The Daily Illini: The End of an Era

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

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The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Earning degrees far from home International students reflect on time at the University

BY ZILA RENFRO VIDEO EDITOR

When Fera Mohamad, senior in LAS, arrived at the University in fall 2011, she was nervous, but excited for her freshman year. After living her entire life in Sepang, Malaysia, she was not sure what to expect in the U.S. “All I knew about America is what I watched from the movies,” Mohamad said, citing visions of frat guys, sorority girls and all-day partying.

Now that Mohamad is graduating in May, she reflected on how studying in the U.S. has actually been a largely positive experience. She said she really enjoyed getting to learn about other cultures firsthand.

“I know the Internet has made everything easy, but it’s really different watching a YouTube video about American culture than just talking to someone and getting to know them,” she said.

Mohamad said she was able to make friends from many different countries and has learned about places outside of the U.S. through her education at the University.

“I think the best place to know the world’s culture is America,” Mohamad said.

Zichao “Albert” Wang will also graduate in May with a master of science in finance. Wang is from Tsingtao, China, and has spent the last three years studying in the U.S. Wang said he appreciates the education he received here and has learned more about finance in the U.S. than he did in China.

“I love my country, but I have to say, the finance adaptation (program) in China is not very developed because the financial market in China is not very developed,” Wang said.

Wang explained how difficult it is for international students to get a job here.

“The real situation is I don’t have a green card. So the investment banks in the United States rarely hire other countries’ people,” he said.

Wang said he has no interest in the few jobs that are available to international students in the U.S., such as auditing and working on tax returns.

He will instead live in Shanghai and work for one China’s top five investment banks.

Similarly, although Mohamad said she is glad she made the decision to study at the University, the bias against her Malaysian — and especially Muslim — identity makes going home seem more lucrative.

“What I learned most (from studying in the U.S.) was ... you can never stop pursuing your dream. This spirit is not in any other country.”

ZICHAO “ALBERT” WANG

GRADUATE STUDENT IN FINANCE

Mohamad said she always feels like an outsider in the U.S. because of how she looks and speaks.

“Sometimes, when I suggest something, people don’t take me seriously just because maybe I have an accent or I’m a Muslim,” she said. “But when I went back home for an internship, everyone took me seriously.”

Mohamad feels that her career could

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also advance further if she were to work in Malaysia.

“I hate to say that that’s prejudice, but it’s the truth,” she said.

Returning home, however, might also be a slight challenge in itself.

After spending four years immersed in American culture, Mohamad said some adjustment might need to take place.

“I went back (to Malaysia) the past two summers, and I have this thing called reverse culture shock, (which) is basically when you go back to your old place and you have culture shock,” she said.

Mohamad explained reverse culture shock involves making small living adjustments in the place where one is from. She cited examples like relearning driving rules, navigating public transportation systems or readapting to certain climates.

In addition to these challenges, Mohamad said she would miss some of the simpler things about the campus, like the intellectual atmosphere of the library and the University’s social climate.

In fact, the social climate, Mohamad said, has changed her for the better by making her more comfortable talking to new people. “(Before I came here,) I just didn’t find a need to put myself out there. I feel like America forces me to do that because I’m miles away from home and I don’t know anyone,” Mohamad said.

Wang said the biggest thing he took away from studying in the U.S. was the idea of living the American Dream.

“The freedom spirit, the idea of pursuing dreams,” he said. “What I learned most is that wherever you are, or what age you are, you can never stop pursuing your dream.

This spirit is not in any other country.”

zrenfro2@dailyillini.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF FERA MOHAMAD

Fera Mohamad, senior in LAS, will be returning to her home country of Malaysia after graduating in May.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

BY BELLA JACKSON STAFF WRITER

Friday, May 15

Native American House Congratulatory Ceremony 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Location: Illini Union, Rooms A, B and C This is a ceremony for Native American graduates. (Registration ended April 8.)

Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center Black Congratulatory Ceremony 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: 100 Huff Hall This is a formal ceremony congratulating graduating African-American students.

(Registration ended Feb. 27.)

La Casa Cultural Latina Congratulatory Ceremony 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: Foellinger Great Hall at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

This is a formal Latino/Latina Congratulatory Program. (Registration ended April 22.)

Saturday, May 16

Campuswide Commencement Ceremony 9:30 a.m. to noon Location: Memorial Stadium Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will be the commencement speaker.

University Library Hours 1 to 4 p.m.

