Student Post: Nick Borcia

Fan- I am a fan of all kinds of sports and I really enjoy relaxing by watching and analyzing these sports.

Analyst- I think very analytically and like to think deeply about almost everything I do.

Laidback- I am someone who enjoys doing a variety of things and so I like to just do what the group is doing.

Honest- I am a terrible liar and for that reason I make it a priority to be straight up with people when I talk to them.

Competitive- My least favorite memories from growing up were my favorite sports teams losing or my teams I played on losing. It still is something I hate to this day and makes me extra competitive.

Calm- I never really lose my composure and this helps me a lot in a life but also has drawbacks if I need to be more expressive.

Animal lover- I have a dog and love to watch videos of any kind of animal. My favorite animal besides dogs are capybaras because they seem really calm.

Driven- I am someone who hates taking no as answer as a result of my competitiveness so I do what it takes to get things done even if it seems like there is no way to accomplish it.

Reply to: 1837822

Hey Chunke I liked reading your post and really agree with everything you mentioned. Bed is very important however I think donut is even more important. Donuts are amazing and they are my favorite dessert. I agree glazed is good but not the best. What is your second favorite kind of donut?

Reply to: 1838575

Hey Jaydon I like a lot of similar things as you! Especially basketball I started playing late than most in my freshman year but I caught up quick so that has been my favorite sport for a while now. What position do you play in basketball?

Reply to: 1838841

Hey Eddie great post! I also am super excited for the Blackhawks to select Bedard in the upcoming draft. Hopefully that finally get us back to our winning ways. Do you think Bedard and Kane could have started the dynasty up again if we kept Kane?

Student Post: Sophia Matias

Active - I consider myself to be an active person. I enjoy going outside and doing physical activities such as playing sports, biking, swimming, or working out.

Movies - I like to watch movies in my free time. I grew up watching a lot of TV. My family had a large DVD collection when I was younger.  My family would always watch movies together or go to the movie theatre.

Games - I enjoy playing board games and video games with friends. I like Nintendo Switch games. Mario Kart is currently my favorite Nintendo game. I am competitive when it comes to games.

Music - I like listening to music and listening to new artists. I always have headphones on me. I also played the guitar when I was younger and I am trying to learn how to play again.

Food - I consider myself a foodie. I like trying different foods from different cultures. I think trying different types of food exposes me to new experiences.

City - I was born and raised in the city of Chicago. I love that there are many things to do in the city. I like the fast-paced environment and I like how the city is very diverse.

Improvement - I think there is always room to improve. I always try to improve different skills whether its sports, coding, or school-related.

Laugh - I find that I surround myself with funny people. I like when people make me laugh and I try to make other people laugh.

Reply to: 1836970

Hi Curtis, I also enjoy traveling and would like to travel more in the future. I used to have a Squishmellow phase. My favorite squishmellow that I have is a mango, which is my favorite fruit.

Reply to: 1837000

Hi David,

I also enjoy traveling. I have only been out of the US twice but also hope to travel more to other countries in the future. I played tennis for my high school and in my free time as well. Who is your favorite tennis player to watch?

Reply to: 1838188

Hi Sophia,

I also enjoy playing games as well. I have a nintendo switch too. I enjoy playing mario party and mario kart with friends. I enjoy traveling too but I have only been to two countries. What are other countries you have been to?

Student Post: David Waraksa

Analyst: As a Finance Major, I spend a large amount of time analyzing individual companies and the ways in which they interact with markets as a whole.Entrepreneur:  I have an intense interest in the concept of creation, and I feel that the skillsets which Entrepreneurs have are incredibly useful, those skills being the capability of creating a product, brand, or efficient system and being able to nurture their creation to create value.  Books:  I have always been an avid reader, and I feel that the resources and knowledge provided by literature, whether academic or expressive, can greatly help one in the business world.  Technology:  I have a great grasp of technology for the home and a good understanding of technology for business, but I wish to be able to expand my understanding of business technologies throughout this course.  Markets: I pay a large amount of attention to financial markets, as they tie heavily into my education and I feel that being up to date with the economy is one of the greatest ways to get ahead in my field. Cars:  I have recently taken up an interest in the maintenance and modification of motor vehicles, although I have yet to put very much effort into my current car, since I'm taking a "If it isn't broken, don't fix it" approach towards the vehicle.  Preparation:  I like to be prepared for any activity that I participate in, and I highly value the effort that many take to become prepared for something, whether they are preparing for a meeting, exam, or simply hanging out with friends.Consistency:  I feel that consistent practice is the greatest way to improve at something, and I highly value consistency in the actions of individuals.

Student Post: Alice Cao

1. Art: I love to paint and draw. If I was not studying marketing and statistics, I would attend art school. I also enjoy going to art museums, especially the Art Institute.

2. Music: I have to listen to music wherever I walk. I love going to concerts and festivals so I can dance to music with my friends. I just went to Bottle Rock in Napa and it was one of the calmest festivals I've been to.

3. Walks: I grew up in Chicago so I walk everywhere. I don't enjoy spending time indoors so I'll find any chance to take a walk outside.

4. Perseverance: When I set my mind to achieve something, I try and make it a reality. I've been able to travel and meet a lot of new people which is one of my longstanding goals in life.

5. Hoodies: Recently, I started a hoodie business with my friend and it's been nice seeing our friends and family support us. It's a new creative venture I'm excited to embark on.

6. Mountains: I'm sad Chicago is in the flatlands because I love hiking. Despite the intense workout, it's always relieving to make it to the top. I love a challenge.

7. Gelato: I used to work at a gelato shop where we turned gelato into flowers and it marks one of the most heartwarming summers of my life. I also studied in Italy where I lived above a gelato shop.

8. Toaster: I need a toaster to survive because I hate stale and untoasted bread. I like to start my mornings with a peanut butter honey-drizzled slice of toast.

Reply to: 1835157

Hi Tyler, I'm also a foodie! I love to eat and I'm not the best cook, so it's great when I can eat out and try new food pairings and styles of cooking. Sometimes I try to remake them at home but they never taste the same.

Reply to: 1835184

Hi Allison, I love that you are creative! I like to paint and sketch in my free time and I think it's a great outlet to express emotions in different parts of your life.

Reply to: 1835365

Hi Jessica, the Lakefront trail is my favorite spot in Chicago. I recently took my friend biking along there to the Field Museum and it was also his favorite part of the trip.

Student Post: Angie Galo

Athlete-For majority of my life, I have competed in one or more sports. I have competed in gymnastics, track and field and have continued on with division 1 soccer here at the University of Illinois.

Competition- Because I am an athlete, I am naturally very competitive on the field. However, I carry my competitiveness into my school work. Not only am I competing against others to be the best, but I am striving to be the best version of myself everyday.

Soccer- Soccer is a huge aspect of my life. I have always been surrounded by this game. My family has competed at this sport and the majority of my friends are from the various teams I have competed on.

Dogs-I love dogs… I have grown up with dogs for the majority of my life and will continue to have them once I start my own family.

Coffee- Coffee wakes me up everyday. I do not know if I would be able to function without it. I either make my coffee at home, or find a coffee shop nearby. I am currently missing the coffee at Paradiso in Urbana.

