I am a friendly person ready to mingle with staff and students. I like to converse with students alot and help them learn new things. I also enjoy traveling and am a self-confident and patient person. I am a computer science graduate student. I enjoy playing cricket and badmitton, dancing, programming and cooking.
Favorite quote: "Failures are the stepping stones of success."
Jaleesa - Math Undergraduate Peer Tutor
Jaleesa is from Bolingbrook, IL this is her 3rd year attending UIS. She is working towards a Bachelors in Business Administration and minoring in Accounting. She likes listening to music and hanging out with her friends in her spare time. She likes helping others and giving back to her community.
Favorite quote: The World looks more magnificent and beautiful when viewed while standing on the shoulders of a giant. (unknown)
I love Math. I love video games, especially Guitar Hero. I can solve a Rubik's Cube very quickly. I am a Math major, but I am not sure about a career choice yet. I also love playing board games and football.
Favorite quote: "It's better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have it.
Allee - Math Undergraduate Peer Tutor
My major hobby is golf. I play golf for UIS .I love movies. I can watch movies all day. If you asked any of my friends, they would say I'm a firm believer in naps. I try to nap everyday. My major is criminal justice with minors in psychology and sociology. I plan on becoming either a detective or an advocate.
Favorite quote: "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
I'm a sophomore at UIS currently living in the townhouses and loving it! I'm openly nerdy/dorky, and I have all the quirks you would expect from someone who likes to do math for fun. A sampling of my personality would include enjoying all types of rock (from soft rock to heavy metal), playing Guitar Hero: Metallica on Expert (yes, I can perfect songs), and making pancakes! Needless to say, I'm a Math major, and I have a minor in management. I have a wonderful girlfriend and I'm lovin' college; what else is there to say?
Favorite quote: "The wise man doesn' t attack, but explains; doesn't judge, but accepts; doesn't show emotion, but empathizes with them."
-Me
Kristen - Biology Teaching Assistant
I am from Bourbonnais, IL and obtained my Bachelor's degree in biology from Millikin University. I enjoy playing tennis, watching sports, and going to random bingo halls throughout the state.
Favorite quote: "Don't worry. Be Happy!"
Mark - Chemistry Undergraduate Peer Tutor
I am from Carthage, IL and was raised on my family's farm. I graduated from Illini West High School in 2008 which was the first year of high school and was made up of half of my home county. I am a Chemistry major with a Biology minor and am emphasizing on pre-medicine. I enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, gardening, farming, etc. I also enjoy video games. I am involved with several on campus clubs which includes everything from CSF to Biology and Chemistry clubs. I am also a CAP Honors student and a CAP peer mentor.
Favorite quote: "It is better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt."
-Mark Twain
Nathaniel - Biology Undergraduate Peer Tutor
I am currently a senior studying for a Biology major and minors in Chemistry and Teacher Education. I hope to eventually graduate and become a high school science teacher. I enjoy doing outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and also spend a great deal of time reading and playing video games.
Favorite quote: "I teach people how to science."
-Me
Pavan - Chemistry Undergraduate Peer Tutor
Pavan is a senior in the Capital Scholar Honors program pursuing a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology with a minor in Chemistry at UIS. Pavan is an active enthusiast and competitor in martial arts. Pavan has a 2nd degree black belt in TaeKwonDo and is currently learning other disciplines such as Bujinkan Budo Taijitsu and Shito-Ryu Karate. In his spare time, Pavan enjoys table tennis, racquetball, reading, watching movies, listening to music, video games,and relaxing with friends and family. After graduation, Pavan plans on going to medical school to eventually become a surgeon.
Favorite quote: "Given enough time, any man may master the physical. With enough knowledge, any man may become wise. It is the true warrior who can master both...and surpass the result."
-Tien Tai
Kristin - Writing Teaching Assistant (ESL)
I hail from a small town in northern Illinois that I lovingly describe as having more corn than people. I am very excited for another year at UIS and the CTL. My interests include reading, writing, and singing when I get the chance. I am working toward finishing my Master's degree in Communication and am exploring my future options.
Favorite quote: My mom says, "Nurturing will save the world."
Katie has a BA in Theatre and a BA in English from Eastern Illinois University. While an undergrad, she was constantly dividing her time between hours in front of the computer and late nights at rehearsal. After graduation she journeyed into the world of opera to work as an assistant stage manager. Four years of globetrotting later, she is lucky enough to get the chance to go back to school to pursue a Master’s degree in English. She looks forward to getting to know lots of great students in the CTL!
