UIC as a Whole

           A new incoming freshman student named Jesus Solano attended his first lecture at UIC and said, “ It’s a mad house.” I couldn’t agree with him more. I have some lecture classes, and it’s always packed. Lecture buildings, such as Behavioral Science Building (BSB) and Science Engineering South (SES), are always packed with students because that is where most of the required classes take place. In the Blog “ Behavioral Science Building (BSB),” Yessica Huizar wrote, “ The students that enter BSB everyday vary in ethnicity and seem to be from their late teens to their early adult years.” I wasn’t surprised when Yessica commented about the students varying in ethnicity. In these buildings there are people that vary in ethnicity because there are a lot of required classes that take place. Students from different majors and colleges are taking these classes, in which, explains the diverse community.

                                Photo courtesy of http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/walkingtour/9bsb.html

                                               Picture of Behaviorial Science Building (BSB).

            There are smaller buildings around BSB that can trick students to thinking the area is not crowded. Buildings like Stevenson Hall seem to be peaceful from the outside, but it can be hectic in the inside. I have two classes that I take in Stevenson Hall, which are English and Chemistry. The outside area is peaceful because of the open space. But don’t get me wrong, the moment of emptiness abruptly fills with a horde of students coming out of these buildings during passing periods. There can be so many students in the inside of the building waiting for their classes to start. Students can relax and wait for their class in the lobby located at the first floor of the building.

                             Photo courtesy of http://www.uic.edu/depts/oaa/walkingtour/10stevenson.html

                                                           Picture of Stevenson Hall (SH).

            In Stevenson Hall, there are the following classes: English, foreign languages, math, and philosophy. Having a chemistry discussion class, I believe there are also some discussion classes held there. As I mentioned previously, most students take these classes for their major requirements.

            There are also buildings near the area, such as Henry Hall and Jackson Hall. I almost never go near these buildings, nor do I see many people going in and out of them. Henry Hall is known for their art department. In my blog, I interviewed Jared Deinlein who commented on the view around the area of University Hall (UH), and described how vivid the area looks. He headed towards Henry Hall at the end of the interview to go one of his art classes. Just by distinguishing Behavioral Science Building, Stevenson Hall, and Henry Hall, there are a lot of different academic classes that are taught.

            Alyssa Salemi, in her blog post called “UIC Residence Hall”, wrote, “ In a short period of time I witnessed students wearing crosses around their necks, some wearing turbans, and others with yarmulke. I even overheard several conversations in foreign languages.” Almost everywhere you go, you will see UIC’s diverse campus. This large research institution has, at first, gentrified a diverse neighborhood to provide an education institution for students. As years went by, the once known historical district called Maxwell street also underwent gentrification to provide an expansion to south campus. This development provided more space for dormitories and for research facilities. I believe the demand and creation of dormitories gave the opportunity for far living students to join this research institution. Therefore, the need of new academic and research facilities also grew.

            As mentioned, one building can contain many different subjects for many different majors. In the blog, “Blog Post for Neighborhood Eight”, Klaritza Rojas wrote, “ For many students, they go to complete their major or minor in the departments of science and engineering. Most of the courses that are held in this area [Area near Behavioral Science Building] help UIC students become biologists, doctors, engineers, and many other professions.” This social unity defines diversity. Large lecture halls, such as SES, quickly fill with chatters of new possible friends. I made new friends majoring in different fields, and participating in different colleges. This easy access of communication helps students engage in diversity without really thinking about it. I believe UIC purposely built this campus for this reason, which is for students to socialize with each other.

             The history of UIC can be seen visually by walking past these buildings. Some buildings are modern looking, and some are old and historical. This shows UIC’s dedication to expanding new professions and research. It’s a positive correlation. As UIC expands, the more professions they offer and the more different types of students participate.