Sister- Being a sister is one of my favorite things about myself. I am one of three girls and we are all so close. As we got older, I realized how important my family was and how much I loved spending time with my sisters. They are the best role models.

Harry Potter- Harry Potter was the first series I ever read. I will reread and rewatch any time I can.

Team- I have been a part of a team for a lot of my life. It has become something that I embody. I love working with others, collaborating for a group project by bouncing ideas off one another and pushing each other to do our best for the group.

Reply to: 1835252

Hello Professor!

I love that you put gardener! It makes me think of my mom as she is always out in the yard in the summer time. We love to grow our own cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes, strawberries, and so much more! What is your favorite flower, vegetable, or plant to grow?

Reply to: 1835529

Hi Olivia!

I love baking as well! I actually just finished baking a banana bread from a recipe my mom has used for years!

Reply to: 1835992

Hello Alice!

I LOVE walking too! As I have grown up in the suburbs of Chicago, it has become one of my favorite things to do!

Student Post: Sophia Young

Marketing- I'm currently a marketing major and really enjoy the endless creative possibilities that come with the field. In the future I'd hope to work in digital marketing, preferably within fashion.

Dance- Throughout middle school and high school I did competitive dance and really enjoyed it as a form of expressing myself. It's also a great way to get active, whether you're performing routines or just dancing around your room!

Fashion- Since a young age I've been interested in fashion and trying out different styles. With this, I really value not wasting any resources available, which is why I often go thrifting. It's fun being able to find clothing pieces that are completely unique from others and doing so sustainably at the same time.

Games- I really enjoy any low-stress, relaxing games. Just recently, I bought a Nintendo Switch and have been getting into games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.

Travel- I look forward to traveling during breaks and experiencing new activities and environments. I've been to over 10 countries, my favorite being Costa Rica for its beautiful scenery and culture!

Nature- When I want to get out of the house and enjoy nature I'll often go hiking with my family. When at school, I make sure I take a lot of walks around campus as well, which can be pretty calming.

Music- I love listening to music whenever I'm on the go or at home. My favorite genres are R&B and Hip Hop, but am open to experimenting with music in other genres and languages.

Service- I am highly involved with a volunteer organization on campus, where I can take on many rewarding and transformative opportunities helping the community.

Reply to: 1835942

Hi Karolina,

I also really love traveling and jump on any opportunity that I can! What's your favorite place you've been? Hopefully can take a trip at some point this summer. That's awesome that you're an organized person and are able to fit work, gym, and school into your daily routine! Do you have any tips that you've learned from yourself or others to become more organized?

Hi Alice,

I also really enjoy hiking and taking walks, especially around campus whenever I can! I'm hoping I can go to more concerts/festivals in the future. What was your favorite artist you saw at Bottle Rock? Congrats on starting a new business! What would you tell others hoping to start a new business venture?

Reply to: 1836237

Hi Angie! I also really enjoy dogs, coffee, and Harry Potter. I'm also hoping when I finish up school I can get a dog of my own. Any favorite breed? I was obsessed with Harry Potter as a kid and especially loved going to Harry Potter world at Universal Studios! I've been making my coffee at home as well since its been getting expensive lately, especially at big brands like Starbucks.

Student Post: Rosalind Chang

Student - I am a student at the University of Illinois. A student is one of the best nouns to describe me because I have been a student since a long time ago.

Helpful - I am willing to help others when they need help. In team works or RSO, I always aim to lend a helping hand.

Responsible - I am always responsible for my own work. I take ownership of my actions and commitments. People can trust me to follow through on tasks and responsibilities entrusted to me.

Open-minded - I am open to lots of interesting ideas and opinions. I embrace new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. I am open to constructive criticism and feedback, as I understand that it helps me grow and learn.

Reliable - My friends and teammates can rely on me. People can trust that I will be there when needed and that I will follow through on my responsibilities. I have a strong work ethic and take personal accountability for my actions.

Flexible - I am flexible and open to any ideas, and I am always ready for changes. I embrace change and adapt easily to new situations.

Understanding - I put myself into others' shoes and understand them. I approach others with empathy and compassion. I also strive to comprehend the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of those around me.

Dog-lover - I love dogs! I have three dogs at home. During my free time, I walk my dog, chill with them and train them. I also love bringing them to parks or camping.

Hi Angie, I am also a huge dog lover! I have three dogs back home and had dogs since I was a child. I am also the youngest sister in my family. I also love coffee and need coffee also everyday!

Hi Cutirs, music is also a noun that describes me. I love listening to music and podcasts when doing work or going on a walk. Food is also one of my biggest interests. I love eating all kinds of food when I go on a trip.

Hi David, I also love spending time outdoors! I enjoy going on hikes and going to beaches. I also enjoy looking into new recipes, and I also love baking. I also mentioned a helper in my post. I like to help others whenever I can.

Student Post: Eddie Esgar

1. Finance: I am incoming Senior studying finance. I love thinking about solving problems in the financial world, and hope to go into consulting,

2. Sports: I love to play sports, and played football and volleyball in high school. Nowadays I mainly play pickup basketball and watch sports on TV. I am a huge Chicago sports fan and am excited about the Blackhawks' new draft pick.

3. Phone: I like my phone a little too much, not games or social media but podcasts and shows. It is definitely something I should fix in the future, maybe a New Year's resolution.

4. Movies: In my free time I love watching movies, as it is something I do to relax after long days. My favorite movies are The Departed and No Country For Old Men. I like many genres as well, but as long as it is a good story I will watch it.

5. Hard Work: I like to believe I am a hard worker. Sometimes, numbers do not come the easiest to me, but I try and put as much time in to make sure I learn and improve.

6. Collaboration: Group projects and collaborative work are what I believe I excel at. I like to think I work well in teams to make sure everything is done right and there is a positive vibe.

7. Friends: I love hanging out with friends and getting to know new people. I have a close group of home friends, and we hang out after work a lot during the summer, which is something I will be doing a lot when home from school since none of them go to UIUC.

8. Chess: Chess is the only game I will play on my phone or computer. I played in elementary school and was pretty good, and after watching Queens Gambit on Netflix I got back into the game and haven't stopped playing since.

Reply to: 1836360

Hi Sophia,

I love watching movies in my free time too, and I used to have a bunch of DVDs when I was younger, so that's very relatable. What's your favorite movie? I also like what you said about improvement, it is similar to the saying of you can learn anything if you put your mind to it.

Reply to: 1837506

Hi Kacper, while not a car guy myself, I do have an appreciation for them, what is your dream car? I also like watching sports on the TV, for me it's football, soccer (real football), and basketball, what about you?

Hi Jaydon, I also like almost every genre besides country. Who is your favorite artist/band? I haven't gotten a chance to hike in Illinois, but it is something I have been wanting to do.

Reply to: 1838994

Hopefully Nick! I remember watching us win multiple Stanley Cups. Getting a draft pick like Bedard is incredible for the franchise, now we have to build around him. To answer your question, I do believe if we kept Kane, we could be extremely competitive for years to come. You never know with hockey though!

