So far, I have
been an official college student for 2 months, and it feels absolutely amazing.
My overall view of UIC has totally changed since the opinion that I had of the
school during my orientation, back in May. When I first came to UIC back in
May, I thought of it as a normal university. UIC wasn’t my first choice for
university, so I had a nonchalant attitude about calling it my school for the
next 4 years. I had no idea the
University of Illinois at Chicago had such history behind its name; and that
there were so many interesting sites around UIC’s campus.
Had
I not came to UIC, I would have never known about the many historical sites
that were destroyed along Halsted and Taylor street to build UIC. An article
from the Chicago Tribune that discusses UIC’s history describes that area that
was vivid, prior to UIC being built. Before UIC was built, Halsted and Taylor
Street were in the midst of a multiethnic blue-collar neighborhood. The redevelopment
of the area would cause the relocation of many longtime residents. The idea of
UIC being built would mean the destruction of the historic Hull House
settlement, which was a complex of social-service agencies that had assisted several
generations of immigrants. But as I look back, if these pre-modern and
historical sites were not destroyed, I would not be able to receive the superb
education that I receive daily at UIC.
The
Chicago Tribune also highlighted positive factors that came out of the
destruction of these sites. They discussed how the changes also have helped the
neighborhood surrounding UIC. At least half of the neighborhood between Halsted
and Taylor Street were taken over by the university. But by the university
being built, it helped to this area stabilize property values in a neighborhood
where some sections were pretty low economically, which is very interesting.
Besides
the fact that UIC has so many historical sites, there are so many big and
unique buildings on campus that have drawn me to love my school even more. According
to Bhavana Kolli’s blog post addressing the Quad, she calls it the heart of the
campus, which I very much agree with. The Quad is a place I personally love to
come to, just to relax. Sitting on a bench, underneath the trees is amazing. It
is one of the best places you could be on campus. Kolli described how she felt
while observing the Quad, by explaining how she felt carefree and at ease while
sitting there on her break between classes. I sometimes feel the same way when
visiting the Quad between my classes or whenever I can get a break. It’s one of
those places on campus that you can relax, yet be social with your friends at
the same time, which is what I have grown to love about the Quad.
The
one building on campus that I for one find most intimidating is University
Hall, or UH for short. Ashley Clary wrote her blog post about this building and
describes why some may feel as if UH is intimidating. She stated, “It might
have a lot to do with the fact that you have to crane your neck to an
uncomfortable degree in order to see the top. It might even have to do with the
fact that there are ‘barriers’ surrounding it. Plus when you mix in the older
people in suits and such, and all the cement, UH definitely gives off a serious
and hard to approach vibe.” I agree with all of these descriptions of
University Hall because I think of things like these all the time when visiting
UH, or even around the area of UH. Ashley describes how UH doesn't really seem
like the kind of place that'll become a part of her daily life at UIC. I agree
with her thinking because I won’t be visiting University Hall that often
either. Unless I need to talk to my professors about something or to drop
something off in their mailboxes, I won't have a reason for visiting University
Hall.
Although I like all of the
buildings on the UIC campus, one of my favorite buildings has to be Student
Center East. There are so many restaurants, so many resting and lounging areas
and two computer labs in Student Center East. I can grab a snack, rest a little
and get work done all in one building. Germaine Kindred wrote his blog post on
this building, and he describes it saying it’s similar to a mall. I fully agree
with this comparison because there are so many resources inside of the Student
Center East building to use from the bank to the many stores and restaurants
inside. Kindred then goes on to describe Student Center East a little more in
depth. He says, “Student Center East is equipped with two giant cafe type areas.
One is a buffet style café while the other is an all-out food court with
Subway, Wendy's, Sbarro, and more. The Student Center East building also has an
electronic book/supply store. An escalator ride away is a convenient store
which is fast if you have a credit card and slow if you have cash.” I love Student
Center East because it’s not only very convenient building to all to students,
but it’s also convenient to the staff and faculty of UIC as well. Everyone can
find use to something inside of this building.
Had
I not came to UIC, I would not have discovered how great of a school it is. I
would have never discovered the interesting history of, yet vivid of UIC and
how much controversy was behind the building of this university all together. I
now love UIC, and I am proud to call it my school for the next 4 years. There
are so many different buildings and so many things to do on campus, as well.
Every building serves a particular purpose on campus, and I love taking
advantages of all of the resources that I am able to use in every building,
while at school.
(A view of The Quad)
(The outside of University Hall.. scary, I know)
(The outside view of Student Center East)
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