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Meet the Learning Leaders
Overview | Benefits | Courses | Leaders | FAQ | Hear from Students
Learning Community Director
Ruth Hoffman
Hello everyone. I'm so proud to be the director of the Learning Community program here at U of I. My background in academia is varied, but at every point I have been involved in some way with a first-year experience program. I truly believe it is an essential component of every successful undergraduate's career. I'm sure you will get all the help you need from your Learning Leaders and from the coordinators, but don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything more. I look forward to meeting all of you. Have a wonderful year.
Learning Community Coordinators
Julie Penrod Birky
My name is Julie Penrod Birky. I climbed an active volcano, ran and finished the Chicago Marathon, drove 1,200 miles in one day, served the strong survivors of hurricane Katrina and Rita, traveled to five different countries, try to speak Spanish, once wrote a letter to the President of the United States, hold two college degrees, got married and still am, ride the bus even though I own a car, am getting my master's in social work, used to work in an STD clinic, have my bachelor's degree in sociology and gender and women's studies, pretend to play the guitar, actually like old-time jazz music, read books in order to look cooler than I actually am, really, really, really like broccoli, used to work in a mental institution, and love being an LAS Learning Communities graduate coordinator. Come to my office (English Building 25A) and I can share lots of fun stories with you. Ask me about the time I almost got arrested for volunteering—no joke!
Jamil Johnson
Hello! My name is Jamil D. Johnson and I am a PhD student in the Department of Educational Policy Studies on the University of Illinois campus. I am from the south side of Chicago. My research is looking at the No Child Left Behind legislation in the Chicago Public School system. Specifically, I am looking at school choice, academic achievement gap, and standardized testing. I consider myself an "academic activist," thus my research is giving back to the community to empower those from disadvantaged communities. Further, I want to ensure that first-year students get high quality information that will make them academically and professionally successful throughout their undergraduate career. I am a proud Illini—I have earned my Bachelors of Arts degree in history (May 2005) and my Master's of Arts degree in educational policy studies (August 2006) from the University of Illinois. I am proud to serve as the graduate coordinator for the LAS Learning Communities and look forward to having a fun and productive year.
Learning Community Learning Leaders
Lauren Allegretti
Hi, and welcome to U of I! My name is Lauren Allegretti, and I am a senior from Park Ridge, Ill., a suburb just outside Chicago. I am majoring in molecular and cellular biology with chemistry and Spanish minors, and hope to go to dental school after college. This past summer, I studied in Barcelona and visited Santorini, Greece. Following that, I worked in a pediatric dental office. I am involved in the pre-health organization Alpha Epsilon Delta and the Campus Honors Program at U of I. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, running, cooking, reading, Pilates, and yoga, and I am a huge Chicago Cubs fan! This is my second time as a Learning Leader, and I am very excited to come back and meet all of you and help you enjoy your time at U of I!!
Jodi Alperstein
Hi! Welcome to the University of Illinois! My name is Jodi, and I am a senior double majoring in math and Spanish. I am from Buffalo Grove, Ill., a northwest suburb of Chicago. Next year, I hope to go to grad school for education, and eventually teach high school math. This summer, I studied abroad in Granada, Spain. For the past five summers, I have worked at a day camp with first through fourth graders. I love working with kids, and I volunteer at an elementary school in Champaign with the program SOAR. I also have volunteered through VIS-A-VIS, am a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, and part of the James Scholar Honors Program and Phi Eta Sigma. I like to dance, go to the ARC, spend time with friends, and of course anything else Illini-related. I am looking forward to being a part of the LAS Learning Community this fall. I'm excited to meet all of you and can't wait for a great semester!
Ryoji Amamoto
Hey, I'm a senior majoring in individual plans of study with a concentration of clinical neurobiology (I know, it sounds cool). I was born in Japan and moved to Wilmette when I was nine years old. A lot of my time at school is taken up by research, which I really love. I plan on pursuing a PhD in neurobiology, and am hoping to conduct research in an academic setting. When I'm not at my lab, you can probably find me playing basketball at the ARC or playing guitar in my apartment. I also love sports, so if you ever want to talk about the Bears, Bulls, Illini, Cubs, or even the White Sox, then just come see me, and I'd love to give you my two cents about Jay Cutler or Derrick Rose. As a Learning Leader, I really want to get to know everybody and give some advice that will stick with you guys for a long time.