Student Post: Shaunie Talapatra

Conversationist: I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and their backgrounds and it rarely takes me long to have people open up to me about their stories and even issues.

Helper: Nothing is more important to me than making someone else's life a little easier especially those who make mine

Cookbook: I personally don't ever use one, and just bank on my skills and memories to make any dish I want- thus making me the cookbook

Analyst: I tend to over analyze people and think about why things happen the way they do for probably too long

Problem Solver: I like tinkering with things that don't make sense and spend long spurts of time focusing on a specific issue that I am trying to resolve

Comedian: Not as funny as an actual comedian, but I usually make those around me laugh.

Searcher: I have always been curious about more fundamental aspects of daily life and the subject of society and learning about its problems

Diligence: I am always trying to complete work in an optimal way with no shortcuts and to please whoever it is supposed to benefit.

Student Post: Curtis Smith

Music - I put down music because it has a very heavy impact on not only personality, but how I am able to connect with other individuals. I love how music has the ability to draw and connect different people from diverse backgrounds.

Food - Very similar to music, food is another huge interest of mine. Of course food is very essential to ones survival, but when I mention food I mean the culture background and weight that is held from its creation. A bit dramatic, but who doesn't love food?!

Business - I put down business simple because of two things; the first being I am currently enrolled, like many of us here, in many business courses so business in itself already plays a very big part in my life. Secondly, i just like to "get down to business" when it comes to anything. A big part of my personality is finding new ways to explore and learn, the way to go about doing that is to "Get down to business."

Volleyball - I put volleyball here simply because it is a huge passion of mine. Being active as well as being able to play an amazing sport brings me so much joy. This past school year I had the privilege to play on IMVB, or Illinois Men's Volleyball Club Team.

Friends - One things about me is that I hold my friends very very dear to me. I believe that my friends have a huge impact in my life, they're big supporters and motivators that I wish to hold on to dearly.

Fashion - Another big interest of mine would definitely have to be fashion. In itself people tend to over look the creative aspects of fashion, being being color theory, body proportions, style, etc. Fashion has allowed me in my life show my own individual expression, bringing light to who I am as a person.

Squishmellows - Now this is a bit random, but squishmellows have been my recent hyper-fixation. I thought it would be interesting to add something funny or unique that someone may also agree on, Squish-mellows are REALLY CUTE!Travel - Something that I want to pursue, at least sometime in my life, is to travel to a variety of countries learning about the diverse cultures that the world has to offer. This kinda goes had and hand with food and music, but just being able to take in all that the world has to offer, music and food being two big important key factors in culture, as well as fashion!

Reply to: 1835165

Hi Ryan,

I'm very glad to see that there are more competitive people out there. I sometimes feel like I can't let my competitive nature loose, I always get the feeling that I may be a bit overwhelming!

Hello Jessica,

I noticed that you and I share a lot of similar nouns such as volleyball and travel/traveler. The places that you listed for travel sounds very interesting, it makes me wonder what the food and the culture was like!

Reply to: 1836816

Hello Scott, I totally agree with friends, I have always thought that my friends are my second family. Sometimes I would go far to say many of them I could consider to be family!

Student Post: David Diep

Outdoors - I enjoy spending a lot of time outside. Whether it's biking, running, hiking, going on a stroll, or doing anything active outside, I will usually have a good time. I love the fresh air from being outside and the warm sun.

Chef - While I'm not experienced in the kitchen, I enjoy experimenting with recipes that I find online. I like to eat many foods, as there aren't many things that I don't find tasty. I think I could've been a personal chef in another life.

Tennis Player - In my free time, my top choice is to play tennis. I also find watching tennis very entertaining.

Crafts - I've always gravitated to crafts such as origami, painting, and coloring with chalk. I find doing crafts to be relaxing, fun, and a way to be creative.

Music - I listen to a lot of music and usually listen to radio music. I find that it can lift the mood and add a lot to a space.

Animals - When I'm older, I imagine myself having many pets such as dogs, cats, fish, and birds. I find them very fun and entertaining to be around and would love to own a variety.

Helper - I enjoy helping others learn new things. I'm currently a tennis coach and used to tutor math and science. I really like working with others to achieve their goals.

Traveler - I like to explore new places, try new foods, and learn new things. While I've never been out of the country, I could definitely see my future self visiting many countries. I also think it'd be cool to learn new languages and cultures.

Hi Tyler,

I also really enjoy watching movies. Most recently, I watched the new Super Mario movie. I thought it was such a fun adventurous movie and would definitely recommend you checking it out, if you haven't already. You also mentioned being a foodie. What's your favorite type of food?

Hi Allison,

I also enjoy playing recreational sports. Volleyball is always a good time and recently I've been getting into pickle ball. It's not too hard to pick up and has become very popular lately! You also mentioned liking t.v. I haven't watched Grey's Anatomy, but one medical drama I've watched is the Resident. What is the Sandlot about?

Hi Professor,

I'm also a procrastinator and have been wanting to work on being better at doing things early. At least that's what I've been telling myself since high school. You also mentioned being a gardener! I'd love to get into gardening and growing my own food. What are some things you're growing?

Student Post: Jaydon Hostetter

Basketball - I have played since I was little and still do when I have free time. Great way to stay in shape and meet new people.

Trail - I like to hike and there are a lot of good trails to do so where I live. Its a way that I relax and enjoy nature while also getting exercise.

Games - I enjoy games of all types. Video games, board games, 5v5, it doesn't matter what kind of game I'm open to playing. I enjoy video games the most as it is cool to see advancements in technology as I have gotten older in some of my favorite games.

Competition - One of the reasons that I enjoy games and basketball so much is because I am very competitive. I like to compete and they both are outlets.

Travel - I have lived in a lot of different places and I am used to traveling a lot. I've lived in TX, VA, KY, to name a few before I ended up here in Illinois.

Music - I love to listen to music and will listen to any genre besides country. I used to play the drums when I was younger.

Festival - Building off my love for music I also like to go to concerts/festivals. My hometown holds a music festival every year that always incorporates music from many different genres.

Technology - I like to keep up with the latest innovations in technology because of how much it has shaped every day human life. I find it very interesting how the world has evolved over time with advancements in technology and how much easier everyday tasks can be completed using computers, devices, etc.

Student Post: Kacper Majka

Student- I am a student at UIUC. I am an upcoming senior in the Gies Business School with a major in management. I am a passionate learner who is ready to take on new tasks.

Sports- I am big into sports I have played many throughout my life and enjoy watching them on the tv.

Athletic/Fit- I enjoy working out and staying in shape.

Beach- I enjoy being on the beach and in the water during the summer months, hanging out with friends and doing water related sport activities.

Traveler- I enjoy traveling and want to visit as many places as possible. My interests are national parks and more parts of Europe.

Work- I am a big hardworker weather it be at home, at school or at work. I take work really serious and this will be a good transition for me when I graduate.

Food- I enjoy trying new tastes from around the world and being Polish our food is really tasteful so I enjoy eating Polish food.

Cars- I am big into cars part of the reason is because of the Fast and Furious franchise. I have a big interest in talking about cars.

