I'm Nana and I'm both thrilled and humbled to welcome you to the first edition of M I N T Creative Studios Magazine It's a special privilege to be your editor for this issue and I want to share a bit of my journey and the incredible stories and photo journey inspired by campus diversity I’ve curated for you
As a second-year graduate student from Ghana pursuing the Master of Science in Technological Entrepreneurship (MsTE) at the Stuart School of Business, my adventure at Illinois Tech has been nothing short of amazing I've embarked on a quest to blend my passion for art music photography and technology into something tangible and meaningful
My journey started in the heart of the MTE cohort, under the mentorship of program director Professor Nik Rokop Nik has been nothing but phenomenal and a blessing to me and the entire cohort Being in a program that is designed to be experiential means that we get to LEARN by DOING, which is an important learning format for students and especially entrepreneurs The MTE is designed to be an experience and not just a degree and I m fortunate to have such as experience
I set out to create a digital creative studio using AI Tools and encompassing art and technology with entrepreneurship all with the help of the incredible tech tools and resources at our disposal The Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship Center has been my sanctuary, offering cutting-edge tools and unwavering support that has allowed my ideas to flourish The Kaplan Institute and Design school has been my haven on campus and has inspired me to continue to create collaborate and build
NANA KOFI MINTA ADDADZI-KOOM
Creator Editor-in-Chief
Last fall, I successfully founded the Illinois Tech Creative club with the help of my friends I believe that the fusion of art and technology can truly transform lives, and I welcome all creatives to join me on this inspiring endeavor
“This magazine reflects a collective dedication to LEARNING and GROWING, and I'm honored to have created this. Thank you for joining me on this journey.”
Our first student profile is Sareena Philip from New Delhi, India who is majoring in MAS Management Information Systems at Illinois Tech. Sareena is Bold, Confident and Calm with a bubbly and humorous personality. Sareena is an ambitious and driven individual who is passionate about technology and its role in shaping the future of business
As an international student, Sareena has had to adapt to a new culture and way of life That hasn't been challenging due to the huge Indian community on campus However she has embraced the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives, and has made many friends from all over the world.
Growing up in New Delhi, Sareena was always interested in technology and its potential to transform industries Her fascination with technology led her to pursue her masters degree in Management Information Systems, where she is gaining the knowledge and skills to apply technology to solve complex business problems She comes from a country where every festival is celebrated as an occasion
Sareena loves the fact that she gets the chance to be exposed to students from all over the world in cultural exchanges which makes her studies at Illinois Tech even more exciting.
Sareena is a hardworking student who is always eager to learn and grow She is a natural problem solver and enjoys tackling challenging assignments that require creative thinking and strategic planning. Sareena loves to unwind from the stress of studying and work by exploring the city of Chicago with friends doing fun activities such as trying new cuisines. She also enjoys reading about the latest advancements in technology
After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in technology consulting, where she can use her skills to help businesses leverage technology to achieve their goals With her passion for technology and strong work ethic, we are sure that Sareena will be a success in whatever she chooses to pursue and we wish her all the best
B.S ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
BORN IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
BS, Software Engineering
When asked whence he hails, Sir Rohit responds with a decisive, yet enigmatic, "I am from planet Earth." A statement that has raised eyebrows and caused many a soul to ponder upon the true nature of his origins.
