevent burnout, as you make sure to plan time to relax and decompress!  

Definitely, Probably, Maybe Method: When you are planning your study sessions, it can be challenging to decide what topics and content to focus on. Over the course of 16 weeks, you have learned so much! To combat this frustration, follow the Definitely, Probably, Maybe Method. First, focus on the content that will definitely be on the exam. Next, focus on the topics that will probably show on the exam. Lastly, study the topics that will maybe be on the test. Ideally, you will be able to go through all content covered, but if not, it is important to prioritize your study topics in this order! 

Avoid Distractions: Studying for exams or writing final essays can be extra challenging when distractions are bugging you. Put your phone settings on do not disturb or silence your notifications. If you’re tempted to pick it up, put it across the room. It might also be helpful to communicate your study schedule with your friends and family. Go to your favorite study space with limited distractions where you can solely focus on your work!  

Pomodoro Study Method: Studying can be difficult without a clear structure. The Pomodoro Study Method breaks up study times into increments to prevent burnout and maximize productivity. First, choose a task that you plan to focus on. Next, set a timer for 25 minutes and study/write without interruptions. After 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break. Continue this method 3 times, before beginning to take longer breaks of 15-30 minutes. After repeating 3 times, increase the breaks by 5-minute increments.  

Use Honors Study Rooms: As Honors students, you are always welcome to use our study rooms! Bring a group or come solo and reserve a space with our Program Assistants. Our quiet and private study spaces are a perfect place to focus. Visit us at AUD711 Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm! 

As we wrap up the semester, finals week can be the most stressful time with exams and final papers piling up. Consider following these study tips to ensure successful study sessions. The Honors Office is so proud and grateful for all your hard work this semester! Keep it up!  

Chicago Fall Travel Guide

Although it is just starting to feel like fall, our semester is coming to an end and Thanksgiving break is almost here!  It is the perfect time to be a Chicagoan, with holiday events happening all around the city! Our Program Assistants have created a small guide for events happening in and around the loop. Have some fun with friends and family and celebrate your hard work this semester!  

 Just a short walk from campus, this Chicago holiday staple will be held in the Daley Plaza. Christkindlmarket  brings a wide variety of vendors together so we can enjoy the best. It is a perfect event to go with friends and family, or solo.  Enjoy arts, music, culture, and more! For more details, visit the Christkindlmarket website.   

There is no better way to see Chicago during the holiday season than taking a CTA holiday train! This unique Chicago tradition will be operating for the 33rd year this season. CTA trains sparkle with holiday designs and lights, and Santa can even be spotted sitting on an open-air flatcar with reindeer. Click this link to view the full in-depth schedule!! 

Navy Pier hosts a holiday event every year and this year it is called Light Up the Lake! From November 29th to January 5th, the pier decorates the entire outside (and most of the inside!) with lights and inflatables. They have interactive events such as the ice slide, axe throwing, crafting, and drone related firework shows! While all this takes place, the indoor vendors and food stands are open to the public as well.  

Pilsen’s Autumn Vintage & Artisan Market takes place on November 23rd/24th. Its setup involves food, shopping, art, and music galore! It’s only a train ride away and there’s enough to explore, you could be there for the entire day. 

Millennium Park Ice Skating is the perfect winter activity. With the city skyline on one side, and a view of the bean on the other, Millennium Park is a great place to get into the winter spirit! Millennium Park offers skate rentals and lessons.  Food and drinks can be found right next to the rink at Millennium Coffee and Millennium Hall. Reservations are required and prices vary. Check out more here! 

Another skating rink only a bit North is the Maggie Daley skating ribbon. The large skating rink is twice the size of a traditional rink and features Chicago’s gorgeous skyline. Reservations are also required for this skating rink and skates are available for rental. For more information, click here. 

Catch Chicago’s annual Thanksgiving parade in person! The Thanksgiving parade takes place from 8am-11am, Thursday, November 28th. The parade runs down State Street from Ida B. Wells to Randolph. Featured in the parade are beautiful floats, gigantic helium balloons, and incredible performances from Chicago’s own.  If you can’t watch the parade in person, catch the live broadcast on Pluto TV. 