Hello Professor,

I am an Apple fan aswell. I have most of my boxes from my devices aswell. It's a good thing to have when selling an item, that's why I hold onto them.

Hi Olivia,

A night with family or friends and playing some cards or boardgames is a great night spent. Especially since you bond together and get away from technology for a few hours. Do you have any favorite board games? Mine would be life or Monopoly.

I also am a big traveler, are there any places you have on your bucket list to visit? For me it's to see national parks and to visit lots of places in Europe. I enjoy the architecture and culture over there.

Reply to: 1836440

Hi Giulia,

I liked your detailed list you provided. I am also big into the gym and staying fit. I tend to pursue a healthy lifestyle aswell since it's important what you put in your body. Sometimes it's hard when others around me are eating sweets or junk food. What's your go to meal?

Student Post: Julio Cornejo

Cats - I am an avid cat lover and have two short-haired white cats. I am passionate about arguing against the average dog lover who reasons that cats cannot be loving pets. While a little more independent, I appreciate their independence and cleanliness.

Leadership - Over the last few semesters, my leadership skills diminished. I became aloof and consumed only by my coursework. Just now, I have been more open to leadership positions. I am currently working as a New Student Registration Assistant and lead a group of students daily as they navigate course explorer and self-service for the first time.

Engineer - Efficiency and optimization are two certain words I live by. As a computer engineer, I enjoy the duality of exploring the wonders of circuit design and still manage the time to sit down and craft solutions in many programming languages.

Boxing - I am not a fan of many sports but boxing is delightful to watch. Something about the technique, footwork, and conditioning required to last 12 rounds is fascinating. My favorite fighter is Canelo Alvarez. I have a set of gloves and enjoy the destructive therapy from hitting the heavy bag; I also love sparring and the cardio workout.

Gaming - In my free time, I can be found on the Call of Duty servers enjoying a few multiplayer games. I love competitive games with communication. I play Xbox and love my Xbox Series X console. I also enjoy making games; my most recently finished project was a re-creation of Namco's Rally-X written in SystemVerilog.

Dedication -When I set my mind on an achievable goal, I put my mind to it. I can accomplish it. Two summers ago, I promised to save for my car by working manual labor on top of my studies. I proudly parked an obnoxiously loud Mustang GT this summer in my parking space.

Rap - When I feel lonely or heartbroken, my therapy sessions are on Spotify. I love listening to rap music when I am in a mood to moshpit or cry. My favorite artist is JuiceWRLD. I love his lyric content; he went to a local high school near me, and hearing the stories from people that knew him was inspiring.

Family - As a first-generation Hispanic student, family means everything to me. My parents put so much at risk for me to be able to live and study in the United States. My greatest fear is letting them down.

Reply to: 1837878

Hey, David! I wanted one of my words to put "Cars" as one of my words because I just purchased my first car this summer. Like you, I am interested in modifications but have so much to learn. I purchased my car (Mustang GT) with exhaust modifications, which is brutally loud. I have a long journey to learn about maintenance, and I have a similar stage on the broken and fix approach. I like how another one of your words is "Books." I want my summer to be full of a little more reading.

Reply to: 1839337

Hey, Sara! I think your responses are very creative and speak volumes about how much of kind and approachable person you are! Like you, I love watermelon, especially now that it's summer; it's my go-to treat. I think it's neat how you can adapt well to groups or your energy changes to match a group's vibe or energy. I am a bit more stubborn; a little emotional bump in the day can change my entire mood, even when in a group setting.

Student Post: Max Min

Ambition, Diligence, Resilience, Soccer, Music, Korea, Computer, IT

Ambition - I am ambitious in a lot of ways. I always try to extend my limits.

Diligence - I do my work regularly. I try to not procrastinate.

Resilience - I recover fast from a failure. I consider failure as a way to learn.

Soccer - I like playing soccer. My favourite team is Manchester United.

Music - My hobby is listening to Coldplay music. I am learning how to play the guitar.

Korea - I am South Korean. I was born in Korea and moved around the world.

Computer - I am a Computer Science major. However, I am very interested in starting my own business so I decided to minor in business

IT - I am very interested to go to the IT industry. This class would be a great insight for me.

Hi Tyler! I am also a big Marvel fan. I really enjoyed the recent Guardians of the Galaxy movie. You should watch it if you haven't

Hi Ryan!

I love soccer as well! It is very unique to find a QPR fan. I used to follow their team because Jisung Park was there for a while.

Hi Jessica.

I am also into travelling around places. At the beginning of the year I went to Europe by myself and it was an unforgettable memory.

Student Post: Tyler Bihun

Athlete - I am a hockey play and have played for the last 16 years of my life, while also playing here on campus. I didn't want to narrow it down to one sport, so I described myself as an athlete, as I am always up for playing whatever sport available. I love being active and spend most my days playing basketball, tennis, hockey, while also working out, by lifting and running.

Learner - I really identify as a learner because I'm always wanting to be well versed in news and new developments. I love listening to educational podcasts and reading news articles on twitter or on the New York Times.

Social Media - I love sharing my identity on social media, by curating posts on instagram and tik-tok. I make efforts to share pictures and videos from trips I take, while also sharing fun updates about my life.

Finance - I am studying Finance and IS here on campus, and have strong interests learning more about the finance world to see where that takes me. I find Finance interesting and want to pursue a career in it.

Movies - My free time is often spent watching new movies. I love Marvel movies, rom-comedies, and practically anything out there.

Sports - I added sports because I follow my teams heavily. I follow all Chicago sports teams and am really into Illinois Basketball here on campus. I was raised from a huge sports family, so I was definitely forced into it.

Technology - As part of being a learner I am really interested in learning about new technology developments that are making our world better. I listen to a podcast called The Future of Everything, and it dives into new technology advancements.

Food - I'm a really big foodie and aspire to try new food on a weekly basis. I love cooking, but also love going out to eat at new restaurants when I'm traveling and on the go.

Hi Ryan!

Your love for sports is really awesome, and I can relate in a lot of ways. I love that you have made efforts to give back to the sports you have played by being a good influence for the players you're in charge of. Coaches are really good mentors and through my background in hockey I have been introduced to many coaches who have left me with great lessons, something it seems like you will follow suit in doing.

I am also a foodie and make efforts to try new places each week. If you haven't you should definitely try Cowboy Monkey for some good Mexican food in downtown Champaign. Being the oldest sibling in your family seems interesting, I'm sure it's given you a lot of lessons on being a parental role in some ways.

Hi Jessica,

It's super cool that you identify yourself as a traveller. I haven't been to that many other countries, so it's cool to see others explore new places. Paris, Prague, and Vienna all seem unreal, I hope you had a good time. I'm glad you go to try new food as well, that's something I strive to do when traveling.

Student Post: Ashwin Vaidyanathan

Chef - I have always loved to cook and try to create new dishes and creations. It started from my love of watching cooking shows to being able to make my own pasta or sushi from scratch.