Verily, it is often said that Sir Rohit is an individual of a most extraordinary kind, whose very presence inspires awe and wonder in all those who chance upon his acquaintance Indeed his mere countenance and manner of comportment are such that one might readily question whether he hails from this earthly realm at all
But it is not just his place of birth that confounds the common folk. Sir Rohit is a bohemian, eccentric, avant-garde, flower child who stands out from the rest. His fashioning is unmatched, his diction is prophetic, and his charisma unparalleled He is a being of such splendor that his very presence leaves a lasting impression upon all who come in contact with him Indeed, he is an illumination that sparks stimulation in the conscious and is a muse for our spirits
Yet, his prodigious talents extend far beyond the realm of fashion. He is a model, an artist, and a visionary whose creative mind never ceases to conjure new ideas, and his successes in the entrepreneurial and corporate worlds are testament to his brilliance His intellect doth ever brim with concepts that he pursues with gumption, puissance, and vigor
The lofty heights to which he has aspired and achieved are most laudable for he hath cofounded, in consort with his valued companions, the esteemed platform known as NeighborUnity and serves as their Chief Product Officer It is a means of connecting residents of high-rise buildings, fostering neighborly exchanges, and inculcating a spirit of conviviality and amity amongst them His noble endeavors to serve the community are most commendable, and his efforts in this regard are sure to yield abundant fruit
Ah, but let us speak of his fashion sense, or rather his talent for the wearable arts It is his habiliments that truly confound his contemporaries Sir Rohit is an arbiter of fashion whose sartorial splendor is unmatched by any man or woman of his time Verily Sir Rohit's unconventional taste in attire doth elicit awe and admiration from all who gaze upon him.
His regalia are a curious blend of vintage and modern garb, culled from his travels to distant lands His fearlessness in experimenting with hues, patterns, and textures leaves his peers questioning their own wardrobe choices and life's direction It is a skill that enkindles amazement, creating ensembles that are both daring and inspiring He is in truth a luminary whose fashion acuity is second to none, dazzling the eye and heartening the mind
SirRohit's character, charisma,and personalityare almostcelestialin
His curriculum vitae bears testimony to his professional acumen as he hath labored as a web developer and sales manager at Make A Change Advertising, and served as an intern in the payment processing and facilitation division at Discover Financial Services. Upon the completion of his computer science degree at the Illinois Institute of Technology, he shall return to Discover in the capacity of a software engineer, earning a handsome stipend to support both his kindred and extended family
It must be said that Sir Rohit's character charisma and personality are almost celestial in their eminence His self-assuredness when he converses engenders a magnetism that entices his interlocutors to draw ever nearer captivated and delighted by the dulcet timbre of his voice
To conclude permit us to pay heed to some of the many laudatory remarks bestowed upon the distinguished and most venerable Sir Rohit:
“Bro you are one of the most unique people I have ever met in my entire life, that is for sure.”
“Your voice is the voice that I want to listen bedtime stories to.”
“You have one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard.”
“That chain really be blingling my guy.”
“Wait, you're Muslim?”
“You look nice today.”
“I love your style.”
“I don’t understand you, but I respect it.”
“What cologne are you wearing?”
“I will bet you my life’s savings that one day Rohit will be named the Most Interesting Man in the World.”
“Are you really knighted?”
“Are you real?”
“You speak in Times New Roman.”
“Where did you learn to speak like this? It's so…I can’t even describe it.”
“Damn bro how much does your outfit cost?”
“Tell me why he’s lowkey good looking.”
“You are one of the few people I trust to come to for business and life advice.”
DhifanaIntan
MS, Marketing Analytics
Just like her favorite singer's songs, Dhifana’s fearlessness led her to leave her comfort zone back in Jakarta, Indonesia, and embark on an exciting journey to the United States. Since then, she's been having a blast with new people, immersing herself in new cultures, brainstorming with fresh perspectives, and overcoming challenges like a boss.
As a bachelor’s degree in law holder can you tell that she actually is sharpening her skills in Marketing Analytics here at Illinois Tech? Another Easter egg just dropped here
To her, life is a boundless playground to discover and embrace every single thing it has to offer. And it has even led her to change her career path 180 degrees and pursue her growing interest in the marketing industry
She's eager to expand her exposure to the industry during her internship at a creative marketing agency in Chicago this summer Among the many things she loves to explore food is a top passion She delights in sampling a vast array of different cuisines and flavors She doesn’t need music as foods groove her
One of her favorite things to do while exploring is to capture her memories through video clips and edit them In fact she loves video editing so much that she might even turn it into a future career while also climbing the tree to achieve her goals as a pro digital marketer
SOPHOMORE PSYCHOLOGY
BORN IN LONDON,ENGLAND
BS. Social & Economic Policy
Growing up as an African American in America, I faced numerous challenges and experienced moments that made me question my cultural identity. My name is Michael Asante, and I was born and raised in Chicago by Ghanaian parents.
