video interview
Lisa
Year: Sophomore
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
College: Engineering (ENG)
One-on-One
What are your favorite places to study, hang out, and relax?
The Grainger Library, Illini Union South Lounge, Campus Honors House, Engineering Hall fourth floor, Bar Giuliani Coffee House are all great places to study, hang out and take a second to relax.
What clubs or organizations on campus are you involved with?
As a member of the Office for Technical Consulting Resources, OTCR, I am able to help start-up companies to Fortune 100 companies solve challenging business. As an Engineering Student Alumni Ambassador, I help student form lasting and beneficial relationships with College of Engineering alumni. Through the Campus Honors Program, I’m able to participate in challenging, intense courses, trips abroad, fine arts performances, and unique seminars. I’m also a member of Keramos, the national materials science honor fraternity, and the Illini Equestrian Team.
Why and how did you choose your major?
In high school, I had an excellent physics teacher who studied engineering at Illinois. He got me interested in pursing engineering. I didn’t know exactly what kind of engineering to study until I met a girl studying materials science who was so enthused about the impact she could make with her degree. I caught her fever and promptly applied to the department.
Describe your most memorable experience at Illinois.
In February 2007, we had two consecutive snow days. My roommate and I were walking down our dorm hall when she noticed a large snowdrift covering one of the chairs in the courtyard. She said, “I would pay somebody $5 to go out there and sunbathe.” I said, “I’d do it for $10.” We got our entire floor to cheer me on. I may have had a cold for a week as a result, but it was well worth the picture and the memory.
What is your advice to prospective students?
Do not wait to take advantage of the available opportunities. When else will you get to be a member of the “Fishing with Dynamite” club or take a Greek mythology class with a professor who dresses up as Plato? But remember not to ignore your schoolwork. A great GPA can open many doors for you where poor grades could shut doors before you’ve gotten to plead your case.
Video Interview
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