Consultant - I have never been someone who loves to work in one industry or a certain profession, but I have always loved problem solving and trying to use any knowledge I have collected to solve problems at hand

Resilient - I do my best to get back when I fall down, but recently since college started I have refused to give up or let up in something. Failure is almost invited now because it gives me a chance to learn and grow

Movie - I love watching different movies from ones from our childhood like How to Train Dragon (one of my all time favorite movies) to some iconic ones like God Father, Good Will Hunting or any Christian Nolan movie

Humor - I love to make jokes, it's my way of communicating and relating to people. From making different puns to anything funny on social media, I am all for it

Sleepy - Sleeping is my favorite activity. I am one of the biggest proponents of naps and the thought of using your free time to sleep. It is one of the best activities someone can do

Competitive - I am someone who is very competitive and inherently hates to lose. In general losing build character but either way I don't like it. Anything from Mario Kart to a simple game of tic tac toe, I will do my best to not lose.

Music: I love listening to music, I think on spotify last year I had over 100 hours of playing time, which for me is a lot. It can vary from hip-hop to classical, I just need to listen to something when I am working

Hi Tyler, I also love to eat various types of food, it is always cool to try new cuisine and in general try different things. I also think seeing our world being shaped by new technological developments such as Open AI is really cool and interesting.

Hi Ryan, I love gaming as well.  It's a great way to spend down time and I am also a huge fan of football and basketball, which can relate to gaming too which is fun

Hi Allison, I love trying different foods to, my favorite in particular is sushi because of the variety! However, I also love Italian food, especially gnocchi when it comes to pasta.

Student Post: Giulia Boggio

Latin America: I'm an international student from Peru and I relate very well with people from Latin America. We all have the same culture and share very similar life experiences. Nevertheless, I love meeting people from all around the world and learning from different cultures!

Desserts: I love cooking but especially baking, it is one of my favorite hobbies. I like baking any type of desserts but I really enjoy making cinnamon rolls. My favorite dessert by far to eat is carrot cake.

Gym: I like working out, and I have a very healthy lifetsyle. Although I like baking, I also like balance so engaging in physical activity is very important for me, both physically and mentally.

Structure: I am very organized and like planning and structuring my daily activities and having a month overview. I like to structure my time so that I have time to do what I need to do and what I like to do. I like writing things down in my agenda, I still use a paper agenda because it is much nicer and allows me take a small break from technology (something I will be seeing a lot for the next 8 weeks!)

Alumni: I'm graduating from UIUC this summer!! I loved my experience here and Champaign has a very special place in my heart. I wanted to mention this since it means that this is one of the last classes I will be taking here. <3

Coffee: I'm a huge coffee fanatic and I cannot go a day without drinking it. I love any type of coffee but my favorite type will always be a good shot of espresso. If i'm feeling like something lighter I'll drink an iced latte with soy or oatmilk. For anyone on campus, brewlab is my favorite place ever and I will miss this place with all my heart, everything there is so so good. I wanted to mention coffee because my brain cannot function without it!

Graduate school: I'm applying for a graduate program on technology management so I think this class will be a great way to expose me to some of the topics I will be seeing. I am really interested in business and technology topics and would like to orient my future towards these areas.

Music: I like listening to music and have different playlists for different activites such as my cleaning playlist, gym playlist, chill playlist, party playlist, etc. Music makes my day so much more enjoyable and it has become part of my routine to listen to music all day. My favorite music group is Fleetwood Mac but I enjoy listening to almost any genre. Additionally, I like playing the violin but unfortunately I had to leave my violin back home when I moved to college so I haven't played it ever since.

Entrepreneur: I have an entrepreneurial spirit and would like to eventually open my own business. Before moving to college I had an online business where I used to sell homemade healthy snicker bars. It was a great hit and I managed to save money. Since I moved to college I had to leave my business aside but I know that when I go back home I can re open it and implement more of my knowledge to make major imporvements and make my business grow.

Extrovert: I'm and outgoing and expresive person. I love socializing with people and going out to fun interactive plans. I like meeting new people and exchanging my ideas and experiences. Don't hesitate to contact me! :)

Hi Karolina! I also really enjoy cooking and there's nothing better than a homemade meal. What recipes have you tried out lately?

Hi Angie! I also love coffee and cannot start my day without it. Have you tried brewlab? is right in front of the Canes and it is my favorite coffee place on campus by far.

Hi Sophia! I'm alo a foodie an like trying new restaurants and different types of foods. I'm intering this summer in Chicago so which restaurant would you recommedn me?

Ooops I did 10 instead of 8 nouns so enjoy my very long post! :)

Reply to: 1837548

Hi Kacper! I really like making wraps since they are super versatile and easy to make!

Student Post: Karolina Rzadkosz

Tennis - I used to play tennis on my high school tennis team. I still love to play but I don't get to play as often since I don't have as much time anymore. This is one of my favorite hobbies.

Kitchen - I have recently begun to enjoy cooking. Coming back from college has made me appreciate homemade meals a lot more and so I have been trying out a lot of different recipes in my free time.

Math -  I love working with and analyzing numbers. This was my favorite subject in school since I can remember. I love looking at things from mathematical/numerical perspectives.

Organization - I am a very organized person that enjoys creating lists for anything and everything. I am very detail-oriented and like to have everything in order at all times.

Accounting - I am an accounting major. I took a few classes in high school and really enjoyed them which is what made me pursue it in college. My goal is to get my CPA in the next couple of years.

Airport - I love traveling and visiting new places. My goal in life is to visit as many places as possible. I am a person that loves to try new things and I really enjoy learning about the different cultures all around the world.

Beach - I love being outside and going to the beach is probably one of my favorite places to go. I love warm weather and tanning. I try to go to the beach as often as I can during the summer. Even though some people may think it's boring, I love to just lay on the beach and could probably do it for hours.

Growth - I love to constantly find ways to become better. This is in every aspect of my life from school, to work, to the gym. I am always trying to improve and once I reach my goals I always find myself creating new ones to improve more.

Hi Tyler! I am also a huge foodie. I love trying new places and that is definitely one of the things that me and my friends enjoy doing the most. I have recently also really gotten into cooking so I have been trying out a lot of new recipes. What are some of your favorite restaurants?

Hi Allison! That is so cool that you have 3 other sisters. I'm an only child and I often wonder what it would be like having a lot of siblings. I am also really big on TV shows. I started Grey's Anatomy and I loved it but I never finished the entire show. Surprisingly I've never watched The Sandlot but I have heard from many people that it's very good!

Hi Jessica! I also had organization as one of my nouns because I also love to be organized. My planner is with me at all times during the school year. I also love traveling. I have never been to Paris, Prague, or Vienna but I definitely want to visit all three of those places at least once. It's so cool that you got to visit! My favorite place to visit is Poland because most of my family is there. I've already been there 10 times and am going to visit again in 2 months which is exciting.

Student Post: Vishal Sachdev

Learner - I first identify as an avid learner. Always curious and wanting to learn about things, sometimes at the expense of actual work:)

Procrastinator - Im thinking about delaying writing this post. Enough said

Technologist - Love all things tech and might even be an armchair developer, and now very happy that chatGPT can write code for me.

