Let’s meet Brenda, a UIC student who won’t stop at anything to pursue her dream career. As a woman in a STEM field, she has found a supportive community on campus and has advice for those looking to meet new people and succeed in their studies. Take it away, Brenda.
– Thanks, Alex, Since I can remember, I have always been interested in programming and wanting a career in IT or software engineering. And I’m finally pursuing my dream here at the University of Illinois Chicago. I know sometimes when you find yourself in a new place it can be difficult to meet people, but it all starts with making a few friends and before you know it, you know a ton of people at UIC. But the closest connections I made tended to be people that I found myself studying, cracking jokes and hanging out with at the Computer Science Lounge. As a woman in STEM, I established connections with other women in my courses and I found my place in organizations like Women in Computer Science, Breakthrough Tech and the Society of Women in Engineering. I also love participating in activities like hackathons, the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Google Developers Club. Some advice, find places to meet people and focus on your studies. UIC has tons of places to study from the Makerspace with our 3D printers, different lounges and labs on campus, the library where you can meet Ambassador Dog or one of the many tutoring centers. One of my favorite tech spaces is the Electronic Visualization Lab. The technology was even featured in the original “Star Wars” movies. Attending UIC, I did not expect myself to become so social and extroverted. My time here has helped me grow as a person and made me feel welcome in the engineering field. I think you will too. Thank you for listening, I’m passing it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Brenda, that’s advice we can all take to heart. At college and any time you’re experiencing something new, it all starts with one connection on campus and before you know it, you’ve met people and had experiences you never thought possible.
With students from just about every state on the map, plenty of students here have made the move from a small town to the big city like Michael. He may not be in Kansas anymore but he’s found so much more than he expected right here at UIC. His journey to a campus centered on inclusivity helped him discover his true self, Michael.
– Hey Alex, thanks for the introduction. Growing up in Kansas in a town of about 800 people, I always knew I wanted to go somewhere where I would feel welcome and somewhere exciting like a big city like Chicago. University of Illinois Chicago made that choice easy. Right at the top of my college search list, I wanted to attend a school that was inclusive, open-minded and diverse. UIC’s commitment to social equity and equality was unbeatable. Seeing, meeting and making friends with people from all different walks of life and being accepted for who I am has been so valuable to my college experience. And with such a variety of student backgrounds and viewpoints in class, we not only learn the subject matter but how it can impact us all in different ways, and that elevated level of understanding has been such a benefit to my academic experience. UIC is one big puzzle and all of our identities and experiences make up the pieces to that puzzle. I now feel more like me than I ever have before and I thank the community that is UIC for that. I’ve grown from a small town kid to a city living professional and in so many other ways. UIC help make that transition with great advisors, mentors and an inclusive community, including seven different cultural centers on campus that are committed to student success in creating welcoming space. Just two years ago, I never would’ve thought my life would look the way it does now. The personal growth I made during my time at UIC is something special and I hope others walk away feeling the same. You never know what lies right around the corner, especially somewhere as special as UIC. That’s my story and back to you, Alex.
– Michael, your story of personal growth and finding a welcoming community at UIC is truly inspiring. It sounds like UIC’s commitment to social equity and inclusion really made a difference for you. With so many success units ready to help students navigate life on campus, it’s good to know there are resources for everyone.
With seven colleges specializing in the health sciences alone, UIC is graduating professionals in every field, like Niko. Studying at UIC helped him find his true passion in nursing. He’s gaining valuable skills that are preparing him to become a well-rounded healthcare provider. Over to you Niko.
– Big thanks to Alex and hello to everyone. My name is Nikola Gigovski and I’m here in beautiful Chicago, Illinois to talk about UIC and its healthcare opportunities. I always knew I wanted to be in medicine, but at UIC with all of the clinical and volunteering opportunities, I was able to find my true calling in nursing. UIC offers a clinical experience unlike any other college. Being in the heart of a major metropolitan area, our program provides clinical opportunities all across the city to create some of the best learning environments for students. Even before nursing school started, I was able to volunteer at UIC’s very own hospital UI Health to gain early clinical exposure. From underserved communities to some of the most reputable hospitals in the Midwest, these experiences have given me the skills to become one of the most adaptable nurses around. Training for a career in healthcare may seem overwhelming, but the faculty here at the College of Nursing are super supportive and have helped me through the entire process. As a first generation student, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the whole college experience, but UIC has helped me every step of the way. My training here at UIC has more than prepared me for the workforce. The College of Nursing has its very own simulation lab to practice skills in, and our faculty and clinical preceptors keep current with the most up-to-date advanced techniques and nursing skills. That’s why UIC nursing is ranked as one of the best in the nation. My time here at UIC has been unforgettable and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Through all of the experiences and friends that I’ve made here, I truly couldn’t imagine going to any other school. I’m fired up for the next chapter. Take it away, Alex.