Alina Amir
Hey, all! My name is Alina Amir, and I am a junior in actuarial science with a minor in business. I am an international student from Malaysia, and I enjoy traveling the world. I spent my winter break during my freshman year in Salvador, Brazil, under the study abroad program, and my spring break as part of the U.S. delegates to an international leadership conference in Kampala, Uganda (under an association called AIESEC). I am currently the president of the Malaysian Students Association on campus, and love learning about the world's culture. I enjoy outdoor activities, and the ARC is one of my favorite places on campus. I'm looking forward to sharing my college experiences with all of you.
Hanno Becker
I am a junior in LAS, majoring in psychology with a chemistry minor and pre-med concentration. I am originally from Germany but moved to Naperville, Ill., when I was six, so you could say that I am almost completely Americanized. Here on campus, I am involved in College Democrats, Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, where I am currently the communications chair, and undergraduate research in psycholinguistics. Otherwise, I enjoy playing ultimate Frisbee, soccer, and basketball, going out with friends, and napping on the quad. When I took LAS 100 my freshman year, it really helped me to make the most out of my time here at U of I. I hope to be able to pass that great advice that I received on to the brilliant young minds of tomorrow.
Sarah Berg
Hi, and welcome to U of I! My name is Sarah and I'm from Bloomington, Ill. I am a senior pursuing a major in integrative biology and a minor in chemistry. I plan to go to med school to become a physician after I graduate and take a year off to work and travel. I am involved in Illini Equestrians, Alternative Spring Break, REACT, and IB undergrad research on campus. I also volunteer at the Community Fitness Center at Provena Hospital and work at Barnes & Noble in Champaign. I love riding horses, reading, drinking coffee, watching Heroes, and cupcakes from Cakes on Walnut. I'm so excited to be a Learning Leader, and am looking forward to a great semester. See you soon!
Caitlin Carmichael
Hey, class of 2013! I am a senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology and psychology. My hometown is Troy, Ill., a small suburb of St. Louis. I love doing anything active, especially long-distance running and playing tennis. I am currently training for my second marathon! I also enjoy cooking and baking, reading, and traveling. I spent the past summer studying public health in Botswana. In addition to being a Learning Leader, I am involved with the Frontiers International Health Society and Young Life, where I work with middle school students. I have also conducted undergraduate research in three psychology labs and with the Division of Infectious Disease at Washington University School of Medicine. After graduation, I hope to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. I was a Learning Leader last year and am really excited to return this year!
Dennis Choi
A big hello to the class of 2013! I am a senior from Highwood, Ill., which is a tiny suburb of Chicago that is less than an hour away from the Wisconsin border. I am currently double majoring in history and political science. I plan on attending graduate school and earning a PhD in history, though I am unclear about my specialization (as long as it is past the 18th century, I am open to pursuing it). My dream would be to ultimately work and help new generations of college students develop their minds. In addition to my studies, I am currently involved with VIS-A-VIS tutors here in Champaign, and I have worked and volunteered with numerous schools in the local area as well. I have also previously been employed with the Upward Bound program, and as an intramural volleyball referee. In my spare time, I enjoy biking, swimming, watching the show Top Chef, and working out at the two excellent gyms here on campus. I look forward to helping you make a smooth and fun transition in your first semester here at Urbana-Champaign.
Kate Ciancio
Hi everybody, and welcome to U of I. My name is Kate Ciancio, and I am a junior majoring in psychology, with a minor in communication. After my four years here at U of I, I plan to continue on to graduate school where I will receive a master's in occupational therapy, with the hope to eventually work in a hospital setting. I am from Villa Park, which is a suburb of Chicago, and I love going into the city. However, the corn of U of I has been a great home for the past two years. In my free time, I love to golf and dance. I have taken some dance classes through U of I, as well as seen many amazing shows at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, which I highly recommend. I am looking forward to Learning Communities, and good luck with the beginning of your U of I experience!
Alison Cristelli
Hello, everyone! My name is Alison Cristelli, and I am in my last year at the University of Illinois. I plan on graduating in the spring with a degree in psychology, and pursuing a master's degree in counseling to become a high school counselor. I am from the south side of Chicago, so I'm a huge White Sox fan. When I am not at a Sox game, you can find me babysitting, hanging out with friends, or on a run with my dogs. On campus, I'm an active member of Phi Eta Sigma honors/service fraternity, a member of the leadership team of Colleges Against Cancer, and a participant in several other community service organizations. I'm looking forward to a great year with everyone, and I hope to give you as good of an experience in your Learning Community as I had my freshman year.