From light shows to parades to markets, Chicago has a lot to offer this time of year.  With many of these events near Roosevelt, it’s the perfect excuse to get out and explore the city. We hope you enjoyed this list of events and get a chance to check them out! 

Honors Exchange 10/25/2024: Accessibility

On October 25th, the Honors Program Exchange had their second meeting. Students were asked to come prepared by watching “Examined Life,” a video documenting the challenges of navigating public spaces narrated by the discussion of Judith Butler and Sunaura Taylor, academics in gender studies and disability studies, respectively. Together, they highlighted how physical environments impose many challenges for people with disabilities, and how social acceptability begins when physical spaces become more inclusive. One of the most memorable pieces of their discussion was how society expects us to be radically self-sufficient. This made me think about the isolation many of us experience in larger cities, where we are expected to act in a fast-paced environment.  

 This video was essential in setting up the question of what it means to take a walk, which we were tasked with doing by reflecting on a space on Roosevelt’s campus. I chose to focus on the Auditorium 5th floor women’s bathroom. This bathroom has a lounge area with couches, presenting a very unique experience of the space. This bathroom also has different elevations with a built-in ramp in the floor. I reflected on the video, specifically on the concept of social acceptability relating to disability. Although I usually move through this space quickly, it was an interesting thought exercise to be more intentional with my interactions and consider space and accessibility differently.  

During our session, we shared our insights about the places we chose. From the Wabash laundry room to the awkward corners in the Auditorium building, each space revealed something worth discussing. We also spoke on how physical design changes over time. Roosevelt provides two distinct environments between both buildings, showing interesting design choices. Because the Auditorium Building is a National Historical Landmark, there are restrictions on changes that can be made. However, throughout time, the function of the building has changed, so the design has adapted. I reflected on how space dictates movement, and how some spaces can invite us to stay, while others prompt us to keep moving. Throughout all our contributions, we used the video previously mentioned to reflect on the accessibility of spaces.  

Students sharing the spaces they chose.

After our thought-provoking discussion, we learned about the seven rules of universal design. It addresses the need of building independence while also instilling a sense of community and care. I found it interesting how small changes, like adding texture and bolder colors, can be aesthetically pleasing while equally functional for all people. It made me wonder how Roosevelt could implement these features as well. One key aspect of universal design that also resonated with me is that there is not always true universality, and how some key changes can disrupt the needs of others. I feel like it highlights the complexity of accessibility through its differing and conflicting needs. Instead of turning away from this, designers lean into the discomfort to continue to adapt.  

Throughout this meeting, I enjoyed listening to the insightful comments from my peers. Our discussion was helpful in tackling the complexity of accessibility and physical spaces. There is no true and entirely effective approach. This highlights the need for diverse disciplines to collaborate and work together. Furthermore, our discussions underscored how accessibility and design is a social justice issue. It makes me wonder how Roosevelt can be more inclusive and intentional, as a social justice institution.  

The Importance of Honors Advising

Around halfway through the semester, Honors students attend an Honors Advising session. Honors advising is a requirement to maintain Honors membership and to make adequate progress in the program. This is perfectly timed to coordinate your sessions with academic advisors who you will meet with to set up your schedule for next semester. The purpose of this meeting is to set you up for success the following semester. Every student’s Honors advising process is unique depending on specific needs, excitements, and schedule limitations. Hear from our Program Assistants about their Honors Advising session and how they resonate with this experience! 

Mary: 

My favorite part about Honors Advising is getting to share my personal updates with Kenley or Sarah Maria! Not only do they react positively to my news, but they ask me first to make sure I know that they genuinely want to know how I am doing and are happy to see their students thriving. When I come into the office for a meeting, before discussing    grades/attendance/normal class related things, the Honors Advisors always start the session off by asking how you, personally, are doing, in school or otherwise. It truly is a safe space in the Honors office. You’re open to ranting about tough classes, homework struggles, and anything else you may need to relieve some of the weight you are carrying, and Kenley and Sarah Maria are more than happy to listen and/or give advice. Within the walls of their offices, you don’t need to be the perfect student who has everything together. You can be honest about struggling grades, late homework, and even openly admitting that you procrastinate every single assignment. All they want to do is help ease our struggles any way they can and are eagerly awaiting their appointments with students in order to put that help into action.  

