Yuri

Activities

• Campus Recreation, Team Leader and Customer Service Assistant – student staff members greet patrons, swipe i-cards, clean machines, and answer and accommodate patrons' various needs at the University's student, faculty and staff workout facility.
• Office of Admissions, Writing Intern – student position of assisting in creation and editing process of Office of Admissions publications used to recruit prospective students
• James Scholar – university honors program that recognizes and encourages academically high-achieving undergraduate students within each college
• Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society – freshman honor society that encourages academic achievement and promotes continued high standard of learning

One-on-One

Where is your favorite spot on campus to study?
The lowest level of the Undergraduate Library is where I ususally study, but I also get work done at Grainger Engineering Library. For a special treat, I sometimes study at Espresso Royale or Giuliani's.

Where is your favorite spot on campus to hang out with your friends?
My friends and I usually hang out at Allen Hall. Since we're all so busy, we usually try to meet up at the library or walk with one another to our next classes. When we do get the chance to hang out, we like to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee on Green Street.

Where is your favorite spot on campus to relax?
Sitting on the Quad to read or just watch people walking to wherever they need to be is relaxing, but I also enjoy relaxing at the Illini Union. If I'm relaxing, I might be falling asleep at my apartment too.

What do you like most about your major?
As of now, I am a General Curriculum major in the College of
Communications, but I hope to declare as a news-editorial journalism major. I enjoy the fact that my major allows me to interact with people, with whom I never would have otherwise, by interviewing them. Plus, all of the faculty members have such experienced backgrounds and large amounts of knowledge. Their strong passion for learning and dedication to their students has made my academic experience very worthwhile.

What are your favorite courses within your major?
I really enjoyed JOURN 200: Introduction to Journalism class with Professor John Fountain. Professor Fountain’s enthusiasm for the University of Illinois, where he received his B.S. and M.S., for journalism, and for teaching is infectious. He utilizes his years of experience as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post and The New York Times as well as his memories
of just starting out as a journalism student to encourage
students to take risks, continue to work on one’s craft, and to never give up. COMM 199: Undergraduate Seminar Introduction to Media Ethics class with Professor Clifford Christians was another favorite. His background in communication ethics was overwhelming, and he had this amazing presence in his lectures that allowed what seemed like just information on paper to really have significance. COMM 320: Popular Culture class with Ted Gournelos, a doctoral candidate, was interesting as well. The class discussed and deconstructed examples of current mass media to understand the what, the how, and the why of its social construction. The material was very thought provoking and I found myself leaving lecture baffled, yet still thinking, struggling and questioning the concepts days later. His lectures put words to ideas and concepts, which I had never been able to communicate effectively before. Every faculty member I have encountered on campus has so much to offer. It's really a privilege to work so many talented individuals.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities related to your major?
During my freshman year, I wrote for the Daily Illini, the school paper. It gave me an interesting taste for a real newsroom atmosphere.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities not related to your major?   
Working at Campus Recreation has been a great experience. The people who work there are great and meeting students who come in to workout makes the campus much smaller. I also really enjoyed playing on the intramural volleyball league with my co-workers. We had a great time. It was a great stress reliever.

Describe your most memorable experience at Illinois.
It would have to be living in Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls (PAR) - Blaisdell - and meeting a wonderful group of girls, two of whom will be my future roommates. Living in the dorms was quite an experience. Especially one specific incident during my freshman year when some pranksters on another floor stole our shower curtains and toilet seats during the night. We were a little upset that day, but now it’s one of those college dorm memories that makes me laugh.

What is your advice to students interested in Illinois?
Classes at the University of Illinois are not easy. I will be the first to admit that my freshman year was tough. I had difficulties managing writing for the Daily Illini, living with 60 girls, trying to find a comfortable living arrangement with my roommate, academics, and missing home. Feeling small on this large campus was difficult for me to overcome, but I did. And you will too. Just as my sisters told me, my advice is to approach everything with a positive attitude and know that it will get easier to manage. There might be a large student population here, but you will find your group. Don’t let the size intimidate you. Know that it will take some time, but you will find where you belong here. The key to college is not just being smart, but it’s all about time management, consistency and work ethic. You get what you put into it. Make your time at the University worthwhile. Leave a mark. Campus life is not just about classes so make sure to balance academics with getting involved. Illinois has a lot to offer. Take the initiative to try something new and step outside of your comfort zone.

Why do you belong at Illinois?
I decided to enroll at the University of Illinois because it’s one of the best universities in the country and I knew I would receive a well-rounded education. Plus, Illinois is a legacy in my family. From the time my sisters were here, orange and blue has been flowing through my veins. When it came to my senior year in high school, it was a no-brainer to apply and attend the University. The formula for success was Illinois, at least for my sisters, and if that formula isn’t broken, then why fix it? Tradition brought me here, but Illinois kept me here. I'm receiving a quality education. But I'm also learning about myself and meeting amazing people, which is just as important, if not more so. I belong at Illinois because there is the perfect balance of work and play. I know that I am meeting and working with people who will help me reach success.