Ceida Elizarraraz: President
Senior
Design, with an interest in Marketing
October 12th, Libra
What do you love most about the city?
The thing that I appreciate most about Chicago is that it has everything that I want in one place. Every opportunity I’ve ever wanted to have has been within these city limits and that’s one that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else! Love my city.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I grew up in Santa Cruz, California!
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
I love playing tourist in my city.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
Paris, France! Anyone that knows me knows how much I love the language, the history/culture, and especially the architecture. Beautiful facades are my thing. [pagebreak]
Claudia Martinez: Editor in Chief
Junior
Marketing
June 21st, Gemini
What do you love most about the city?
I love how there is always so much to do here! I especially like walking around the city at night, so beautiful!
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I love to sing! I sing all the time at home, but people don’t really know about it!
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
I LOVE doing Zumba dancing (especially Latin music), exercising, and singing!
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
I would go to Brazil and London, they are definitely two places I want to visit!
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Alex Griparis
Senior
Communications
May 12th, Taurus
What do you love most about the city?
I love the history of the city and the fact that there is always something new to explore. I love the architecture, the culture, and all the different neighborhoods we have. And of course all the amazing food places and music venues. I could talk about how much I love this city for hours, so I’m just going to stop there.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
People are always so surprised when they find out I have tattoos and eventually I hope to have a halfsleeve.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
I love exploring the city whenever I get a free chance, especially to find cool new thrift stores or local book stores. I also intern for Northwestern Press.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
If I could go anywhere I would choose to stay in the US and visit all fifty states. I haven’t really been out of the Midwest and would love to know every part of this country before leaving to explore others! Though I would never turn down a trip to somewhere far if I had the opportunity.
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Meaghan Lee
Senior
Graphic Design
March 23rd, Aries
What do you love most about the city?
I love the energy and possibilities of the city. At the risk of sounding cliche, I feel a surge of excitement and inspiration each time my eyes span the skyline. I feel proud to be a Chicagoan where activities are ample and dull moments rarely occur. Chicago’s music venues are especially thrilling.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
Does being funny count as a fun fact? Well, Kathy Griffin did autograph my menu (in crayon) at my favorite restaurant in Oak Park the night before my birthday. The world is a small place. (:
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
Hobbies outside of school, although my column gives it away, include “music stalking,” eating, running off what I eat, and promoting “the little things.”
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
Hmm, I’d definitely begin my travels in Europe. London, actually, to live out my fantasy of walking the cobblestones my favorite wizard trio did. Then I would definitely check out the City of Light. After Paris, I’d brush up on my roots and head to Ireland. Maybe I’d find some gold.
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Nicole Jacobs
Junior
Marketing
October 25th, Scorpio
What do you love most about the city?
I was born and raised in this lovely city and still cannot get over how beautiful the skyline is. I love the diversity, the restaurants, the Chicago Bulls, the eclectic neighborhoods, and all the great food/music fests the city offers. Oh and did I mention the Chicago Bulls? I’m kind of obsessed with them. (:
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
Usually people are so shocked when I tell them I’m half Asian. My mom is Filipino and seriously the cutest thing. People are really surprised at first, but can notice some of my Asian features after I tell them.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
When I’m not satisfying my enormous sweet tooth at some bakery or cupcake shop, I love to run, do yoga, bike, or anything else fitness related. I love food, especially Italian cuisine, so I definitely try to find a nice, healthy balance by working out.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
I studied Italian for three years and would love to travel to Italy some day, specifically Rome. I’m in love with their food, culture, and architecture. My second destination would definitely be London. It seems beautiful there and I am obsessed with British accents.
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Alexis Caxton-Idowu
Senior
Political Science
May 19th, Taurus
What do you love most about the city?
I love that there is never a dull moment! From the shopping to the restaurants and sports (Go Bulls), it is impossible to be bored.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I LOVE watching Bollywood movies. They’re so fun.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
I love to blog! I have an African inspired entertainment/style blog called Didara.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
London. I have never been there, but I have heard great things from family and friends. I think L-town would make an awesome vacation.
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Alexa Meyer
Junior
Graphic Design, minor in Communications
October 8th, Libra
What do you love most about the city?
The architecture and the shopping!
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I own over 100 bottles of nail polish! I’m addicted to it!
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
Drawing, painting, and going to the gym.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
Everywhere! But I really want to go to Bora Bora!
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Dulce Hernandez
Junior
Urban Education
June 6th, Gemini
What do you love most about the city?
I love the energy and the different cultures that are present in Chicago.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I participated in a pageant and won Miss Congeniality.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
I play soccer and enjoy painting and writing.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
I would leave to Madrid, Spain. I love their culture.
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Gina Russell
Junior
English/Communication
August 30th, Virgo
What do you love most about the city?
Born and raised, Chicago has always been home to me. On the other hand, there are places in the city that I’ve never been to, so it keeps me on my toes.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I went to an all girls Catholic high school with a little over 200 girls in the entire school. The school itself was on a hill; I know that’s not a necessary or even relevant detail. However, to my surprise, when admitting this in college I have never gotten a “fun” or even positive response from males or females. Regardless, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
In my spare time I enjoy binge watching Netflix, purchasing things online that I don’t need, getting perpetually physically and mentally lost in bookstores, napping, eating my weight in any type of Asian cuisine, doing people’s makeup during my job at Ulta, rereading the book The Catcher in the Rye, and listening to music that makes my ears both happy and sad.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
Although many places are on my list, Paris will always be my number one. Blame Mary Kate & Ashley, Lauren Conrad or even maybe Carrie Bradshaw, but that city will never not appear magical to me.
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Jennifer Hebeisen
Senior
English, minor in German Studies
December 20th, Sagittarius
What do you love most about the city?
My favorite part about the city is all of the contrastive people that commute around day in and day out for vastly different reasons, yet we all share a commonality of holding Chicago near and dear to our hearts for one reason or another. I think that makes Chicago a special place and shows what an opportunity filled city it is.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
I know how to knit and crochet, so every so often I’ll make a hat, scarf, etc.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
I love being around people, so I’m constantly helping out where I can, spending time with family/friends, etc.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
If I could leave tomorrow and trave the world I would want to go to Germany.
Melissa Taylor
Senior
English, minor in Psychology & Sociology
August 11th, Leo
What do you love most about the city?
What I love most about Chicago is how big it is. There will always be an endless amount of places to see and things to do. There are so many different neighborhoods, landmarks, events, and museums to experience. There’s something for everyone here.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that others may not know?
Most people don’t know that I can play three instruments.
What are some of your hobbies outside of school?
I like to read, play music, see movies, and travel as much as I can.
If you could leave tomorrow and travel the world, where would you go?
If I could go anywhere in the world I would go to either Africa or Bora Bora.