Camila:  

My Honors Advising sessions with Kenley are always very rewarding and meaningful. When I was a freshman, her guidance was helpful as I navigated the responsibilities of being an Honors student. I gained familiarity with the program and began to feel more comfortable. Honors advising appointments are beneficial to me because they feel personal and give me a space to connect with the Honors Program. Kenley is always very aware of my experiences as a student, and it is rewarding to feel understood. Kenley knew that this semester, I have had a more challenging schedule. It has been difficult to manage classes, work, and family responsibilities. As we began discussing the possible classes I could take next semester, I knew that I wanted more flexibility and time available for me outside of classes. I am also considering double majoring, which would shift the courses I take. When I shared my hopes for the next semester and following, Kenley helped me map out actionable steps and strategies I could take. Although semester planning can feel like an impossible task, honors advising provides me a space to think about the choices available to me.  

Roan: 

Honors advising is great because it gives me a space to talk about my experiences as a student and make choices that develop my learning. Honors advising is not just about picking classes for next semester, but also a space to think about your future. In my advising sessions, I am able to talk about every aspect of my academic life. I can share about the classes I love and don’t love, how classes impact my progress and academic future, and my overall experience. There is a genuine commitment to each person’s success when it comes to Honors. As Honors courses tend to be less major-specific, I can at times struggle to decide which Honors course will work best for me. Kenley is knowledgeable about every Honors class from content, style, to instructor. Honors advising allows you to find out which Honors courses are perfect for you and your own learning. Overall, Honors advising is more than just an academic meeting. It is also an opportunity to gain helpful knowledge that will help you succeed in and outside of honors.   

From the experiences of our Program Assistants, it is clear that the needs and desires of every Honors student are different. From sharing your semester experiences, your challenges in classes, or to your aspirations for the future, your Honors advising sessions can be used for a variety of needs. You are given the agency to direct your session however you would like. Sarah Maria and Kenley are available to support you, no judgement! We look forward to seeing you all in the office at AUD 711!!  

Lost and Found

This year’s theme of the Honors Program is “Lost and Found.” Our yearly themes provide a framework and lens that we use in class to think critically about our curriculum. It invites students and instructors across Honors courses to wrestle with a similar set of ideas, even across disciplines, and create new knowledge together. “Lost and Found” is truly up for interpretation by students to personally connect with the Honors curriculum. 

In Honors, losing something could be positive, like letting go of learning mindsets that do not serve us. Fixed mindsets describe the concept that educational abilities, talents, and motivations are unchangeable and set for life. Intelligence is thought to be defined by strict, ridged, and unadaptable measurements, where one size fits all. It pushes students to steer away from positive educational risks, opportunities, and dynamic learning.  

Through the theme of “Lost and Found,” we can reflect on Honors Program educational experiences that challenge us to lose this mindset that does not serve your educational growth. Losing a fixed mindset allows us to alter how we think about challenges. This framework, when applied to loss, can address the issue of isolation and toxic individuality that inhibits authentic connection. Fixed mindsets create a learning environment where asking for help or feedback is difficult. The theme of “Lost and Found” presents an interesting perspective in respect to “losing” something. However, the loss of a fixed mindset is accompanied by something that is “found.” We can utilize Honors curriculum through this lens to reflect on new mindsets.  

Our theme can present growth mindsets as something that is “found.” The concept of a growth mindset is centered on the fact that intelligence can be developed through learning, effort, and persistence. Students engage with their learning intensely and authentically, embracing challenges. Our Honors curriculum is an excellent vehicle through which to explore “finding” a growth mindset.  

