When I met Chris for the first time back in September, I thought he was lying to me. He told me that he was a part of Golden Apple (which is a teaching scholarship that I am a recipient of), but since I had not ever seen him at any events, I didn’t believe him. We started to dig deeper and figure out the reasoning behind it, and got to know each other well enough to notice all that we have in common. Not only are we both Education majors, but we both are involved in Greek Chapters here at Illinois State, we are both tutors at the Visor Center, we are both from the same area of Illinois, and we are both involved in many organizations that consume our time pretty well. Now, Chris is one of my best friends that I have here at ISU. We go to Milner together and stay for ridiculous amount of hours. Chris will send me videos of himself playing the guitar (Look him up, he is phenomenal – and self-taught!) and he helps me with any and all math homework that I have. I am happy to have crossed paths with Chris in these many ways, and I am excited for you to learn more about him like I have!
Name: Christopher Shintaku
Hometown: Schaumburg, IL
Major: Mathematics Teacher Education
Minor: Athletic Coaching
Role Model: John Mayer
Favorite Netflix Addiction: Criminal Minds
Her Campus: Describe Illinois State University in three words.
Chris Shintaku: Home, Beautiful, Reputable
HC: Describe yourself in three words.
CS: Hardworking, Dedicated, Distinguishable
HC: What is your goal for this semester?
CS: My goal for this semester is to survive on an average of 4 hours of sleep per night.
HC: What do you like about ISU?
CS: I love all of the history and prestige that comes with being an Illinois State Redbird.
HC: What is your favorite spot on campus?
CS: My favorite spot on campus has got to be the Quad, especially when it’s nice outside.
HC: What made you want to become a teacher?
CS: I want to be a teacher because I wish to change the student-stigma of mathematics. Also, I wish to effectively mentor and prepare students not just for college, but also through their pursuit of future careers.
HC: How did you find out about the Golden Apple Scholarship?
CS: I received a letter through the mail detailing the foundations aspirations for future teachers.
HC: What does Golden Apple mean to you?
CS: Golden Apple is an amazing organization of pre-service and current teachers who all believe in making a difference. Golden Apple has allowed me the opportunity to join a tightly knit, elite group of educators. I’m so honored to be part of such a prestigious faction of educators, and Golden Apple has everything to do with my success as a teacher.
HC: What has been your favorite memory from Golden Apple so far?
CS: My favorite memory of Golden Apple has to be my first Summer Institute. DePaul offered me an incredible experience both teaching Accelerated Trigonometry and being able to connect and share memories with fellow teachers, all of whom are working on developing a better tomorrow.
HC: How does being in the Golden Apple Scholar program help you in the future?
CS: There is a heighted sense of expectations and prominence that comes with being a Golden Apple Scholar. The program allows students opportunities and clinical experience to further improve pre-service teachers’ abilities and skills in the classroom. Also, the program allows us to consult and work with current and retired educators, who can offer scholars developmental advice as to how to be the best, most efficient, and most successful teacher that we can be.
HC: What are some of your hobbies?
CS: My hobbies include coaching high school athletics, performing multiple musical instruments, playing video games, working out and watching movies.
HC: What RSOs are you involved in here at ISU?
CS: Golden Apple ISU, Student Education Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Math Education Club.
HC: How long have you been involved in those RSOs?
CS: In respective order: 2 years, 3 years, 1 year, 2 years.
HC: Why did you join those four organizations?
CS: I decided to join these organizations because I believe I hold great future potential into becoming a successful teacher. Golden Apple ISU is a collection of scholars that attend ISU, where we can discuss any and everything related to becoming a successful teacher. Student Education Association is the student government organization, where we can discuss more teacher-related topics, similar to Golden Apple ISU. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a valuable RSO on campus that allows members opportunities to work with underprivileged students in the Bloomington-Normal area. Our goal, as an RSO, is to offer support to these students and guide them towards a successful future. Finally, Math Education Club is important to me because it allows me to work with other Illinois State students in my major and discuss various events and topics relevant to Mathematics.
HC: How else are you involved on campus?
CS: In addition to being a student, I am a certified mathematics tutor for the University through the Julia N. Visor Center. Also, I am a High School athletics coach for the University High School Pioneers in Football and Girls’ Track and Field. Occasionally, I will play some Open Mic Nights with some of my friends. Finally, I am a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, where I hold executive office as the Treasurer.
We have enjoyed hearing all that you do on campus, and good luck with your future ventures. Thank you for letting us get to know you better, Chris!