From a young age I felt embarrassed to showcase my heritage, as I had often been subjected to bullying and mockery However amidst these trials there was one incident that remains etched in my memory and played a significant role in shaping my perspective
I was fourteen years old when my father unexpectedly visited me at school one afternoon He was dressed in traditional attire, a proud display of our cultural heritage
Unfortunately, one of my classmates seized the opportunity to ridicule him, referring to him as "Kunta Kinte " At that moment, I was unfamiliar with the reference having never watched the movie "Roots " Nevertheless, I made a conscious decision not to let this incident discourage me
Throughout my academic journey I have consistently proven my intelligence and resilience earning a place in prestigious predominantly white institutions From attending Lane Tech High School, ranked among the top five high schools in Illinois, to pursuing my studies at Illinois Tech, I have defied the odds. However, in these environments, it is tempting to conform and blend in
“Standingoutdoesnotmeanseeking “Standingoutdoesnotmeanseeking “Standingoutdoesnotmeanseeking attentionforthesakeofit.Itmeanshaving attentionforthesakeofit.Itmeanshaving attentionforthesakeofit.Itmeanshaving thecouragetobeauthenticandtrueto thecouragetobeauthenticandtrueto thecouragetobeauthenticandtrueto oneself,regardlessoftheopinionsof oneself,regardlessoftheopinionsof oneself,regardlessoftheopinionsof others.” others.” others.”
Many students choose to adopt different personas altering their names modifying their speech patterns to fit in with specific groups, and even adjusting their musical preferences to conform to societal expectations But I have grown tired of conforming. Sometimes, you just have to stand out
It is within our differences that our strength lies Rather than suppressing our uniqueness, we should celebrate it As an African American, I have come to realize that my heritage is not a burden to be carried but a source of pride and empowerment I have learned to embrace my roots and let them shape my identity unapologetically
Standing out does not mean seeking attention for the sake of it. It means having the courage to be authentic and true to oneself, regardless of the opinions of others. It means wearing our cultural attire with pride, speaking our native language with confidence, and sharing our traditions and stories with enthusiasm
By standing out, we challenge the status quo and broaden society's understanding of diversity Our differences enrich the fabric of our communities and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive world
By being unafraid to express who we truly are we inspire others to do the same Our actions create ripples of change that can lead to greater acceptance and appreciation for all cultures
For me, being proud of my roots has become a driving force in my academic pursuits I am no longer confined by the limitations imposed upon me Instead I draw strength from my heritage, knowing that my ancestors overcame tremendous adversity to pave the way for my success Their resilience fuels my determination to excel in my studies and become a catalyst for positive change in my community
o my fellow African American students and all those who have felt compelled to hide their true selves, I urge you to embrace your roots Stand tall, for you are a living testament to the strength and resilience of your ancestors Let your unique voice be heard, and never apologize for who you are Growing up as an African American in America presented its challenges The incident with my father ridiculed for his cultural attire, served as a turning point in my life I made a conscious decision to stand out and be proud of my roots, defying societal expectations
“Byembracingourheritage,wenotonly “Byembracingourheritage,wenotonly “Byembracingourheritage,wenotonly honorourancestorsbutalsopavetheway honorourancestorsbutalsopavetheway honorourancestorsbutalsopavetheway foramoreinclusiveandacceptingfuture. foramoreinclusiveandacceptingfuture. foramoreinclusiveandacceptingfuture. So,letusstandtallandcelebrateour So,letusstandtallandcelebrateour So,letusstandtallandcelebrateour uniqueidentities,inspiringotherstodothe uniqueidentities,inspiringotherstodothe uniqueidentities,inspiringotherstodothe same.” same.” same.”