As Honors students, we are encouraged to engage with difficult and complex material daily. This can feel challenging, and growth mindsets can reframe this as areas of growth and not failures. This serves our learning experiences as we engage with our critical thinking skills, collaboration with our peers, and exposure to different perspectives. Our Honors Program curriculum shows us that progress is almost never linear. We can use our “found” growth mindsets to remain flexible, and to embrace setbacks as a natural part of our learning.  

This reflection provides just one example of how “Lost and Found” manifests in Honors learning. Not only does this theme provide structures to Honors curriculum in classes, the Honors Exchange, and more, it is also meant to be interpreted by students. It guides us to the questions we can ask about our learning and how we can personally relate to “Lost and Found.” There is no right or wrong way to make meaning, and I encourage us to continue investigating and discovering this together.  

Meet Our Program Assistants!

As we settle into the Fall 2024 semester, the Honors Program Office would like to take a moment to welcome our new team of Honors Program Assistants! Bringing a diverse range of backgrounds and talents, our team is committed to enriching the Honors experience and supporting the academic journey of students in the program. The Program Assistants will keep our student body up to date through an active and engaging social media presence, and will provide in-depth information and stories on our blog. Camila, Mary, and Roan are excited to introduce themselves to our Honors Program community!

Camila:

My name is Camila and I am a sophomore majoring in sustainability studies, from the west of the city in the Berwyn/Cicero area. I was always interested in urban planning, because cities have always surrounded me, and as I moved through my education, I noticed the inequities embedded within the physical structures of our environments. Roosevelt resonated with me as a social-justice oriented institution, because of its location, and it was close to home. Although Roosevelt does not have a program directly related to urban planning, after a one-on-one shadowing opportunity with Professor Mike Bryson, I was convinced to ultimately study at Roosevelt. I was also intrigued by the Honors Program, because it resonated with my learning and provided me with a large amount of financial support, which alleviated most of my stress relating to the college application process. 

As I gained more familiarity with the Honors Program as a student, I felt more comfortable and began engaging more with my courses. For example, I joined the Honors Exchange last year, which was the most memorable learning experience of my freshman year. I was thrilled to learn that the Honors Program office was looking for another Program Assistant during my second semester of freshman year. I resonated greatly with my Honors educational experiences and was excited to learn more through this position. Although I joined a bit later in the school year, I was still able to learn so much about our Honors office operations. I had the guidance and support of my three peers, who helped me learn about the many running pieces of the office, like the social media, blog, newsletter, club, and much more. This experience was great, and I enjoyed being part of the office as a student worker. I am super excited to continue working this year as the Lead Honors Program Assistant. My peers last year provided me with a welcoming and comfortable environment to learn and explore this position, and I hope to do the same this year. Together, we are working on many projects, ensuring this year will be memorable and filled with excitement! 

Mary: 

Hi! I’m Mary and I am a Junior here at Roosevelt this year. It’s my first year working in the Honors Program and I am so excited to start seeing the business side of the program in addition to the student side. I am a criminal justice major with a legal studies minor. Being a part of our school’s justice program has been so impactful in my learning journey and I have gained so much knowledge that I had no idea about before coming here. I am originally from Lafayette, Indiana, home to Purdue university, where I took an online college course before coming to Chicago called ‘Introduction to Serial Killers’. I decided to take this course because I graduated high school a semester early, but still wanted to wait until fall to go to college. This course also allowed me to get a sneak peek at if this was truly the major I wanted to pursue and I fell in love with it from the start. I chose to come to Roosevelt because my dad used to work at the University Center and I always knew I wanted to live there. Roosevelt seemed like the best fit for me based on the three colleges that live in that building. Three years later and I am so glad I made that choice. I sort of fell into the Honors Program my second semester here. I didn’t know our school had one, but I received an email saying that I would be a good fit and that I should consider joining; obviously I said yes! Going along with that, I was always curious about the students behind the desk in the Honors lounge and when I received the encouragement to apply, I was thrilled! This year, I am going to help with writing blog posts and coming up with fun ideas for the Honors Program social media accounts. I am very excited to see what lies ahead with this job for the upcoming semester, and figure out my place in this team.