Rachel Day
Hey, everyone! I am a senior in molecular and cellular biology, and I am currently applying to medical school. This will be my second year as a Learning Leader. I had so much fun with my classes last year, and I'm sure this year is going to be even better! I've lived in Champaign-Urbana all my life, so U of I has always been like home to me, and I hope it will feel the same way for all of you. I'm involved in a number of different things on campus, including Alpha Xi Delta sorority, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Med Honor Society, and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, to name a few. I am looking forward to a great semester and getting to know all of you!
Lincoln Every
Hi, everyone, my name is Lincoln Every, and I am teaching two classes of LAS 100 this semester. I am an integrative biology major, with minors in chemistry and animal sciences. I am currently applying to veterinary school and hope to be in a program next fall. I am also a third-year RA in Taft VanDoren Hall. I am looking forward to a great semester and hope you all have as much fun here at Illinois as I have.
Joshua Feiger
Hi! I am a senior from Wilmette double majoring in economics and political science with a minor in business. This past summer, I interned in the budget department of the Chicago Transit Authority. The previous summer, I participated in the Illinois in Washington program; I interned for Congressman Mark Kirk and spent the summer living in Washington, D.C. Last semester, I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, and traveled all over Europe. As you can tell, I love to travel and do so often. My other love is the Cubs. On campus, I am involved in Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society, and am a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi. This year, I will be working on a senior honors thesis through the Department of Political Science. I look forward to meeting all of you and introducing you to the incredible opportunities that this campus has to offer.
Teresa FioRito
Hi! I am a super-senior pursuing a dual degree in Spanish (in LAS) and business administration (in the College of Business). My LAS education in Spanish has been very useful. I have used Spanish in a human resources internship, as a server in a classy retirement home, and as a volunteer in an English-as-a-second-language program. Over the summer, I used Spanish with pre-school children. At U of I, I work in the fifth-largest library system in the nation! My interests include creating art, biking, meeting new people, bargain hunting, following the new green movement, and watching storms. This will be my third time teaching LAS 100, and I am looking forward to a great semester!
Toni Funk
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago. My major is international studies, with a concentration in business and a minor in Spanish. Last semester, I studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I discovered my love of empanadas and the tango. My career interests are centered on the international business field, and using this field to improve cultural understanding and cooperation between nations. I am very involved in AIESEC on campus, and plan to work abroad through this organization in the developmental focus.
Laura Hahn
My name is Laura Hahn, and I am from Carol Stream, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. This is my first year as a Learning Leader, and I'm really looking forward to it! I am an English major studying to become either a high school or middle school teacher. Sadly, this is actually my last semester at U of I. I will be moving back home at the beginning of second semester to begin my student teaching in the suburbs. In addition to teaching, I hope to become a cross country and track coach. I spent my summer as a volunteer cross-country coach at the high school I graduated from. It was a great experience and I hope to apply the skills and tactics I learned to my future team. I am a member of the Student Advancement Group for Education (SAGE), which provides numerous opportunities to volunteer at different schools and raise money for students. Along with my academic interests, I love to run, read, participate in outdoor activities, and hang out with my friends. My dad is a high school wrestling and football coach, so I am a big fan of both sports. I am so excited to meet all the new freshmen! I hope that you all will love U of I as much as I do. GO ILLINI!
Amanda Hoelscher
Hello all, and welcome to the University of Illinois! My name is Amanda Hoelscher, and I am from the small town of Geneseo, Ill. I am a senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology with a minor in chemistry; I plan to attend dental school upon graduation. I am involved in Phi Eta Sigma Honors Fraternity, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Pre-Dental Club. In what free time I have, I enjoy watching sports, running, reading, and volunteering. I am a first-year Learning Leader, and am looking forward to a wonderful semester and getting to know everyone in my Learning Community!
Amy Lindgren
Welcome, freshmen! I am a senior double majoring in French commercial studies and communication with a minor in business. After graduation, I plan on going to graduate school to get my master's degree in education or attend law school. Chicago is my favorite city (go Cubs!), but I also love being here in “Chambana.†On campus, I am involved with Communication Leaders and the Pre-Law Club. I am also a research assistant in the Department of Communication. In my free time, I love hanging out with friends, going to ARC, and relaxing on the Quad when it's nice outside. I have really enjoyed my last three years at U of I, and I cannot wait to help you learn all about the campus!