BACHELOR OF ARCHITECHURE
BORN IN CHICAGO, USA
The idea for "Afro Vibez with DJ Nana" sprang from my deep appreciation for the incredible diversity of African music I wanted to share this treasure trove of sounds and rhythms with my community of students. It was also a way to make friends and connect students through the universal language of music
CONNECTINGTHROUGHCONVERSATIONSANDDANCE.
Through "Afro Vibez with DJ Nana," we've discovered that the magic happens when conversations and dance unite Students come together to groove, share stories, and forge connections that transcend cultural boundaries It's not just about the music; it's about the conversations it sparks and the dances it inspires, creating a vibrant tapestry It’s been heartwarming to see students break out of their shells and embrace the joy of dancing, forging instant friendships on the dance floor that transcended cultural boundaries
As I reflect on the journey of "Afro Vibez with DJ Nana," I am filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences and connections it has brought into my life
"Iamremindedof theincrediblepower ofmusictoconnect, inspire,andeducate. Throughthefusion ofcuratedplaylists, artistinterviews, andentrepreneurial insights," AfroVibez"has becomemorethan justaradioshow; it'samovement.
every Wednesday from 2:00 PMCST to 3:00 PMCST
and again on Sunday from 5:00 PMCST to 7:00 PMCST
You caught me at a good time
Stuck between your crooked lines
I mean
Your crooked lies
Through the scratches on the floor
Drinking in her moans and cries
I’m tired of being the main
Trapped as the side piece
No signs of peace because
Our love was a holiday turned seasonal
You caught me at a good time
Our love was butterscotch flavored
Alcohol was a mans best friend
When men dont know how to close their legs
Because pennies are used
And thrown away like a rags
But it seems you dont understand
Why we fell out of a love that never began
You caught me at a good time
I had this moment of at last
It took me pain to know that I could be the perfect package
But still end up at the wrong address
You never handle me with care
You just sat me on display
To accompany the air, so I'll say goodbye in this life because
You caught me at a good time
It was like a forever first date
Except I was stuck in the friendship phrase
There were land mines of lies
I mean the times of missing I
Just don’t have any more time,
So I
Like a bomb
Ticking words into my mouth
But I can't hold them back
Until epiphanies tampers with my speech
And I articulate profanities
Because it seems you never understand
Words that are calm and sweet
Sour was the flavor you enjoyed that made you leave
But somehow you find your way back to me
It was your favorite thing like a cough
I just didn’t know how to get rid of
A light switch that flickers on and off
But could never get me off
Cause 5 minutes was all that you need
You see
You caught me at good time
I was not the rain before the storm
The woman you wanted to keep your bed warm
Your heart was not for me to touch
Emotional damage was a sword that came in clutch
And no
I didn’t want to waste time
But sweet nothings
Ive never mind
My heart skipping beats
But only because I cried while you sleep
Catching nightmares in hopes of sweet dreams
Silence is a lot louder than I thought it would be
Ah it seems like
You caught me at a good time
When I knew you were in love with the idea of love
And you would dap up nonchalance
Cause he was your cuz
And you would run the streets to have a lil fun
Oh what I could’ve done
To ruin your fun
Gladly, for me
I was on a journey of self-love
I decided to end at this seasonal heartbreak
Before heart breaks
And all that I have to say is
You caught me at a good time
by Takesha Hill
DESIGNINGFUTURESWITH HARPERREED
FACULTYAND
GRADUATINGSTUDENTS
VENDORFAIR&
WILDFLOWERMUSIC FESTIVAL
UPTO$4,000PRIZE MONEY
FOODTRUCKPITCH PRESENTATION
I want to express my sincere gratitude to our sponsor, the Stuart School of Business at Illinois Tech, for their invaluable support and belief in making this publication possible.
