Tiara

Activities

• African American Homecoming Committee – committee that organizes programs and events during homecoming weekend to promote fun and entertainment for minorities on campus
• McNair Scholar – summer research program in which students conduct personal research and present it to the Office of Student Minority Affairs
• Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society – group dedicated to community service by providing a free tutoring service and raising money for Relay for Life and March of Dimes
• National Society for Collegiate Scholars – organization that honors, inspires, and engages its members, and offers service activity opportunities on campus and in the community, and scholastic and social activities

One-on-One

Where is your favorite spot on campus to study?
Undergraduate Library on the quiet floor or Room 202 in Lincoln Hall

Where is your favorite spot on campus to hang out with your friends?
Illini Union - on the Quad side or downstairs in the food court

Where is your favorite spot on campus to relax?
Illini Union South Lounge on a couch

What do you like most about your major?
The best aspect is that it focuses on issues affecting everyone in our society. I also like the fact that my major deals with social and economic problems that have had an impact on many individuals in positive and negative ways. I enjoy the idea of educating individuals about racial and gender inequalities. Plus, sociology is great because the staff in my department are readily available to assist students both academically and socially.

What are your favorite courses within your major?
SOC 109: Religion and Society in West II taught by Bruce Rosenstock was great because I learned a lot about different philosophers and how their theories have had a tremendous impact on the way people view religion in our society. SOC 261: Gender Transnational Perspective taught by Laura Jennings. I loved this course because it had a lot of open discussions about gender and racial inequalities. SOC 380: Social Research Methods taught by Professor Assata Zerai. This course was my favorite because I had the opportunity to learn and conduct my own research on an issue and topic that interested me. I now feel I have what it takes to conduct my own research outside of class on issues that I feel need more awareness in our society. I had two wonderful internships as a part of taking Kimberly Kendall's SOC 400: Internships. I worked at Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club and at a juvenile detention center. Both internships allowed me to have a better understanding of the various problems young adolescents face on a daily basis.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities related to your major?
My favorite thing to do related to my major is working with at-risk youth. Also, I love going to the various cultural events on campus that are held throughout the year.  By attending these events I continue to build my sociological imagination.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities not related to your major?   
I love going to the different plays and dance performances at the Krannert Center. The talent that the performers have is amazing, whether it’s theatre, dance, or music.  I also like going to the different parties and events that the various cultural groups throw throughout the year.

Describe your most memorable experience at Illinois.
It is when the Fighting Illini Men's Basketball team won the Big Ten Championship game in 2005. After the game, thousands of people rushed to Green Street to celebrate. Everyone was dressed in orange and blue and were cheering and yelling. Everyone walked to the front steps of Foellinger Auditorium where we sang the Illinois fight song. I will never forget that night!

What is a little-known fact about Illinois?
The U of I makes it easy for students to study abroad. You can study abroad for a couple of weeks, a semester, or a whole year. I had the opportunity to study in Pairs during the 2006 winter break. This was one of the best times of my life. While there, I studied cultural diversity and African, Asian, and Arabic immigration. I learned about cultural issues, tried different cuisines, and explored the beautiful city.

Why do you belong at Illinois?
I feel like I belong because I am a hard working student and appreciate the many different cultural and ethnic events and people on campus. Plus, I have built personal relationships with many faculty members. I would not have received this experience at any other university.