Roan: 

Hello! My name is Roan Daley and I am a sophomore here at Roosevelt. I am from Essex Junction, Vermont and I am a criminal justice major. I have had an interest in criminal justice from the time I visited the F.B.I. museum during an 8th grade field trip to Washington, D.C. After doing a technical program in high school, I knew criminal justice was what I wanted to pursue. What brought me to Roosevelt was a couple of things. I absolutely love the location, Chicago is my favorite city and I love going to a school where the city is our campus! I also love the social justice model that Roosevelt strives for. Social justice is something that is very important to me especially in relation to my criminal justice studies. What drew me to the Honors Program was the commitment to interactive learning such as discussion and collaboration-based classes. The Honors Program also offers scholarships for students which was a huge help for my academic success. I applied to be an Honors Program Assistant because I loved my first year in the Honors Program and wanted to expand my involvement. Going into my first year as an Honors Program Assistant, I am very excited for everything we have planned. My background is in social media and I look forward to the fun and creativity that comes with that! 

Looking Ahead:

As you can see, our Program Assistants have established themselves as proud Rooseveltians and Honors students, connecting deeply to the mission of Roosevelt and the ethos of the Honors Program. This position provides a unique learning experience, and our team is eager to positively impact our community. Equipped with their various skills and interests, Camila, Mary, and Roan are well-prepared to undertake the tasks ahead of them. Through the work produced by our program assistants, Honors can continue providing comprehensive information and updates for program members that will boost engagement and encourage participation in Honors initiatives. Stop by AUD 711 Monday through Thursday between 9 am and 4:30 pm to be greeted warmly by these excellent students and enjoy the vibe of the Honors office! !

Let’s Vote 2024!

As the Honors Program, we emphasize the importance of an active student body and civic engagement. Voting is one of the most important ways to make your voice heard in order to shape your community. This guide will help you navigate your right to vote in order to be prepared for this coming election on November 5th!

Criteria to vote:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a United States citizen 
  • Reside in the jurisdiction for at least 30 days before the election

How to register to vote:

Out of State Students

Voting by mail is a great way for out of state students to vote. However, regulations, deadlines, and applications for mail-in ballots differ from state to state. To see if you can still receive your mail-in ballot visit Absentee & Early Voting and select your state. Click here to see deadlines for each state.

College students do have a unique choice. You can either vote in your home state or in the state you attend college (you can only vote in one place, though!). Where you want to vote could depend on a number of things. Ask yourself: What issues are important to you? Which candidates are running? Where do you want your voice to be heard? How will your vote be impactful? The choice is completely up to you. If you want to vote in Illinois instead of your home state follow the steps below to register. 

There are two ways to register to vote in Illinois at this time. You can: 

  • Register Online:
    • You can register online to vote up to 16 days before the election (Deadline is Sunday, October 20th, 2024)
    • A state-issued ID is required to register online 
    • Register here
  • Register in Person:
    • You can register to vote in person with a certified registrar by visiting: 
      • Cook County City Clerk Locations
      • A township, city, or village clerk 
      • State government offices, like a drivers license facility, and public assistance and military recruitment offices
        • You can register to vote when you renew or obtain your state ID or driver’s license 
      • A certified Deputy Registrar 
    • Make sure to check hours of operations to ensure that these locations are open and available. You must provide two forms of identification, and one must include your current address. 

You can also register to vote on Election Day, but only at your home precinct. You must also bring two forms of identification including your current address. 

If you reside in the City of Chicago, you can use this voter tool to verify your registration, find your nearest polling place or voter center, verify the status of your Vote By Mail application or Permanent Roster enrollment, and find the contact information. Cook County voters have access to this tool to find the same information. 

Although the presidential election is what we might be hearing the most about, there are many local elections in Chicago to be aware of as well. This year, you will have the opportunity to vote for the Cook County State’s Attorney. The Cook County State’s Attorney is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor and felony crimes in Cook County. This position, as the top prosecutor job of the county, is often seen as a link to establish bigger policies and political tone of the state. In 2023, the incumbent Kim Foxx, announced that she will not seek re-election. This is a race to watch, with Democratic candidate Eileen O’Neill Burke, and Republican Candidate Bob Fioretti. 