The Main Library will be open for visitors to view the Bronze Tablets on the first floor.

President’s and Chancellor’s Reception Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Location: The President’s House (711 W. Florida Ave., Urbana) All graduates, candidates and their families are

invited. Shuttle transportation will take guests from Memorial Stadium to the reception and back to the center of campus.

GradFest 2015 2 to 5 p.m.

Location: Alice Campbell Alumni Center (601 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana) The alumni center hosts its annual commencement party for all graduates and their families. Enjoy food, live music and raffle prizes.

Monday, May 18

Tri-Service ROTC Commissioning Ceremony 10 a.m. to noon Location: Foellinger Auditorium This event is hosted by the Military Education Council and is open to the public.

SOURCE: COMMENCEMENT AT ILLINOIS

ijackso2@dailyillini.com

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

5

Graduates stay in C-U for school, work

BY AMINAH KOSHUL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As graduation draws near, many seniors are preparing to say their final goodbyes to the University. There are a number of them, however, who will be returning to campus in the fall for graduate school.

One such student is Irma Raouf, a community health major who plans to earn a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in human resources and industrial relations.

The human resources program appealed to Raouf because of its high rankings and favorable reputation, she said. She added that several companies are known to specifically recruit students from the University because the program is so highly esteemed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;HR has a lot to do with networking with people, so the smaller the class, the greater the benefits,â&#x20AC;? Raouf said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less competition, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to build relationships with professors and to participate and give input.â&#x20AC;?

She also said sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happy to be staying in a place she has grown fond of during her time here. â&#x20AC;?Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here for four years, you become familiar with the area and the academics,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You become familiar with the campus; each place has a different memory.â&#x20AC;?

Mahreen Bux is another student who will be extending her stay on campus. Bux is a community health major, but has chosen a graduate program of study that will lead to a slightly different career path.

Bux will pursue a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in public health at the University beginning in the fall. She said she plans to go into preventative medicine after completing her studies.

loose ends.â&#x20AC;?

Bux also said there are social benefits to attending the same university for both undergraduate and graduate schools. â&#x20AC;?All of my friends from freshman year will still be here,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of the same professors that taught me for my bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will teach me for my masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Plus, I am very familiar with the department and campus.â&#x20AC;?

Gehad Taha is a University alumna who graduated last year with a degree in molecular and cellular biology. She decided to stay in the Champaign-Urbana area after graduation to pursue a job at Dr. Janoff Periodontics in Champaign.

Taha said there was another major contributing factor in her decision to stay: Her family lives in Champaign.

She decided to take a year off and gain some hands-on work experience before applying to graduate school to make sure dentistry was what she wanted to pursue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really happy I did that because I now have a much more comprehensive view of what the industry requires and what the job qualifications are like,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Taha has enjoyed her work experience in Champaign enough to recommend it to others, especially due to the small city atmosphere, which still allows graduates opportunities to grow professionally.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Champaign is a great place to study and focus on whatever it is youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing.â&#x20AC;?

GEHAD TAHA

UNIVERSITY ALUMNA IN MCB

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that furthering my education would be an asset to me,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Bux will graduate in May after having spent three years at the University, but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not ready to say goodbye just yet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love U of I,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought three years was too soon to finish college. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prepared to go into the real world just yet and find a job. I think it would be sad to leave so abruptly, without getting the chance to tie up

AMINAH KOSHUL THE DAILY ILLINI

Mahreen Bux, senior in AHS, will be continuing her studies at the University in the fall to earn a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in public health. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a friendly town with a very closeknit community,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Champaign is a great place to study and focus on whatever it is youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing.â&#x20AC;?

akoshu2@dailyillini.com

commencement

NOTICE TO GRADUATING STUDENTS

Memorial Stadium House Rules

WOULD LIKE TO

For your safety and enjoyment, the following items are not permitted in Memorial Stadium:

CONGRATULATE

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

OUR 2015 GRADUATES

SIHAN WANG

RYAN RUDDELL

JOE ORTIGARA

AISHWARYA SINGH

EVAN RICHARDS

DANIEL SCHUH

QINGSONG QI

YINGLAN MA

CHRISTOPHER PETTIT

ROHAN KHANNA

ZZZ KHQGULFNKRXVH FRP

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Individuals in violation of these rules or whose conduct is disruptive will be removed from Commencement.