Favorite quote: "How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live."
-Thoreau
Sarah - Writing Undergraduate Peer Tutor
I am a Capitol Honors Senior at UIS. I plan to graduate as an English major, secondary education minor. I'm from New Athens, IL and I'm a huge Cardinal's fan. I also enjoy playing volleyball and piano. I work for the CTL as well as the Office of Admissions as a student ambassador.
I've always considered myself to be a creative and artistic individual. I've nurtured these qualities through a variety of pursuits, including visual art, poetry, prose, and music. In addition, I've felt compelled to study social and behavioral science, which have led to my current study in counseling. I feel that I have a rich background to bring to a diverse learning environment.
Favorite quote: "No theory escapes the marketplace."
-Theodor Adorno
A 2nd year Communication Graduate Student, Cliff is obsessed with film, music, and pretty much any form of art and more then ready to engage in spirited discussion with anyone about said passions. He is a writing tutor and more than willing to look at any piece of paper thrown in front of him, so feel free to stop on by with whatever you have if you need some editing or just want another opinion. He secretly has a cot in the CTL, so you can probably catch him at some point during most weekdays.
Favorite quotes: How happy is the blameless vestal's lot/
The world forgetting, by the world forgot./
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind,/
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd
“Eloisa to Abelard,” By: Alexander Pope
If ignorance is bliss,/
Then knock the smile off my face!
“Settle for Nothing” By: Zach De La Rocha
Tom - Writing Teaching Assistant
Hailing from Lincoln, IL, I received my Bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from Huntington University. I am currently pursuing my Master's degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis in rhetoric and language. My non-academic interests include movies and film criticism, collecting board games, reading, the Chicago Bears, wine, women and song. I actually prefer coffee to wine, but that's beside the point.
Favorite quote: "Man is the symbol-using inventor of the negative, separated from his natural condition by instruments of his own making, goaded by the spirit of hierarchy and rotten with perfection."
-Kenneth Burke
-Gandhi
Silver - Writing Teaching Assistant
I have a PhD in English Literature from UIUC, specializing in Shakespeare. I am currently exploring theater at UIS and working towards a teaching credential in secondary education. I grew up in southern California and studied pre-professional ballet. The result of which is a love of warm weather, tutus, and nightclub dancing.
Favorite quote: "We few. We lucky few. We band of brothers."
-Shakespeare (Henry V)
Nick - Writing Teaching Assistant
I am a third year writing TA who has also worked with the Center for First Year Students. This is (hopefully) my final year in my Master's program. I am studying to be a school counselor and completing my internship in the Ball-Chatham School District. When I am not in school or working I enjoy staying active. My interests include running, reading, water sports and spending time with friends.
Favorite quote: Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
-Henry David Thoreau
Ian - Reading/Study Skills Teaching Assistant
Originally from central Illinois, I have lived on the east coast and Alaska before returning to Springfield. I am pursuing my Master's of Business Administration with a particular focus on Human Resources. I earned a BA in Political Science from Millikin University, an MS in College Student Personnel from Miami University (OH) and have worked in Student Affairs, State Government, in various public school systems. Outside interests include the Olympic Games, History, Politics, current events and reading. My favorite book is "A Prayer For Owen Meany" by John Irving
Favorite quote: To being an us for once, instead of a them
-Rent
Sarah - Writing Undergraduate Peer Tutor
Sarah is a senior undergraduate in the Capitol Scholars Honors Program, as an English student at UIS. Currently she is hoping for the elusive Theatre minor they keep talking about, but have not yet made a reality. Sarah's main extracurricular focus on campus is the UIS Theatre Program, which she has dedicated her evenings, and more accurately her life, to these past two years. She strongly suggests you see Shape of Things this Fall, and The Runner Stumbles this Spring. Her other hobbies include reading, writing fiction, and of course being glued to the television for her favorite television shows: LOST and Supernatural.
Favorite Quote:
"The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.”
– Joseph Campbell
My name is Charlotte, however, almost everyone calls me Charlie! I am a senior History major at UIS so I am a big history geek! I love museums and have actually decided to get my MA in Museum Study in hopes to one day run a museum! I am looking forward to my second year as a peer tutor in the CTL. Please feel free to come by and see me anytime!
Favorite Quote: “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.”
- Mark Twain