– Thank you Niko. As a leader preparing future practitioners in healthcare, UIC also has Colleges of Applied Health Sciences, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, social work, and the School of Public Health. The university is also home to UI Health, which provides patient care, education and research to foster health communities in Illinois and beyond.
Being the first in your family to go to college is a big deal, meet Lavontae. He came to UIC not knowing quite what to expect but he’s found his place and made his debut at UIC both on and off the stage. At UIC, over a third of the student body are first generation. Break a leg Lavontae.
– Thanks Alex, what’s up y’all? You know, being a first gen college student I did not know where to start, but I am so excited that I landed here at the University of Illinois, Chicago. You know, there are tons of great opportunities from the arts to healthcare and STEM, all located in the best city in the world. You know, there is never a dull moment here, whether it’s from being in theater class to competing on the speech team, to just enjoying the city. It’s just UIC baby. One of the biggest reasons I came here is Chicago. Okay, I wanted a traditional campus feel surrounded by a big city. There is literally no better place. UIC Center for Student Involvement helps students take advantage of Chicago with their Flames in the city program, offering everything from tickets to Broadway in Chicago. I mean, you can see shows like “Hamilton,” to kayaking in the Chicago River. Okay, I do not know much about water but I hear it’s fun. Tickets to museums, you can walk around feeling bougie looking at the arts. Six Flags, amusement park trips and so much more. As a member of the speech team, I am proud to say that we’ve been the most successful team in UIC’s history, earning international and state championships. The friends and relationships I have made on the team is one of the main reasons why UIC feels like home. UIC is not only a federally designated minority serving institution with the commitment to supporting underrepresented students, it is also recognized by Campus Pride as one of the best LGBTQ+ friendly colleges and universities in the nation. You know, it’s comforting to go to a university with people with similar backgrounds and similar paths. UIC in Chicago have definitely been the perfect fit for me, whether it comes from the activities, to the classroom or just exploring the city. Okay, sure, coming from the suburbs was overwhelming but eventually I found my fire here at UIC. Okay, was that corny? Okay, well, Alex, I guess we gotta go back to you.
– Not corny at all Lavontae. As a UIC Flame, it sounds like you have met your match. Students meet so many of people alike and different. As a leader among national public universities and with no ethnic majority on campus, UIC is proud of its multiple federal designations as a minority serving institution.
Part of the appeal of college is focusing on things that matter to you. Prarthana was given the freedom to explore her lifelong interests while pursuing her career goals, by taking advantage of UIC’s unique and competitive pathway that guarantees admission into one of more than 20 professional programs. Over to you, Prarthana.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone, education has always been a priority in my family. I knew I wanted a college that would help me explore different academics, research opportunities and my artistic interests. Because I found a program that has already guaranteed me a seat in the medical school, I can explore it all. Here at UIC, I’m combining math and computer science with my pre-med studies. With medicine and technology growing more intertwined, having a computer science background will help me provide better and more innovative care for future patients. UIC’s emphasis on experiential learning encouraged me to get involved in research even as a first year undergraduate. In fact, I’m part of a team studying how nutrients can impact the response of specific chemotherapy drugs on cancer cells. Conducting bench work and working with other driven students and faculty researchers has taught me focus, patience, and persistence with the underlying drive for discovery. UIC does a great job supporting student research. Recently, I was awarded with a travel grant from the UIC Honors College to present at Harvard’s National Undergraduate Research Conference. But I’m not always studying, you can catch me exploring my creative side by learning Bharatanatyam, a South Indian classical dance form. I enjoy performing across Chicago and conducting residencies at Chicago public schools. On campus, I’m part of Downtown Voices, the premier acapella team. We enjoy singing at performances, UIC sports events and even at an occasional Cubs game. I could not have asked for a better college experience. I’ve been able to explore each and every one of my interests in the beautiful heart of the city of Chicago. I can’t wait to continue my future education at the College of Medicine, integrating my research background with patient care. That’s all for me, back to you Alex.
– That’s an amazing example of how the impact from UIC student and faculty research can create a difference in people’s lives, especially for an undergraduate student. Keep up the great work Prarthana, that was awesome.