ROBERTO SANCHEZ-VEGAS

STEPHEN HALM

TOM HODKINSON

: *UHHQ 6W 8UEDQD

RYAN GHIDINA

ERIC HANSEN

laser pointers banners/signs backpacks/bags coolers or containers alcoholic beverages weapons noisemakers

MATT FEDDERSEN

TRAVIS CONSTANTINE

BRANDON DAI

Guests are permitted to bring umbrellas, food in clear plastic bags, and sealed plastic water bottles (up to 20 ounces).

Guests will not be permitted to exit and re-enter Memorial Stadium. (There are no passes out.) All guests are subject to search.

Smoking is prohibited on all campus property.

#ILLINOIS2015

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

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Pursue dreams despite odds CLAIRE HETTINGER Staff writer

F

or all the dreamers graduating in May, this one’s for you. I’m glad you have decided to believe in your talents and dreams; you will make the world a better place.

Now, listen: You’re going to be OK. I know the world likes to tell college students that unless they get a degree in math, science or business, they aren’t going to get a job. But let’s face it, all the majors would not be around if there were no jobs available.

For all the people who experience disrespect in majors like English, history and painting, I’m sure people love to tell you that your major means nothing in the real world unless you’re going to be a teacher. But guess what? Your major means just as much as anyone else’s. All anyone has is what they’ve been able to experience and learn.

You’re a smart kid, or you wouldn’t be

at the University, and you sure wouldn’t have graduated from it. Everyone else who is trying to get a job is the same as you. The trick is showing everyone how and why you are better.

Just think — everything you’ve been through at this University, everything you’ve learned and achieved, we’ve all gathered an amazing set of skills that the world needs. But you would not have picked this course of study if you didn’t have a dream for a different world.

An education is only what you make of it, and a degree is just a piece of paper unless you can sell it to employers. It is the same thing with these jobs. If you try hard and show people how talented you are, then a good job will come to you. You may have to work to find the perfect job — the job of your

Believe in the beauty of your dreams, as you got into this line of learning and living because of some passion that led you here.

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dreams — but there is one out there and it’s waiting for you.

Remember that money isn’t everything, especially at first. You don’t need to find the perfect job right away. Part of the reason a dream job is so wonderful is because it is better than something else that you’ve been through before. Artists and dreamers have always had a harder go of it, but you didn’t pick this path and it’s not your fault your talents fall under a major that does not fit society’s definition of an easy life.

You chose a major that the world needs even if people won’t admit it. We need people who will share their ideas and their beautiful mind with the rest of us. We need someone to remind us of the humanity and beauty that can be

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lost in our digital age.

Believe in the beauty of your dreams, as you got into this line of learning and living because of some passion that led you here. Now is the time to really chase your dreams and see what the world has to offer you.

Don’t put your dreams off for later because time goes fast and before you know it, you’ll be 20 years in at some company, and your novel or your artwork or whatever you were going to create will still be just a long-hidden and dusty memory that got swallowed up by responsibility and worry.

You’ve gone through so much to complete your “useless” degree and you’ve put up with snide comments for years.

Now is when it really counts. Now is when you can look at the world and realize that there is a good life waiting for you. Sure, a grown-up scary life, but a good one all the same.

You’ve believed in your dream for this long. Graduation is the time to start living it, not to give up.

Claire is a sophomore in Media. hettngr2@dailyillini.com

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

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1. Being around people who are interested in similar things. It’s easy to find groups with people who can relate to you, especially in RSOs. 2. Living close to my friends. It’s a tight-knit community, and if I want to see my friends, I don’t have to drive.

Everything is close by, less than a mile away.

3. Campus in general. Think it’s really pretty, I’ll miss sitting on the Quad when the weather is nice.

4. How cheap going out is here.

5. How a lot of things are free all the time, like (going to) the ARC.

COMPILED BY ABBY GLICKMAN STAFF WRITER

glickmn2@dailyillini.com

1. Friends. I’ve made friends from all over the world, including California and India. Everyone will move back after graduation.

2. Classes. I’m lucky enough to be in one of the top five engineering schools in the country and learn from some of the best professors in the country.

3. Basketball games. I’ve had a lot of fun going to basketball games with friends, getting loud and cheering for the Illini.

4. Availability of resources. It’s something that a lot of engineering students take for granted. There’s an innovation lab, access to power tools of any kind and access to 3-D printers.

5. College environment and atmosphere. Being constantly surrounded by thousands of people our age. It’s really cool to easily make friends wherever you go. To be able to walk down the hall of your dorm or apartment and hang out with a friend you met a couple weeks ago is a cool experience.