Bryan Mendes
Hi, everyone! My name is Bryan Mendes, and I'm a senior in molecular and cellular biology, with a minor in philosophy. I'm originally from Missouri, but did enough time in Champaign before college to classify myself as a towny. My time is usually taken up with research at Beckman Institute, volunteering at Provena Hospital, and coordinating Volunteer Illini Projects. During the free time I have, I LOVE watching movies, running, and working on my house. I'm tremendously excited about being a Learning Leader. The U of I is a FANTASTIC school with unbelievable opportunities, scholastic and otherwise. Enjoy the ride; I promise it will be amazing.
Lara Meyer
Class of 2013, welcome to U of I! My name is Lara Meyer, and I am from Buffalo Grove, a northwest suburb of Chicago. I am a senior pursuing a major in sociology and a minor in business. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and receive my MEd, which will help me to become a high school math teacher. During the summer, I am a camp counselor for teenagers who have special needs, and I volunteer for Buddy Baseball. In my free time, I like to watch movies, hang out with friends, and eat all types of junk food. This is my first year as an LAS Learning Leader, and I am excited to meet everyone. It is going to be a fun semester!
Stacia Miksys
Hello, everyone! Welcome to the University of Illinois! I am a junior in LAS, majoring in sociology with a minor in Spanish. I am originally from Westmont, Ill. On campus I'm involved with the Sociology Club, Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honors Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and the James Scholar Honors Program. I also work as a research assistant with the More Fun with Sisters and Brothers Program. Once I graduate, I plan to continue in school to get my master's degree in social work. When I'm not working, I like to read, be outside, or watch shows like Project Runway and The Soup. I really appreciated my time in a Learning Community, and I hope you will too. I'm excited to meet you all and think we'll enjoy a great first semester!
Hussain Mithaiwala
Hi everyone, and welcome to the University of Illinois! I am a senior majoring in economics with a minor in chemistry, and I plan on pursuing a career in medicine after college. On campus, I am involved in different activities such as undergrad microbiology research for British Petroleum in making alternative fuel, tutoring at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, and Muslim Students Association. In my free time, I enjoy working out, playing basketball and tennis. I look forward to meeting you, and hopefully I will be able to assist you in making the transition into this University as smoothly as possible.
Richard Morton
Greetings, everyone! My name is Richard Morton. I am from Glendale Heights, Ill., a western suburb of Chicago in DuPage County. I am a senior in the history secondary education program. I plan on teaching high school or middle school history classes when I graduate. I love to travel, and I try to grab every opportunity to get outside of the country that I can. I have traveled to Ireland, England, Whales, Scotland, and India last winter. I also enjoy playing the drums and guitar. I am excited to get classroom experience in addition to helping the incoming freshman class assimilate to campus life. I'm looking forward to an interesting LAS 100 semester.
Megan Parilla
Hi! I am a junior from Downers Grove, Ill., a western suburb of Chicago. I am majoring in molecular and cellular biology, and hoping to go into medicine after I graduate. I work in a research lab on campus studying facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Other than research, I am involved in a fundraising organization called Four Walls and a Roof, the Illinois Biological Society, and the Illini Runners Club. I love backpacking, swimming, and painting, though I am not very good at painting. I am sure that I will love being a Learning Leader, and cannot wait to meet all of you!
Allison Pillsbury
Welcome to U of I, class of 2013! My name is Allison, and I'm a senior studying psychology and communication. I'm from Burr Ridge, Ill., which is a western suburb of Chicago. On campus, I'm involved in a variety of activities and organizations, including being a FYCARE facilitator, member of Psi Chi, a James Scholar, and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. This is my second year teaching a Learning Community, and I'm happy to be taking on two! I spent last semester studying in Belgium and gallivanting all over Europe, so campus might look a little strange at first to both of us. I absolutely love everything U of I has to offer, and am sure you will as well. Go ILLINI!