Okay, let’s meet Luis, he’s studying communications and taking advantage of all that life on campus has to offer. The college experience is about taking opportunities to grow both inside and outside of the classroom, and with the campus in Chicago and so many activities to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll find plenty to explore at UIC. Tell us more Luis.
– Gracias Alex. Hey everyone, ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be that voice on the microphone and while I knew what I wanted to major in, I just needed to find my forever college home. I found everything I was looking for and more at UIC. During my first week as a freshman, I encountered the Involvement Fair, a big event where you can learn about all the different organizations on campus. There, I found UIC Radio, it was a perfect match for me. I wanted a place to represent my culture and so after joining, the first thing I did was start a new show that played exclusively Spanish music. Hosting my own radio show as a UIC student and watching it grow from interviewing local groups to now international Spanish artists has been an amazing experience. These kinds of opportunities help explore my interests and passion and it’s what makes UIC such an exciting campus. When I’m not on the air, you might just find me on the mic as the public address announcer for one of our 18, division 1 sports teams. The thing is, while I found my home at UIC Radio, there are so many ways to find connections from clubs and sports, to meeting people in the classroom. I guarantee if you put yourself out there, you’ll find something for you. No matter what you’re looking for at UIC, there is something that will spark your interest. And my advice when you decide to come to UIC, get involved and join one of our student organizations and be a part of the Flames family. That was my story . Thanks Alex, back to you.
– That’s amazing Luis. It sounds like you found a community that amplified your interests and your voice, go Flames. Thank you for sharing your story with us and giving us a glimpse into student life at UIC.
Let’s talk to Rose from Springfield, Massachusetts. She’s a triple major senior, studying political science, public relations, and media communications. Rose has already jump-started her career with several internships. She’s already building so many connections in Springfield and beyond. Let’s hear what she has to say about AIC preparing students for the workforce. The floor is all yours, Rose.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Growing up right here in Springfield, Massachusetts I couldn’t fathom myself going any further than seven minutes down the road to American International College. Thankfully, all this came to fruition when I won the Kathryn Mauke Memorial Scholarship through AIC’s Model Congress granting me a full tuition scholarship allowing me to further my education on the campus. Choosing the career path that I have has ensured that I can give back to my city as a policymaker. By going to school at AIC, I was able to obtain internships with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. I’m now interning with Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno. Other opportunities I have had are with Congressman Richard Neal of Massachusetts and on the 2020 Senate runoff races of Jon Ossoff and Reverend Warnock of Georgia. These opportunities have opened doors for me and I could not have done it without the career preparation from AIC. When I’m interning, my professors are cheering me on and encouraging me to make connections with those in my field. the AIC community plays a very large role in the city of Springfield. I like to call AIC, the hidden gem of the city. We see our future business people, teachers, and healthcare professionals being created right on this campus. AIC is known for giving back in various ways whether that be students volunteering in the community, or our campus police who host an annual Stuff-a-Cruiser event for children during the holiday season. AIC has done an amazing job in preparing me for my future while fueling my drive for change in the world, all in my own backyard. That’s all from me, Alex. Back over to you.
– What an impressive and promising start to your career, Rose. How awesome is it to apply what you learned from AIC into the world of politics? Students at AIC like Rose, get ahead by building a professional network early. Way to put yourself out there, Rose, thank you for sharing your story.
There are a lot of seniors in this episode so let’s talk to someone who’s just starting at AIC. This is Hector. He’s a freshman studying media and communications but he makes time to be super involved on campus. He’s gonna walk us through your first year at AIC. All right, Hector, tell everyone what freshmen can expect.
– Alex, thank you for such a kind introduction. I’m from La isla del Encanto, Puerto Rico and I am coming from Rio Grande which is home to Puerto Rico’s National Forest El Yunque. I am extremely proud to come from a place whose population has contributed significantly to the Springfield community. Growing up, I had always been athletic, energetic, social, and outgoing child who loved new experiences. Leaving the island and playing volleyball to a collegiate level are two of the reasons I chose to come to AIC. Growing up, I had always been passionate about talking and expressing myself to people in different environments and situations. AIC has given me the opportunity to feed those passions by being in sports and furthering my professional goals which are in the communications field. AIC’s work study program has helped me advance in my major by commentating in women’s volleyball games. The I in AIC is emphasized on this campus where you befriend many international students from all around the world and learn about different cultures. There’s a club here on campus called the Latin American Student Organization, or LASO, that has helped me make new friends from Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Colombia, and a bunch of other Spanish speaking countries. For me, AIC has been a dream come true. It has not only helped me love my major but it has pushed me to be the best version of myself in every aspect of my day-to-day life. AIC prepares you for reality, and pushes you to work hard and be disciplined in order to be successful. AIC has everything you could ask for and I’m more than proud to be a Yellow Jacket. Alex, take it back.