Gardener - Summer time -->> Garden time

Reader- Voracious reader, but not books. Newsletters, sometimes 10,000-word articles or more. Reading these days about AI/blockchain/Crypto and tech in general.

Apple fanboy - I even keep all the boxes of all phones, watches, laptops, ipads. My attic is full :)

I'm tired now. Six is enough. Next time I'll change the assignment to six nouns.

Hi Tyler,

Welcome! Checking out Future of everything now! If you are interested in tech in general, I highly recommend the newsletter/podcast by Packy McCormick- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-boring/id1527421931

I was at the quad recently and saw the poster for the summer movies. I plan to watch some there.

Hi Ryan,

Welcome. Coaching sounds fun. My son is a tennis player, and just getting into coaching over summer. Might as well get paid for something you love to do.

Welcome. I love Mexican food too. Very close in flavor to Indian food. I tried being a comedian with dad jokes, but I was shot down :(

Reply to: 1836239

Hi Angie,

My favorite would be peppers! Easy to grow and adds a kick :)

Reply to: 1837019

It's good to have a fellow procrastinator here. I'm up early to finish a paper, but instead, I'm chatting with you all. Classic symptoms...

Growing tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, and peppers.

Student Post: Jake Ash

Scientist - While on a leave of absence from the University, I enrolled in a coding bootcamp that taught me the skills to become a Data Scientist. After completing the bootcamp, I worked as a Data Scientist for a year in Chicago. After graduating, I plan on returning to the same field.

Competitor - I travel across the States to participate in a variety of Fighting Game tournaments, the most recent being Combo Breaker. Being naturally competitive, this avenue allows me to embrace this aspect of myself.

Rower - I took up rowing as a sport during high school. After graduation, I worked as a coach in this sport for slightly over a year, and I'm planning to return to it this summer.

Games - I've been playing video games for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories was receiving a Gameboy Advance as a birthday present. They continue to be a significant part of my life, with some of my closest friendships formed through traveling to compete in video game tournaments.

Water -  I love being near any type of open water. When I moved to Virginia in the fifth grade, I frequently found myself near one of the many local rivers whenever the opportunity arose. If I ever feel overwhelmed, I visit either Lake Michigan or the Chicago River to find a sense of peace.

Clothes - A more recent interest of mine is fashion. Fashion provides a new avenue for self-expression, allowing me to reflect my personality through my wardrobe.

Builder - I find great joy in working with my hands. Whether I'm building computers, keyboards, furniture, or even an entire boat rack, I love the creative process of crafting something from scratch. I enjoy seeing the fruits of my labor take form in real-time through the projects I undertake.

Friends - Personal relationships are my main motivator in life. I cherish celebrating the highlights of my life and those of my friends, supporting each other through hardships, and creating enduring memories. These relationships inspire me to live my best possible life. I wouldn't be where I am today without my friends, and I strive to offer them the same strength they provide me.

Hey Sophia! I am pretty competitive when it comes to Mario Kart as well, I'm happy I have another person in here who enjoys it as well. I am looking forward to working with you during our class!

Reply to: 1837848

Hey Chunke! Yeah, Data Science was a big switch from my original plan of Accounting. I took programming classes all throughout high school however, so I already knew that I enjoyed the subject enough to consider pursuing it. The game I travel to compete in is Dragonball Fighterz, so I'd say that is definitely my favorite game to play. A couple of weeks ago Street Fighter 6 came out, and I have been having a blast learning it and I plan to compete in it as well.

Hey Scott! I too love all types of animals, and I used to help around a family friend's farm when they needed an extra pair of hands. You mentioned volunteering at animal shelters is really cool, and I am going to look up shelters near me to help out at! I too am looking forward to seeing your competitiveness during this class

Reply to: 1839168

Hey Max, I just recently got into watching soccer because my roommate is also a huge Manchester United fan, cool to see someone else who likes the same team! Hopefully, we can find a way to talk about them during our assignments.

Student Post: Sara Nemec

Heart- Hearts represent love. They represent care for something or someone. I am a person who cares a lot, maybe too much. And I give lots of love to the people I hold close to my heart.

Watermelon- Watermelons are the best and sweetest in summer. I also seem to be the sweetest and at my best in the summer time because I love warm weather and being outside.

Shoes- Shoes come in all shapes and styles and you require certain shoes for certain occasions. Like shoes, my energy changes according to the setting or occasion. If it's a fun, party day then I am upbeat and easy going, but if I need to be professional then I am focused, driven, and serious.

Water- Water flows and easily fits into any container. My personality is like water because I am easy going and I get along with most people. I am a people person and I fit into groups well.

Sweater- Sweaters are cozy and comfortable. I feel like I am an approachable person and I comfort others when they need someone to listen or help.

Coffee- I am just like coffee and not just because I love it so much! I am like coffee because my energy motivates others like caffeine in coffee does.

House- Houses protect families that live within it. Houses are strong. I am like a house because I am strong willed and very protective of the ones I love.

Book- Books contain lots of knowledge and a story in its pages. I am always learning new things in order to hold as much knowledge as a book. And I too have a story that I am proud of.

Hey Karolina!! I love your post!! I can relate to your post a lot because I love tennis so much too! I love traveling as well but I want to do it more! Where is your dream vacation place?

Reply to: 1839263

Great Post Shaunie! I wish I could consider myself a comedian! I can crack a few good jokes once in a while but I am sure you have better ones than I do!

Reply to: 1839334

Hello Kevin!! I can say that I relate to being a foodie myself. I love food! Trying new foods with my mom is my favorite because her reactions are always the funniest, especially when we try to make something new and it doesn't come out right!

Student Post: Allison Cerullo

Athlete - I grew up playing Softball and it is still a big part of my life. Additionally, I enjoy playing many different recreational sports including bowling and volleyball.

Sister - I am the oldest of 4 girls. My family is very important to me and I always try to be there for my sisters.

Mentor - I try to be a role model to the younger people in my family and my friends. They always come to me for advice.

Foodie - I love trying new foods and restaurants. My favorite cuisines are Mexican and Italian! I frequently go out to different places with friends and family.

TV - I love to watch tv shows and movies. My favorite TV show is Grey's Anatomy and my favorite movie is The Sandlot.

Business - I have always had a love for business which is why I chose my career path. I love the stability of a career in business and the opportunity to pursue many different paths.

Creativity - I enjoy creating things. Such as doing arts and crafts and painting. My inner creativity really comes out in my marketing classes as I love to make ads and post on social media!

Comedian - I love to make people laugh. I am always the jokester in my family and friend groups. I believe that everything can be made better with a good joke!

I am also a big foodie. My favorite dish to cook is baked feta pasta. Also, I like all Chicago sports teams, but the Cubs are my favorite baseball team.

It's cool that you like to play games! I also enjoy playing Xbox and my VR Headset. It's great that you enjoy reading books. I wish that I could enjoy reading as it is a great way to continue learning!

I also struggled to come up with those last 2 nouns. I wish that I could be good at gardening. All of the plants I get always die! I used to be a big procrastinator, but I have recently learned how to pace myself in assignments and get ahead early on deadlines.

Hi Jessica!