1. Quad Day. I’ve been there all four years. It’s a lot of fun to see new freshmen coming in and walking around seeing clubs and organizations each year. It’s nice to walk around with friends and enjoy the day.

2. Organizations that I’ve been a part of. I’m in Indian Student Association, Psychology Club and an occupational therapy organization. I was in Habitat for Humanity for a year. I made some of my closest friends in Indian Student Association.

3. Going out on a college campus on weekends and hanging out with friends here. It won’t get to happen on a regular basis in the real world.

Everything’s cheap here. The real world will be work, work, work all the time.

4. Sitting outside on the quad on nice days and studying. I’ll miss sitting with friends and hanging out when we’re supposed to be studying. I usually end up sunbathing or napping on the quad.

5. Pulling all-nighters at Grainger and trying to rent out the rooms. It’s hard to find tables during finals week, but good grades on finals pay off.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

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The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Professor Mark Wolters:

What the University taught me

BY BRIDGET HYNES STAFF WRITER

Mark Wolters is a visiting assistant professor of Business at the University and a 1999 University alumnus who earned a degree in business administration in marketing. Wolters met with The Daily Illini to talk about his four years here and to share some insight on both college and life after graduation.

The Daily Illini: What was different about the University then compared to now?

Mark Wolters: The technology. Now you have all of the slides online, whereas before you had to actually take down all the notes.

You would have to go to Notes-n-Quotes and buy them from a previous semester,

or there were people that would go to the class and take notes and sell them.

It’s a lot easier to get all of the information now than it was then, and there’s so much more help. Back then, the Internet was just coming out. You had to read the book or you were screwed. Now, if you want to learn more about something, you can go online. You have a choice — you can learn what the professor wants you to learn, or you can go way beyond it.

Also, Campustown has completely changed. Before, there were bars and a few fast food joints, whereas now there are high-rise apartment buildings.

It’s crazy how many apartments are up there and how much Green Street has changed. There used to be $5 T-shirts and get-your-poster stores and stuff like that,

but now it looks kind of like a retail outlet in the south. Urban Outfitters next to Starbucks — it doesn’t really feel like a University anymore. It feels more like a strip mall.

DI: Who was your favorite professor, and why?

MW: Well, my marketing professor who got me into marketing, but also Professor Hatch.

He was a visiting professor and he did my business administration strategy course my senior year, and he was just phenomenal. He wore a bow tie to every single class — really good guy.

He was one of those professors who would take the time to talk to us like real people versus like you were some little kid. And that’s one thing I’ve used in my teaching.

I don’t look at the students like they’re just kids. These are tax-paying, adult cli-

ents and they could be my friends.

In two years, you’re done here. You could be my buddy; we could be going out for beers. I don’t look at you as what you are now, I look at you as what you are in the future, what you could be, and that’s the way he (Hatch) was with us.

He showed us, “Look you can do these things, I believe in you, and if you’re not sure, come talk to me.” (It) kind of made me feel like someone cared about me at the University.

DI: What you were involved with on campus? What activities did you get the most out of, and why?

MW: I was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity; we had a fun time there. I was in a couple other small organizations like American Marketing Association, but that was mainly for the resume-building.

That’s another thing I’ve noticed that’s different now — the RSOs now really help you. They’ll have guest speakers and peo-

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK WOLTERS

Left: Mark Wolters in 1998 at the Bolivia-Peru border after studying abroad his first semester of senior year. Right: Mark Wolters (right) and friend Steve (left) at a party at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house.

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

9

ple come and talk to you about things that business, which are the two things I love are relevant. Now it’s like RSOs have a mis- — teaching and business. sion and they do all of this really cool stuff.

DI: What was your favorite college Back then, (RSOs) didn’t have so much. memory?

Back then you usually had your Greek house MW: Dads Weekend, because my dad and maybe another little organization that always liked to have a good time. you showed up once a month. Now I think He went to Illinois, as well, and so every people are much more involved — and that’s time he’d come he’d talk about, “When I was one thing I regret is not doing more in those in school we used to go to KAM’S and play organizations. bridge,” so he’d always be asking people, DI: Were there any especially memorable “Hey, do you guys play bridge at KAM’S?” late-night cramming sessions, any “aha!” I’m like, “Dad, I don’t think they know what moments you had about your major or your bridge is.” career aspirations?

