As our newest crop of students settle into their classes (all 4000+ of them) I thought a good way to start this blog would be with some advice for our future graduates of 2013. Here's five points to consider as you make your way through your UIC journey!
1. Prioritize you're required classes, but also put yourself outside your comfort zone. Enroll in something like Theatre 161, especially if you can find a section taught by Professor Raffeld. Trust me on this one.
2. Try to go abroad sometime in the next four years. It'll look great on your resume and will be an experience that you'll always think back to. Check out studyabroad.uic.edu
3. Hit up a Flames game every once in a while. The more you invest yourself in UIC, the better your memories and the more people you'll connect with.
4. Check out Alternative Spring Break or some other student organization on campus. Or start a new organization if you can't find anything that fits your interests.
5. Don't take no for an answer. Always remember that you pay tuition, and UIC is your school. If you don't like something – don't be afraid to speak out – organize – and demand to make this school better than it is. My class organized around undergraduate student government to build the Student Recreation Facility and make the UPASS available– what will your classes' legacy be?
So once again welcome to UIC! This really is an amazing place that will give you plenty of opportunities to do some really unique things. This next four years will test you and make you a smarter, more worldly person if you're up for it. And if you ever feel lost and need to be pointed in the right direction, don't hesitate to send me a note.