I also love to travel! I have always wanted to go to Paris. I definitely recommend visiting Portugal, it was beautiful! It's a great skill to be organized and will help you in the future. Nice to meet you!

Student Post: Jessica Yee

Student - My full time occupation is being a student. I am constantly learning inside as well as outside the classroom.

Volleyball - I have played volleyball since middle school. I find myself to be a little competitive, but I have always loved volleyball because it was a great form of exercise.

Photographer - I love capturing the beauty of little things through photography. My camera roll is usually filled with photos of pretty skies, aesthetic foods, or things I like.

Organization - I find myself to be a very organized person. During the school year, I liked to have a planner where I can write down all my assignments, and events.

Traveler - I like to discover new things and go to new places. This past month, I travelled to Paris, Prague, and Vienna. These are all countries I have never been to, so it was nice to explore and try new foods.

Dog - While I do not own any pets, I love dogs. I have friends that have dogs, and I love to take them on walks and play with them.

Active - I am always looking for something to do. This past week, I have taken on biking as a hobby and love to bike along the lakefront trail in Chicago.

Artist - I like to take on projects around the house. I enjoy interior design and crocheting.

Hi Tyler,

I love that you share your life on social media and I also love trying new foods. I'm from Chicago and I plan on trying some new restaurants over the summer!

Hi Ryan,

I find myself to also be a competitive person, I used to play volleyball. I also saw that you are into TV shows, a currently show I'm watching is Modern Family.

I am also the oldest sibling in my family and find that it can sometimes be overwhelming to be a role model. Do you have some advice for how you remain calm when everyone seems to be relying on you? Other than that, I am also big on trying new foods!

Reply to: 1835774

Thank you for the recommendation! Portugal is definitely on the list of places I want to visit next semester when I'm abroad!

Student Post: Zhaoyuan Wang

Student: I am an enthusiastic learner, actively engaged in acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and expanding my understanding in various subjects.Leader: I possess strong leadership qualities, guiding and inspiring others towards a common goal, taking charge when needed and fostering a positive and collaborative environment.Marketer: I specialize in marketing, utilizing strategies and tactics to effectively promote products or services, reaching and engaging target audiences to drive business growth.Gamer: I enjoy immersing myself in the world of online games, finding enjoyment and challenge in virtual environments while honing my problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.Cook: I have a passion for cooking, unleashing my creativity and culinary skills to create delicious meals that bring joy and satisfaction to myself and others.Explorer: With a curious and adventurous spirit, I love exploring new places, trying different activities, and immersing myself in diverse cultures to expand my horizons and gain new experiences.Learner: I am a lifelong learner, always seeking new knowledge and actively pursuing opportunities for growth and self-improvement in various areas of my life.Innovator: I have an innovative mindset, constantly seeking ways to improve, create, and find unique solutions to problems, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and embracing new ideas.

Hi Sophia! I am foodie too! And, I am a chef. Sometimes I mess up with my "experimental cooking" but most times my friends love the food I cook. I love different style of cuisine!

Hi Guilia,

I love desserts but I never start to learn how to bake them. I also love working out at gym. I enjoy cross-fit and HIIT such as boxing. The heartbeats make me feel alive.

Hi Curtis,

I love playing volleyball as well, although I am in the beginner level. The team work is the most interesting part for me. I enjoy the shouting aloud after my team score.

Student Post: Olivia Koziol

Student : I am currently a senior at the University of Illinois studying Operations Management.

Intern : This summer I am interning for a company in Champaign for management operations. This has been a fun job so far and I am excited to continue learning!

City : I am from Champaign, Illinois and I am very familiar with this city and the surrounding towns.

Baking : In my free time I enjoy baking new recipes I have found on the internet or old one's that I love.

Family: I enjoy spending time with my family and helping them with projects around the house. One recent project we completed was tearing apart some old gardening boxes that were outside.

Games : I enjoy games from cards, boardgames, or digital. In some of my free time I like to play Stardew Valley on the Nintendo Switch. I would recommend this game to anyone who is new to this device and wants to play a single player game that has a story line.

Exercise : I think getting up to move whether it's walking, lifting weights, or cardio is a great way to relieve stress and feel healthier. I enjoy walking around campus or going to the ARC for exercise.

Art: I like to draw or crochet for fun. I always find new projects to start that I find interesting. Recently I purchased a wood burning tool to make designs on objects with.

Hi Ryan,

I love watching tv as well. While I did not include it in my post, I am enjoying watching some of the older shows like The Big Bang Theory.

Hi professor!

My family loves apple products as well! We kept those boxes for a long time before eventually letting them go.

I love dogs as well. While I do not own any either, my parents have three so I love coming home to visit them and take them on walks!

Reply to: 1836998

Hi Scott,

It is definitely interesting to see how the city changes at different times of the year. I think that the influx of students every fall has allowed opportunities for more businesses to grow and become successful compared to other cities.

Student Post: Kevin Esquivel

1. Writer - Writing has always been my passion and I have been doing it since I was young. It is one of the ways that I can express myself creatively and share my thoughts with others. I tend to write better in Spanish and that is probably because it is my major.2. Traveler - I love exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. Whenever I get the chance, I try to travel as much as possible because it broadens my perspective on life. Philly is my city and I love that city to death, go Sixers....3. Foodie - Trying new foods and experimenting with flavors is one of my favorite things to do. Whether it's cooking at home or trying out a new restaurant, food always manages to bring people together.4. Athlete - Staying active and healthy is important to me, so I make sure to incorporate exercise into my daily routine. Running, Soccer, and Basketball are some of my go-to activities. I play with a team here in the campus when we are back.5. Musician - Playing music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. The guitar is my instrument of choice, but I also enjoy singing and playing other instruments like the piano and drums.6. Learner - I believe that learning should be a lifelong pursuit, so I am constantly seeking out new knowledge and experiences. This mindset helps me grow both personally and professionally.7. Animal lover - Animals have always held a special place in my heart, especially dogs. They bring so much joy into our lives and remind us to appreciate the simple things in life. I have a German Shepherd named Rocky and he is amazing.8. Outgoing - I tend to do many things over the top and when it comes to working at my job I go crazy.

Each of these nouns describes an aspect of who I am as a person and what matters most to me in life. From creative expression through writing and music, to personal growth through learning and exploration, each noun plays an important role in shaping who I am today.

Hola Curtis,

Music is a great choice in which I should have added and I know it is something that everyone loves. I also loved how you mentioned fashion as that is something that is very important to me. Good Job.

Hola Chunke,

I enjoyed reading your post and I agree with everything you have mentioned. I would disagree on that a glazed donut is the best because I think a maple donut is. If anything, have you ever tried it?

I can definitely relate to your love for being a comedian! What kind of things do you like to joke about?

Student Post: Ryan Marks

Competition: I really enjoy competing. It doesn't matter what the competition is for whether it's sports, video games, board games, or anything like that.

Games: I like to play a lot of different kinds of games. I like almost all sports like football, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. I also like to play video games on my XBOX or my PC. I also enjoy a bunch of different board and table games like Jenga and Monopoly.

