Journeys: To College and Beyond

Finding Your Fit with Sara

In the final episode of season two, Maddie sits down with the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sara Mackenzie. Sara shares advice with newly admitted students, unpacks the meaning of "good fit" and tells the story of how one accidental college visit changed her entire journey. Chapters: 0:00--4:39 - Introduction 4:39-7:12 - The Anxiety of Starting Your College Journey 7:12-9:33 - What Makes Illinois Different? 9:33-13:31 - How to Make a Balanced Decision 13:31-15:50 - Defining "Good Fit" 15:50-18:05 - Your College Decision is Not the End of the World 18:05-21:20 - Sara Loves a Campus Visit 21:20-25:53 - Sara's Journey to College via the Mall of America 25:53-27:11 - Final Thoughts and Trusting the Process

Admitted First-Year FAQs with Kristin

When admissions decisions are finally released, it's time to celebrate! But what comes next? Assistant Director of First Year Admissions Kristin Van Duyne tackles frequently asked questions to help Admitted First-Year students cross the admissions finish line as they prepare to become the next generation of Illini.

CS + X and Combination Majors with Kush

Sometimes our dreams are bigger than a single major can hold. At Illinois, students can mix, match, and combine areas of study to create a path that truly fits their passions. This month, we’re exploring the popular combination major CS + X with Kush, a sophomore studying Computer Science + Linguistics and Brain and Cognitive Science.

Redefining the Journey: Military Connected Support with Rob

Sergeant Robert Chromniak of the Illinois Army National Guard and Senior in Urban Planning at Illinois opens up about what it means to be military connected, the transition from service to school, and the support he's found in the Chez Veterans Center to reach his full potential on campus and beyond.

Post-Grad Pathways with Taylor

Taylor Howard, M.S., has learned a lot since completing her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism at Illinois just a few short years ago. In this episode, Taylor speaks on how she chose Illinois, navigating the daunting shift from college to the real world, and calls out the tension many young adults find between "the boxes" they are expected to check off and the reality of finding your own definition of success.