I still remember he was so excited; he was MW: I remember one was my freshman down (in Champaign), it was my freshman year, and it was for (Fred) Gottheil’s eco- year and my brother was still here doing his nomics class, and I had studied all night. I master’s, so both of his boys were together had gone to one of the other halls in the six- and he was there. pack to study, and someone pulled the fire U of I was supposed to be good that year, too, in football, so he was all pumped up. alarm in my dorm, Hopkins Hall.

I saw all of them coming out, and I’m He’s got his buddies coming, he’s like, like, “Oh, that sucks to be them.” And then “Yeah!” And he fell off the front of the I was like, “OK, I guess it’s time for me to (Beta Theta Pi) house and into the bushes. go back.” So once everyone goes back inside But it was so funny. He fell off the front I went inside, too. of the house but landed in a standing way Everyone on my floor, we all had the same in the bushes and then just like slid down plan. We were going and headed toward to wake each other his buddy to tell him up (for the exam), so where to park.

My dad was always I set my alarm, went a fun time when he to sleep. It was probcame. ably like three in the morning and it was an DI: Is there any8 a.m. exam. thing you thought you The alarm didn’t knew in college but wake me up. But the found out you really thing is, everyone was didn’t know after getknocking on everyone ting out into the real else’s door and since world?

MW: We think we they didn’t see me at know everything. the fire alarm, they’d figured I stayed someWhen I got to the place else. So my budreal world I was like, dies didn’t knock on “Wow, I don’t know MARK WOLTERS the door for me until everything.” That UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS they got back from was one of those the exam and knocked “aha” moments, is you on the door saying, learn that, “Wait, I “Hey how’d the exam go?” and I’m like, don’t know everything, now I want to learn.”

“Huh, what?”

That’s what I think drove me to teaching.

And so I remember sprinting to Foellinger. I realize that there’s stuff I don’t know and DI: Were there any moments throughout I can learn from that. And I want to help college where you felt like giving up? How other people so they can learn what they don’t know. did you overcome them?

Also, my dad worked in business, so he MW: There was one time during freshman or sophomore year. I was walking gave me a lot of pointers beforehand. But through the graduate library and I was one of the things that he stressed and I debating with myself, “Do I go into edu- stress is that all of these people you go to cation and become a teacher, or do I stay school with right now, you’re probably going in the College of Business and get a busi- to meet them again in the working world. So don’t step on people, don’t treat them like ness degree?”

It really came down to (wanting) to see garbage. Because you’re going to meet them the world, and I thought working in the busi- on the way up and also on the way down, ness sector would give me a better chance and you never know if they can help you or hurt you in any way. to travel.

I remember just really having this really So be good to everybody, because everyintense debate kind of by where the bronze body is going to be doing something, and you tablets are. I was never a bronze tablet, might need their help. The networking that but I remember that was the hallway I was you can make at Illinois is so important. in ... and I just remember thinking, “No, DI: If you could give one piece of advice I’m going to do the business one, and we’re to graduating seniors that you wish you going to do that.” And in the end it was knew when you were graduating, what great, because I ended up getting to teach would it be?

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

“Find a career that you’re happy with and you’re happy to go to every day. If you can have a job with that kind of passion, you’re not going to work.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK WOLTERS

Visiting assistant professor Mark Wolters stands in the desert in Colorado. Wolters has made a career of traveling the world and creating informational marketing videos and travel videos.

Wolters graduated from the University in 1999 and currently teaches a course in business administration.

MW: Do what makes you happy. Because at the end of the day, you’re the one that has to look in the mirror every day, and if you’re not happy with your work and your career, you’re going to be miserable.

And that miserable feeling you have inside is going to transfer into how you treat your friends, how you treat your family, your kids, your parents, everybody. And it’s going to make your life miserable.

So find a career that you’re happy with and you’re happy to go to every day. If you

can have a job with that kind of passion, you’re not going to work.

It’s not easy — your first job isn’t your last job. I’ve seen people that realized when they were 30, 40 and 50 what they should be doing. There’s always a chance to start again, and there’s always a chance to find out what makes you happy and what gets you passionate about life, because that will transfer into all aspects of your life.

bhynes2@dailyillini.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

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10

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ost college students usually join the workforce after graduation.

However, there are plenty of other routes students can take that do not necessarily involve working right away. Some employers are flexible and even offer later start dates to their employees.

Whether it involves traveling, teaching or volunteering, there are many programs available to students that simply require research and interest to find.

A few programs that are popular among people who choose an alternate route include the Peace Corps, Teach for America and traveling options.

