Anita

Activities

• International Illini – student-run organization that works with the Study Abroad Office to provide opportunities for returned study abroad and international students to meet, socialize, and help make the campus a more international place
• Asha for Education – nonprofit worldwide volunteer organization that supports basic education for underprivileged children in India
• Campus Honors Program

One-on-One

Where is your favorite spot on campus to study?
Grainger Engineering Library

Where is your favorite spot on campus to hang out with your friends?
Illini Union

Where is your favorite spot on campus to relax?
The greenhouses and Orchard Downs

What do you like most about your major?
There are a lot of amazing research opportunities in chemistry; it's easy to get involved with a lab and it's an incredible learning experience.

What are your favorite courses within your major?
I love proteins and I learned a lot in CHEM 332: Organic Chemistry II with Dr. Jeff Moore. Anthropology/Gender and Women’s Studies 262 with Dr. Alma Gottlieb was the best course I've taken at the U of I.  It was eye opening and got me to think about the world in a different way.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities related to your major?
Relating to sociocultural anthropology, I enjoyed working as a multicultural advocate with University Housing. I had the opportunity to promote diversity awareness and acceptance through cultural programming in the residence halls.  It was a great way to meet and educate people.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities not related to your major?
Anything relating to music--I radio DJed on WRFU, 104.5 FM (Radio Free Urbana) at the Independent Media Center in Urbana. I sang in the Women's Glee Club and took voice lessons here. I also love to play instruments and listen to all types of music. I enjoy working with the Women's Health Task Force of Champaign County Health Care Consumers.

Describe your most memorable experience at Illinois.
Getting covered in freshly picked grapes and recreating the village atmosphere of old winemaking Europe at the Horticulture Club’s annual grape stomp was pretty fantastic.

What is your advice to students interested in Illinois?
The U of I has a myriad of study abroad opportunities.  I encourage everyone to check them out--it's a life changing experience!

Why do you belong at Illinois?
Illinois is very diverse.  There are plenty of opportunities to learn about other cultures, and your own. Plus, there are several organizations working to promote social justice and equality. Getting involved with these groups has made me feel like I belong here.