This election is also monumental because for the first time in history, Chicago voters can select a partially elected school board. Currently, Chicago Public Schools has seven governor appointed members. This will expand to 21 members, 10 of whom are publicly elected. 

5 Reasons Why you Should Vote

  1. National elections are not the only elections

Local elections are incredibly important for the way our government functions. Local elections are a direct reflection of your community. Voting, not just in federal elections, is your chance to elect people who represent your own ideas and values. Elected officials make big decisions impacting our everyday lives. Voting in local elections is the chance to use your voice and make a difference in your community.

  1. It’s your own money 

How much resources will your local schools receive? How much money will go to fixing that one pothole? How funded is public transportation? You are a tax-paying citizen, and you should care where your money is going. Voting is your way to control what the government is doing with your money. 

  1. Your Vote DOES count

Many people hold the idea that their vote doesn’t count. Even if you’re in a big city or a state dominated by one party, your vote still counts. Presidential races are getting closer and closer. As of recent polls, Kamala Harris is in the lead by only 2.5 points. Yes, victory of one candidate by just your vote isn’t likely but, as mentioned before, local elections are just as important. In state and local elections, your vote matters more than you know. You could be the change. 

  1. You ARE affected 

“Why should I care, it doesn’t affect me?” is something you might have heard someone say or even said yourself. But when it comes to voting, you are affected. Have you ever run over a pothole? Taken public transportation? Gone to the hospital? Gone to school? Had a job? The list goes on. The people who make decisions that change our systems in place are voted into office by us. 

  1. It’s your right! 

The right to vote, for many people and groups, has not always been guaranteed and has been at times a hard-fought battle. There are still groups who experience disenfranchisement regarding the right to vote. By voting, you are maintaining the right to vote for yourself and others. Voting is a privilege and a way to represent yourself and your community. 

Take a couple minutes out of your day to register to vote and review your ballot! The deadline to register online in Illinois is Sunday, October 20th. To see a sample ballot, go to ballotpedia.org and type in your address. It will show you a sample ballot as well as information about every candidate. Voting is important and your vote DOES matter. See you on Election Day!

By Camila Hernandez and Roan Daley

References

Ballotpedia, ballotpedia.org/Main_Page. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Communications, NAU. “Why We Vote.” The_NAU_Review, news.nau.edu/why-we-vote/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Elections, Illinois State Board of. “Welcome to the Illinois Online Voter Registration Application Website.” Illinois Online Voter Registration Application: Home Page, ova.elections.il.gov/. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“Hours and Locations: Cook County Clerk.” Hours and Locations | Cook County Clerk, www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/locations. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“How to Register in Illinois.” Vote.Gov, vote.gov/register/illinois. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Illinois Election 2024 Guide: Local Voting Information – Axios Chicago, www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/09/23/illinois-election-voter-guide-2024. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“Voter Registration.” Voter Registration | Cook County Clerk, www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/voter-registration. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

“Your Voter Information.” Your Voter Information | Chicago Board of Elections, chicagoelections.gov/voting/your-voter-information. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Honors Exchange 9/27/24: Flânuer

This year’s Honors Exchange, “No Particular Place To Go: Wandering and Purpose,” inspired by the Chuck Berry song “No Particular Place to Go,” unravels the question of what happens when we roam. Alongside our facilitators, we will explore topics of access and barriers within the physical environment, architecture and design, geography, documenting experiences, and more. This will be facilitated through field trips, discussions, artifacts, and other experiences. Last Friday marked our first meeting for the Honors Exchange. Similar to any first day of class, we reviewed the syllabus to gain a better understanding of the Exchange ahead of us. We learned more about each other, and shared our favorite places to wander.