The Peace Corps is essentially a volunteer program that is offered by the U.S. government. Its mission is to provide assistance to people outside of the U.S., and the work typically consists of social and economic development.

The Peace Corps offers placement in over 65 countries, and the program typically lasts for 27 months, according to their website. This opportunity suits people who are very passionate about volunteering and who would not mind putting their life on hold to participate.

Joining the Peace Corps requires an incredible amount of dedication and hard work.

For those who have a passion for volunteering but are not willing to commit to two years in a foreign country, there are other scholarships and programs available that provide similar experiences, but within the U.S. For anyone interested in teaching and volunteering, Teach for America is a nonprofit organization with a mission to assist students in low-income communities achieve a proper education.

Through this organization, recent college graduates are given the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of young students.

Mandy Pan, junior in Business, interned with Teach for America last summer.

“Teach for America provides a great opportunity to find yourself while giving back to the community and gaining valuable experi-

ence,” Pan said over email. “I was able to work with such a diverse group of accomplished and driven individuals brought together by a common goal of ending educational inequity. ...After I got a taste of the fulfillment I felt in that position, I don’t think I could ever go back to a normal job.”

Some college graduates simply want to take a few months off and travel within the country or abroad.

The most popular places for students to visit include central Europe, Southeast Asia and South America.

Some people choose to go backpacking and stay in hostels, while others prefer pre-planned stays at luxurious resorts.

Joining the workforce is not the only option available post-graduation.

Whether it is joining The Peace Corps, Teach for America, traveling or any other programs, graduates are bound to find something of interest to them.

Jaini is a sophomore in Business. jgshah2@dailyillini. com

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

11

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Parting wisdom for the class of 2015 NICKI HALENZA Staff columnist

nd there we have it: Just like that, May approached, and thousands more students are preparing for their departure from the University. Time flies when you’re having fun — and when you’re drowning in a deep, endless abyss of schoolwork that consumes four years of your life.

To echo something I said a few weeks ago, the dual emotions of pee-my-pantswith-excitement and pee-my-pants-withfear looming over graduating seniors right now are undeniable. Regardless of which sentiment we fall under, many of us are scared to begin the next step.

But if I’ve learned anything while at the University, it’s to embrace those things that make you scared — that “butterflies in your stomach, sleepless nights, frantic phone calls to your mom, sweating bullets” kind of scared.

Being scared often means you’re doing something that takes you beyond your own realm of possibility. When you do something new or something you never thought

commencement

you could do, you become a new version of yourself that was better than the one before.

Or sometimes when you do that thing, you absolutely flop and it’s completely embarrassing and you never do it again — but hey, you never know until you try, right?

I jest. Come on, guys, loosen up.

Regardless of what our different paths were while we were here, I know that all of us did something we were scared of these past four years: socially, academically or otherwise.

For most of us, the first day of freshman year was terrifying. It was that awkward time when we were just getting over the high that came with being arrogant, top-dog high school seniors to coping with being brand new, doe-eyed freshmen with iCards dangling around our necks by hideous lanyards.

We were thrust into cinder-block dorms with a new, equally scared roommate to share closet-sized quarters with.

On that note, I’d like to give a special shout-out to those of us stuck in the un-airconditioned dorms — Where my Van Doren girls at?

But we learned how to branch out, meet new people and join organizations, leading to some of our best college experiences.

For those who rushed a house in the Greek community, that was probably scary, as well — in fact, I was so overwhelmed by the idea of hundreds of energetic, smiling, chanting, clapping girls that I avoided the ordeal altogether. Greek life takes a level of social courage I certainly don’t have.

But, again, whatever we did, whatever made us scared while we were here got us to this point.

Hopefully, it even paved the way for us to enter our post-grad plans and go into a career path we want to continue to pursue. If it didn’t, I send you a warm “welcome back” to your parents’ house in the middle of suburbia.

In all seriousness though, I genuinely believe I met people here with such passion for what they do, that they will go out and change the world in some way, shape or form. And I greatly look forward to that, because our world definitely needs changing. These people are some of the same ones who are scared about start-

Keep doing things that make you scared and keep finding out more about yourself during the process.

Cap & gown distribution If you ordered academic attire for Commencement, it will be distributed at the ARC (Multipurpose Room #5 for graduate students and #6 for undergraduate students) at the following times: Wednesday, May 13 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 14

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, May 15

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 16

7:30 a.m.

to 11:00 a.m.