Emily Puchalski
Hello, and welcome to the University of Illinois, class of 2013! My name is Emily Puchalski, and I am a senior double majoring in molecular and cellular biology and psychology. I come from the south side of Chicago. I have recently decided to change my future plans completely by switching from pre-med to pre-law, and I started working on the law school application process this summer. Aside from being a LAS Learning Leader, I am a campus tour guide, the president of Golden Key International Honor Society, a James Scholar, a general chemistry teaching assistant, and an undergraduate research assistant in the Rhodes neuroscience lab. In my spare time, you can often find me knitting (it is not just for grandmas). My freshman year was a truly amazing experience, and I want to make sure that you all can say the same thing in the future. I am really excited to get meet all of you and to help you during your first semester on campus.
Jeff Rauch
I am a senior in LAS double majoring in political science and communication, and a returning Learning Leader. I am graduating this December and plan to move to Washington, D.C., to work for Congress. If that doesn't work out, I plan on joining a campaign in Illinois for the 2010 election. I have been active on- and off-campus since starting college. This summer, I worked on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's campaign. Last summer, I was in D.C. working for Congressman Phil Hare. Back in Champaign, I have been an Inclusive Illinois student representative, a member of the Resident Hall Judicial Commission, part of the College Democrats, active in the LEADS community, and part of an intramural football team. I also work at the Undergraduate Library. Lastly, I am an avid sports fan and love cheering on the Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and especially the Fighting Illini.
Kaytlin Reedy
Welcome, class of 2013! My name is Kaytlin, and I'm a senior in psychology and gender and women's studies. I'm from a small town in southern Illinois near St. Louis. I'm involved in a lot of different things on campus, namely FYCARE (First Year Campus Acquaintance Rape Education) and the Women's Resource Center, but you'll see me all over student affairs because it runs my life. This is my second year teaching LAS 100, and I'm excited to get back into the swing of things! A few of my interests are: painting, photography and art, reading, and traveling. I love having humor in my life and I will try and bring that to the classroom! This campus has so many things to offer, and I will do my best to make sure that you have every opportunity to take advantage of them!
Jamie Rhoads
Hello, and welcome to the University of Illinois! My name is Jamie Rhoads, and I am a junior majoring in psychology. I was born and raised right here in Champaign, Ill., and have been involved in campus activities since the age of three! I love the U of I campus and community and hope that all of you will love it as much as I do! Aside from my academic obligations, I am a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and also a member of the Counseling Center Paraprofessionals. I hope to continue my education after I graduate, and receive my master's degree in higher education so I can work in student affairs at a university (possibly even this one!) and help other students just like you! I hope you take full advantage of all this University has to offer in your time here!
Meredith Riccio
Hi, everyone! My name is Meredith Riccio, and I am teaching LAS 100 and 111 this semester. I am a senior majoring in history with minors in both French and philosophy. I am pre-law and hope to be attending law school next fall. I was an RA for two years in LAR, and am heavily involved in Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society as the fundraising chair. I will be sad to leave campus in May because I have had such a great time here! I hope you all will enjoy U of I as much as I have!
Brenda L. Rodriguez
Greetings, class of 2013! Welcome to the University of Illinois. My name is Brenda L. Rodriguez, and I was born and raised in the predominately Mexican community (Little Village) in Chicago, Ill. I'm a junior pursuing a double major in English and psychology with a possible minor in Latina/Latino studies. I'm considering applying for graduate school for a PhD in English. On campus, I am involved in Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlán (MEChA), the James Scholar Program, and the Counseling Center Paraprofessionals. I also tutor Psychology 100 at OMSA East, and I enjoy volunteering at community programs and events. In my spare time, I love to read Chicana/o literature, play soccer, and write poetry. In addition to all this, I am very excited to be a Learning Leader and to share my experiences to enhance your upcoming and exciting collegiate experience!
Lisa Schraub
Hi, everyone! My name is Lisa Schraub, and I'm from Lisle, Ill., a small western suburb of Chicago. I'm a senior majoring in English with a minor in secondary education. After graduation, I plan on becoming a middle school or high school English teacher, where I would like to eventually coach basketball or cross-country. Here on campus, I have been a tutor for VIS-A-VIS, a member of Epsilon Delta, a member of the Student Advancement Group Towards Education, and a volunteer Special Olympics track coach for Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation. I am also a member of the Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies, and for the past three summers, I have worked as a camp counselor for young kids. Aside from academics and clubs, I live for Illini sports, and I have never missed a basketball or football game. In my free time, I love reading, watching my beloved Chicago White Sox, and going for runs around campus. This is my second year as an LAS Learning Leader, and I'm really excited to meet the new freshmen and get started!