Win: A part of being competitive is that I don't only like to compete I think the best part of competing is when you win. Not saying that I am a sore loser, but winning is always more fun.

Soccer: I love soccer and have played soccer were over 15 years. I don't play as much anymore, but now I watch a lot of different European soccer teams. My favorite team is Queens Park Rangers in the English second division.

Books: I love to read. I like a bunch of different genres, but I would say my favorite book genre would be fantasy/sci-fi books. My favorite book series is a fantasy series called The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson.

Television: I watch a ton of different TV shows. I love to binge-watch series on Netflix or Hulu. My favorite types of shows are comedy shows like New Girl or Parks and Rec. However, I would say my favorite TV series ever would probably be Breaking Bad.

Commitment: Whenever I find something I am interested in, I commit to it very quickly and strongly. Like if I read one book by a certain author, I will try to read every other book that the author has ever written and I find a hard time reading books by other authors after a while.

Coach: My summer job throughout all of high school was as a basketball coach. I started being a coach because growing up playing sports I had multiple coaches who left major impacts on my life starting at a young age and I wanted to be that good influence for others as well.

Hi Tyler, I am a big sports fan as well. Not a fan of Chicago teams, but will definitely support Illinois sports whenever I can.

Hi Allison, I love comedy too. While I don't view myself as much of a comedian I love watching stand-up and listening to comedy podcasts.

Hi Jessica, I also love photography. I am looking into upgrading my old camera, so if you have any recommendations let me know!

Student Post: Ben Prostic

Volleyball — I have been playing volleyball for almost ten years. It has been a huge part of my life and I continue to play that at Illinois.

Statistics — This is a big part of my decision-making process and I like the idea of making informed decisions.

Accountant — This is something I am going to be and something I have enjoyed learning about over the last year.

Gym — I enjoy going to the gym often. I love having 30-60 minutes alone to work on myself.

Bike — I absolutely love biking by the lake in Chicago. It is such a fun activity while also staying healthy.

Skiing — I have been skiing most winters with my family and it is such an amazing experience except this winter when my sister tore her ACL.

Organization — In order to function, I require a pretty organized working space. I also just like things not to be messy.

Family — Family is a big part of life, especially because I have two baby cousins that are so cute.

Hey Tyler! I am just getting into becoming a foodie. This year I started cooking and I absolutely loved it. It is impressive you try a new food each week. I tend to eat the same thing very often.

Hey Jessica! I also absolutely love the lakefront trail in Chicago. I think I have been there three times this past week.

Hey Curtis! As you know I also love volleyball and hope to be able to play with you again on IMVB.

Student Post: Scott Buchanan

Financial planner - I am a future financial planner with a solid background of information sciences with an informatics minor. I enjoy looking at financial problems and finding the best way to solve them.

Animals - I am an avid animal lover, I have pets of my own and sometimes volunteer at animal shelters when i have time.

Adventure - I am an adventurous person, I enjoy traveling and doing new things. I have traveled to many parts of the country and really like to immerse myself in the culture and nature of the area.

Family - I have a large family, I have 6 brothers and 1 sister and we are close with one another. Family is a very important aspect of my life

Garden - I really enjoy gardening, I like to grow my food in my backyard which is a great experience, it also helps with the grocery bill when it is time to harvest in the garden.

Friend - I have been blessed with many close and good friends in my life. I love my friends almost as much as my family. I guess you can say they are my 2nd family.

Competition - I have always had a competitive nature to me. I grew up playing sports, particularly football. Growing up with 6 brothers definitely had an effect on my competitiveness.

Book - I have always been an avid reader, I enjoy non-fiction books. Especially history books like memoirs, autobiographies and military history.

Hello Professor, I also love gardening, its a nice relaxing past time and you get to eat your results lol. I am also an avid learner, i'm constantly watching podcast or reading a book at it can definitely lead to procrastination of actual work and school work. See you in class!

Hey Olivia, I haven't met to many people that are actually from the Champaign area so I am curious as to what it is like having such a big school in your hometown. Im from Naperville, a city about 30 mins southwest of Chicago, it also has a college in downtown but a fraction of the size of UIUC. I wonder how the influx of students every fall impacts the city and you growing up. See you in class!

Reply to: 1836641

Hey Jake, it seems like we have a lot in common when it comes to being competitive and enjoying sports. While I play/played football and baseball you enjoy rowing. Being competitive is such an important aspect in life as it allows you to be motivated to be the best in all you do. I look forward to seeing your competitiveness in class.

Student Post: Mary Therese Thavis

Friend- My friends are very important to me and I always am aspiring to be the best friend possible to my loved ones.

Daughter- I am my parent's daughter, which in important role for me.

Sister- I have two siblings whom I love very much, and being their sister is a blessing.

Fun- I love to have and create fun with the people important to me.

Honesty- Honesty is extremely important to me and I strive to embody it.

Communication- I value communication and work hard to keep open lines with my loved ones.

Blessings- I am aware of the vast amount of blessings I have received in life and maintain thankfulness for them every day.

Care- I care deeply for those in my life and try to find numerous ways to express it.

Hi Allison! I love that you included creativity. I want to get into more creative hobbies!

Hi Olivia! Baking is a wonderful art. I want to make some cookies now!

Hi Jake! Personal relationships are my main motivator in life as well. I would be incredibly lost without my friends. I admire how much you value yours!

Student Post: Chunke Munke Deleon

code - I am a computer science major, so I have to write code a lot.

monkey - I'm not very good at writing the previous noun, so my technique is about the same as a monkey with a typewriter. Also my name. I monkey around a little.

helmet - my preferred method of transportation on campus is a bicycle. I picked helmet as a noun because that seems to distinguish me from 98% of other cyclists on campus (if you see someone wearing a helmet, there is a high chance that it's me).

sword - I practice martial arts, and my relatively new hobby is wushu, which is a Chinese performative martial arts. I chose sword because I use a broadsword (and it's cool).

rice - I like to eat rice. I eat a lot of rice. I am also very hungry right now. I want to go eat some rice.

donut - my favorite donut is probably glazed. I chose this noun because my eyes glaze over whenever I have to read something, and I suspect I will have to do some reading considering there is a required textbook (I am not a strong reader). Did I also mention I'm hungry?

bed - top 5 favorite thing to do is sleep, so that's why I chose bed. I wish I could do more of it...

human - I am one so expect me to make a lot of mistakes. I will try to learn from them but no guarantees; that's what makes me human.

Reply to: 1836561

Hi Ashwin, I also love to sleep! Unfortunately, work gets in the way of that. I liked the Batman trilogy; are you going to go see Oppenheimer in theaters this summer? What is your favorite dish to make? my cooking skills could use some work and a lot more variety.

Hi Jake, sounds like you've discovered a great career path. Is data science a big switch in your college trajectory or were you already heading that way? Also what's your favorite competitive (or casual) game to play?

Reply to: 1837115

Hi Rosalind, I also have three dogs at home (a cavapoo, mini golden doodle, and a sharpei). What dogs do you have? Flexibility is a very important skill and is something I need to work on; glad that you are great at it already.

Reply to: 1839000

Reply to: 1839343