– That’s incredible, Hector. It sounds like you’ve grown into your own at AIC and it’s just your first year at the college. We’re so excited to see what you do with the rest of your time at AIC. Keep up the great work, Hector.
It’s time to meet Arianna, our housing and dining expert. She’s an RA, so she organizes a ton of fun events and activities to bring students together and bond as a community. The residence halls are where AIC students really get to know each other and make the college feel like home. The floor is all yours, Arianna.
– Thank you, Alex, and hi everyone. Just last year I was a shy transfer student hoping to come outta my shell, find a diverse group of people to connect with, and get involved on campus. AIC has been the perfect place for me to grow. I’ve pushed me out of my comfort zone and made new connections by going to cool events, club meetings and becoming a residence assistant. As an RA, I enjoy creating a safe, cohesive, and fun living environment for my residents. I organize programs, learn leadership skills, and make new friends on campus. I love making sure everyone feels safe and supported in their res hall. When I started, I was worried about juggling school, working on campus, and my responsibilities as an RA. It was an adjustment, but here at AIC, the high value placed on academics with support for the whole student experience has helped me maintain my responsibilities. AIC is an easy campus to navigate. We have three main residence halls right here in main campus. Hines Hall, Magna Hall and Pouch Hall right behind me. You can take the shuttle to get to Edge Edwards Complex, which has the suite style rooms at Broadhurst Hall and Edgewood Hall and the traditional doubles at Street Hall. Students 21 and over, get special access to ACORN grad apartments. Our dining options include the dining commons which offers a wide variety of good food and my personal favorite, the Hive, which is a food court. It even has Starbucks. It’s where I love to sit by the cozy fire with my friends and have a snack. I’m excited to put all the invaluable skills I’ve learned from my studies and college experience to good use in the future. But first I’ll continue my MBA here at AIC and start a new internship. All right, Arianna signing off. Back to you, Alex.
– Arianna, thank you for showing us around the res halls. Those students are so lucky to have you as their RA. It sounds like you’re the perfect fit for the role as someone who can lead and be a helpful resource for students. Thanks, Arianna, and good luck on your internship.
Okay, everyone, let me introduce you to Isaiah. He’s super excited to talk about AIG’s School of Business Arts and Sciences. Each program teaches students all the necessary tools they need to succeed in life beyond the classroom, like critical thinking, and problem solving skills. He’s the perfect person to share how students put it all together. You’re up, Isaiah.
– I appreciate that, Alex. What’s going on everyone? I cannot be more proud to say that AIC has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and connections to not only become a better leader but a more positive influence in my community. AIC helped me find my why. Through a program dedicated to first generation college students, my advisors knew me well enough to pick a wide array of classes that I would be interested in earlier on in my college career. My advisors went above and beyond. Oftentimes, I would find myself sitting down having conversations with them about the big questions of life, like what did I wanna do with my life, and how to take the necessary steps to get to that place that I wanted to be. AIC has been a support team that I can rely on. I can approach any professor from the School of Business Arts and Sciences and start a conversation with them anywhere, whether it be about class material, career guidance, or personal advice. The School of Business Arts and Sciences teaches us that there’s great power in obtaining a degree that gives you mobility. I can walk outta my psychology class to have to only head one floor up to talk to my marketing professor. Because of the closeness across majors, it allows students a wide array of opportunities once they graduate. Faculty host lectures in other professors’ classrooms and coordinate group meetings to discuss areas of intersectionality between areas of study. As a psychology major, I now work in a physical therapy clinic. I know, a little bit unconventional but if there’s one thing the School of Business Arts and Sciences has taught me it’s that anything can be connected. Overall, AIC has helped me build the grit and resilience needed to work through the college lifestyle as a first generation college student. Alex, take it back.
– Wow. Isaiah, that’s so cool that you found a way to bridge psychology into other areas you’re passionate about. Students who connect with faculty go really far and you’re showing how to do exactly that. It’s really exciting to see you make those connections. Thank you for checking in. Take care, Isaiah.