To set the intention for our class activity, Professor Michael Stelzer Jocks  gave a presentation on being a flânuer. A flânuer is a man who wanders and strolls around a city. It was popularized in Paris in the 18th century as urbanization became more widespread. It was a manner in which to celebrate this new lifestyle. A flânuer is intentionally slow, and does not have a final destination. This idea may seem foreign to us, especially in Chicago, a bustling fast-paced environment. As we learned about being a flânuer, it was important to recognize that it was very gendered, and only geared for men. Women flânuers were not celebrated or respected, and their intentions were generally questioned. As time progressed, a new term emerged to describe women who wander: flâneuse.

After the presentation, we were tasked with becoming flânuers or flâneuses  ourselves. We paired up in groups of two, and were given a direction to explore for one block. We needed to take one picture of something that we noticed while doing this. My partner and I explored one block west. Although we could quickly walk the block, we were given 30 minutes. We roamed the street slowly, trying to take in the environment around us. We went down the alleys, which we usually avoid, to see how our perception would change. We couldn’t help but feel different from the fast-pace city dwellers around us. Everything seemed to zoom past us as we became more and more stagnant. We noticed storefronts that we usually pass by quickly, and small decals on buildings we’ve never seen. Our heads were on a swivel, looking in every direction possible. 

A view of the State St and Van Buren Ave intersection is shown, standing on the east side of State St and the north side of Van Buren Ave. A crosswalk, some cars, a bus, the elevated train tracks, and other buildings are pictured.
View from Van Buren Ave and State St

After 30 minutes, we regrouped and shared the pictures with each other. It felt strange being able to see the city through a different lens. The bustle and busyness of our schedules often make it difficult to see through the visual noise around us. We rarely look up or back and connect with what’s around. We also talked about how time makes us navigate, a factor we ignore. Time pushes us to always move forward, neglecting the idea of being a flânuer. We also shared ideas surrounding the purpose of space. We noticed how one of the ways that does facilitate connection between us are businesses, which is the central purpose of cities. We discussed how the purpose of the spaces around us are dynamic, and constantly change depending on our needs. Especially in a place like Chicago, space is rich in history and can tell us more about ourselves as part of a city. 

Colorful and ornate umbrellas stand over yellow metal tables with an orange velvet rope blocking off the table area.
A Michigan Ave cafe

After we each shared our pictures and our quick reflections, we spoke about the discomfort of being a flânuer and why it is not as common today. One of the main concerns was the idea of safety and general fear in being genuinely present in the spaces around us. We naturally assume that danger is around us, and this anxiety drastically increases for women. In addition, being a flânuer is not always necessarily accessible to everyone. For some people, there is this constant need of looking down and being hyper-aware of possible obstacles for safety. 

A dark door against a gray stone background. The door is old, graffitied, and the surface is detailed with raised shapes.
A dark doorway leads to a workroom.

As I thought about the presentation and activity, I wondered what it means to be a flânuer in the 21st century. As much as many people would love to explore, many can’t because of the need to work and support families. Being a flânuer requires economic freedom, it is a status of power. I was also reminded of the physical infrastructure that changes the way people explore. In big cities, like Chicago, we have extensive and somewhat accessible ways of moving throughout the city, like public transportation. Although we are confined to the borders of the Chicagoland area through public transportation, we are exposed to diverse cultures, customs, and experiences that we may not have encountered in our individual corners of town. Furthermore, although our daily routines can be monotonous, there is nothing monotonous or dull about our environment. When in the monotony of the day to day, we may not metacognitively connect with our surroundings, and somewhat treat it as something normal and typical. We were inspired to use the time we have to start observing actively instead of passively. Through curiosity and the ability to wander, we can reconnect and feel present. 

Two buildings are pictured, alongside a tall lamppost with street lights. There is greenery on the roof of the front-most building.
Surprise greenery in the Loop

Learning more about the history of being a flânuer as well as the experience in the modern world puts into perspective what it means to wander. There are factors that can motivate us to become flânuers, and, on the contrary, aspects that prevent wandering. Putting this into practice with my classmates makes me think about how we deprive ourselves from truly connecting with the environment around us. Although we learned and experienced so much from this exchange meeting, we’ve barely begun to scratch the surface! Our next meeting is October 25th. Make sure to check Blackboard and Instagram for updates! 

Images shared by Honors Exchange participants.