Amy Snyder
I am thrilled to be returning as a Learning Leader for fall '09! As a senior, I will be finishing up my double major in communication and rhetoric/creative writing along with a minor in music. My hometown is Gurnee, Ill., but I was born in Houston, Tex., and raised in Minnetonka, Minn. My first three years at the University of Illinois have been awesome, and I fill my time with volunteering, working as a peer outreach counselor at the Office of Admissions and Records, interning at the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District, and taking long walks around campus. I am interested in pursuing a career in human resources or journalism, but graduate school will probably come first. Some things I am certain my future will include are reading, dogs, old school LP album collecting, and playing piano. This University has taught me so much already, and I look forward to sharing experiences with my Community!
Jennifer Sullivan
Hi everyone, welcome to the University of Illinois! My name is Jennifer Sullivan, and I'm a senior in LAS. During my time on campus, I've been so fortunate to be surrounded by great faculty and amazing classmates. My studies have been mostly focused on my two majors—history and political science—and a couple of Spanish courses mixed in for my minor. In my free time, I love being involved in campus activities (and definitely recommend every student join an RSO or two). While I participate in several organizations at U of I, my main activities are Support the Troops: One Front United (founder and president), Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society (executive board chair member), the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Illini Council (president), and History Undergraduate Studies Committee (UG representative). Teaching LAS 100 will be a fantastic experience! As with my classes last fall, I really love the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much! Again, welcome, and I look forward to meeting all of you! Let's go, ILL-INI!
Kathleen Suwanski
Hey, everyone! I am a senior double majoring in psychology and gender and women's studies, as well as minors in Spanish and business. I plan to pursue a career in physical therapy after graduating this May. Although I'm originally from Buffalo Grove, a northwest suburb of Chicago, I now call Elk Grove Village home. In fact, I've even called Barcelona, Spain, and San Joaquin, Costa Rica, my home while studying abroad! On campus, you can find me working as a tour guide, a CARE facilitator, a counseling center paraprofessional, or a chemistry lab teaching assistant. I also volunteer my time with Donors for Life and Phi Eta Sigma. I love sports and some friendly competition, so I am very excited to be living close to CRCE this year. I am an avid fan of Illini athletics as well as the Chicago White Sox. I am eager to meet you and to share my excitement for all things U of I with you!!
Katie Truskey
Hello, and welcome to U of I! My name is Katie Truskey, and I am a senior from Downers Grove, Ill. I am a double major in English and Spanish, and I am also pursuing a certificate in global business culture. In my years on campus, I have become involved in the SOAR tutoring program at Booker T. Washington Elementary, Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and the Study Abroad Student Advisory Committee. I spent last fall studying in Granada, Spain, which was the best decision I made since coming to college. Outside of school, you can find me watching the Travel Channel or the Food Network, simultaneously planning my next trip and gourmet meal. I have really loved my years at U of I, and I am sure you will too. Get excited!
Jackie Weidemann
Hi, LAS 100 students, and welcome to the University of Illinois! My name is Jackie Wiedemann, and I am senior majoring in English, with a minor in secondary education. I am from Palatine, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, where I live with my mom and sister. I am engaged to be married in December, and will be living somewhere in the suburbs with my future husband while student teaching in Streamwood, Ill., next semester. On campus, I am involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, and I am the president of an education RSO called Fellowship of Christian Teachers. In my free time, I enjoy running (I'm training for a half marathon), reading, writing, attending Bible study, eating anything sweet, and just hanging out with my wonderful friends and family. In the future, I plan on teaching for a few years in the U.S., and then I hope to go overseas long-term to do missionary work and teach English.
Sam Wysocki
Welcome to the Illini family! My name is Sam, and I'm a junior majoring in history with a minor in secondary education. I'm from Arlington Heights, a northwest suburb of Chicago. My main passion is working with children. It is an incredibly rewarding experience. That being said, I have spent many hours devoting myself to the America Reads/America Counts program, working as a nanny, and being an aunt to two beautiful nieces! In my down time, I enjoy traveling, attending concerts, reading, and watching the Chicago Blackhawks. College, especially the first year, teaches you a lot about yourself and life in general. Hopefully I will serve as a guide to make your freshman year at U of I as fulfilling and stress-free as possible!