Sunday, May 17

7:30 a.m.

to 10:00 a.m.

#ILLINOIS2015 illinois.edu/commencement

ing this next chapter of life — but I mean, come on, changing the world is a lot of pressure — they have reason to be scared.

The future aside, today we are here, the class of 2015, preparing for our graduation from this particular chapter of life.

We’ve put in hours upon hours of work to get to this point — and probably an equal amount of hours hanging out at some of our finest, yet completely ratchet, campus bar establishments.

But my moral of this particular story: Keep doing things that make you scared and keep finding out more about yourself during the process. The experience of college is an absolute privilege and we were fortunate to have it.

Our time at the University is only one caramel-almond cluster in the box of chocolates that is life, and we have several more dark chocolate truffles and vanilla buttercreams to go — thank you, Forrest, for the universal analogy.

So to my fellow 2015 graduates, I give each and every one of you a hearty and thunderous high-five, and as a final piece of advice, something my previous bosses have continuously reminded me, “Don’t screw up.”

Nicki is a senior in Media. halenza2@dailyillini.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

12

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Senior ref lects on campus journey

BY RABIA ILYAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The thought of another school year ending brings relief and joy to many students on campus. For another group of students, it brings feelings of nostalgia as they prepare for a major milestone in their lives: graduation.

Lauren Reed, senior in ACES, is among this group of reminiscing students. She said one of the reasons she chose to attend this university was because of the beautiful campus.

“I really liked the campus layout with the Quad and all the buildings,” she said. “I also really liked seeing the campus because of the people and the diversity.”

Apart from aesthetics, she was also attracted to the variety of programs the University offered. She began her freshman year in DGS, but the wide variety of majors and minors the University offered allowed her to explore her interests and declare food science and human nutrition as her area of study.

Reed said a major part of her college experience she will never forget is working alongside professors in experimental research.

She has worked with Naiman Khan, a postdoctoral research associate in kinesiology, as well as Brenna Ellison, assistant professor in agricultural and consumer economics. Her involvement in the experimental research

assessed cognitive development in children and physical consequences of dining hall food on activity level.

In addition to research experiments with professors from her area of study, Reed has also worked on honors projects for classes that do not pertain to her major. She collaborated with Eric Snodgrass in ATMS 120: “Severe and Hazardous Weather” and has also completed an honors project for her psychology class.

“I love exploring new realms and learning about different subjects, even when they are not directly linked to my major,” she said.

Reed also stressed the importance of time management.

“I always try to have a good balance between my studies and social activities,” she said.

Reed has been on the bowling team for three years and considers it an important social component of her college experience.

“My bowling team is essentially like a smaller family, and it’s very fun to form connections with people from different majors,” she said.

In fact, Reed continues to foster these relationships through her continuing dedication to the bowling team.

Reed’s former teammate Cara Grabowski,

a graduate student in NRES, has known Reed for almost four years. She said the two have forged a strong friendship.

“Lauren is very hardworking, wholehearted and funny,” Grabowski said. “She is also very helpful and has recommended a lot of classes to me.”

Michelle Rudin, student in nursing and Reed’s friend and roommate of three years, shared similar sentiments.

“She is the perfect roommate,” Rudin said.

“We always study together and help each other out. I am really going to miss eating chocolate chip muffins while watching reruns of ‘Friends’ with Lauren.”

Reed said she plans to go to Lewis University in the fall to earn a master’s degree in health care management.

“I want to do something different with the degree and apply it to solve real-world economic problems associated with agriculture,” Reed said.

Reed said she is interested in pursuing a career in international nutrition. She hopes to someday travel to low-income nations with nutritional deficiencies and help develop programs to combat economic problems related to insufficient diets.

“I hope to one day be a part of the World Health Organization and accomplish my

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN REED

Lauren Reed (right), senior in LAS, and friend Michelle Rudin (left) in front of Busey-Evans Residence Hall. Reed says she is excited about graduating in May but is also nostalgic about her experiences at the University.

goals,” she said.

From being a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma, to researching critical studies alongside professors, Reed feels she has already accomplished so much.

“I have learned more than I ever imagined at the University of Illinois, and I am very excited to start my journey in the real world.”

rilyas2@dailyillini.com

CHECK OUT

BUZZ

THIS SUMMER

START YOUR WEEKEND

EVERY FRIDAY

with Buzz or check us out online 24/7 at readbuzz.com

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Tuesday, May 5, 2015

13 #

Last thoughts

on campus life

BY RABIA ILYAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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Favorite restaurant on campus: Mia Za’s Most fun class: EPSY 220: “Career Theory and Practice” Favorite place on campus: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts Best memory: “I went to Costa Rica over the summer for a study abroad program, and it was awesome!”

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Favorite restaurant on campus: Huaraches Moroleon Most fun class: SHS 121: “American Sign Language 1” Favorite place on campus: La Casa Cultural Latina and the Quad Best memory: “My parents dropping me off at Busey-Evans on move-in day.”

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Favorite restaurant on campus: Chipotle Most fun class: Kinesiology 104: “Skating Activities” Favorite place on campus: The Quad Best memory: “I went to study abroad in Taiwan, and it was a great experience.” rilyas2@dailyillini.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

14

SENIORS BY THE NUMBERS Total seniors: 11,797 Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences:

1,053 (Total: 2,604)

Fine and Applied Arts:

535

(Total: 1,418)

Liberal Arts and Sciences:

Business:

Applied Health Sciences:

4,326

1,071 (Total: 2,843)

(Total: 2,027)

Engineering:

Media:

Education:

(Total: 11,072)

3,241

413

(Total: 6,950)

(Total: 1,082)

Veterinary Medicine:

School of Social Work:

General Studies:

(Total: 486)

(Total: 186)

(Total: 2,207)

121

62

7

894

195

(Total: 559)

SOURCE: DIVISION OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

15

A graduate’s bucket list

With less than a month left before graduation, what are your must-do campus activities?

“As a genuine foodie, I strive to try every food truck that is available around campus. The last couple weeks of my college career will not be dedicated to bikini season preparation, but rather greasy food truck consumption. I am especially excited to try Pandamonium Donuts’ carrot cake donut and everything on Cracked’s menu.”

BY BELLA JACKSON STAFF WRITER

“I’d like to go in every building on campus — just to say I did — attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony and take a bell tower tour!”

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“My bucket-list item is to go to the concert on the Quad and hear B.o.B play.” ijackso2@dailyillini.com

“I’m in a horticulture class right now, and I’m teetering between a B and an A, and I really want to get an A, so I’m going to volunteer at the Sustainable Student Farm for a few hours in order to ace my class.

Otherwise, I just want to catch up with some old friends that I haven’t seen in a while”

“Hold a court at the ARC all day.

Never lose.”

“Go bowling in the Illini Union. I haven’t done that while I was here.”

“My goal is to complete the Champaign Marathon this year.”

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Wake up with... commencement

Leave the parking to us Free Commencement Shuttle Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17

Catch a shuttle anywhere along the route and ride to: • Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

• Foellinger Auditorium

• Huff Hall • Memorial Stadium • Alice Campbell Alumni Center

• The Quad

The Commencement shuttle will service locations throughout campus: Saturday, May 16 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 17 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Visit commencement.illinois.edu for route information.

#ILLINOIS2015

THE DAILY ILLINI

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

16

The Daily Illini | www.DailyIllini.com

CONGRATULATIONS on another great school year!

Remember to return your books, the keys to the landlord, and of course the XFINITY equipment you’ve used all year long.

Are you going home for the summer?

Returning your XFINITY Equipment is easier than any 8:00am class. (choose an option below)

Pack up all your power cords and remote controls that came with the equipment and return it to one of the UPS stores below. They will box up the equipment and ship it directly to us at no charge to you. For additional UPS Store locations, call UPS or go online to www.ups.com/dropoff.

The UPS Store 1717 W. Kirby Avenue, Champaign

The UPS Store 907 W. Marketview Drive, Suite 10, Champaign

You can take it to our Customer Service Center: 303 E. Fairlawn, Urbana, IL 61801 The office is open: Mon, Wed, Fri Tues and Thur Saturday

8:30am – 5:30pm 9:00am – 5:30pm 9:00am – 12:00pm

Are you moving to a new location in the Illinois area?

You can take XFINITY with you.* CALL — Call 1.800.COMCAST with your new address and move-in date.

PACK — Unplug and pack up your cable equipment and remotes.

Take them with you to your new home.

MOVE — Once you’re in your new home, plug in your equipment to continue enjoying your current cable service.

One last note — please leave a forwarding address to which we can send your final bill. *XFINITY service not available in all areas. Not applicable if adding or relocating outlets. Other restrictions apply.

Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2015 Comcast. All rights reserved.