Editor's Note: Illinois State University senior Anastasia Gustafson will join The Vidette every week to share her perspective on the current education climate and what is happening on a national and local level.
As the COVID-19 positivity rate reaches a startlingly high percentage in Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has issued a plea for residents to cancel large Thanksgiving gatherings and limit the celebration to only members of the immediate household.
Life in 2020 is not the way that we expected it to be, especially not during the holiday season. Going out and doing holiday traditions over break is no longer possible and it is heartbreaking. There are some people who will even be forced to be alone for much of break due to health concerns…
Students are advised to continue practicing social distancing in anticipation of their upcoming return home for winter break.Below are some constructive ways for students to occupy their time during quarantine.
Illinois State University offers a number of virtual activities that are sure to cure your quarantine boredom. These activities cover a large range of interests that are accessible to a majority of students and are all free to join.
With the recent spike in coronavirus cases in Illinois, students should practice social distancing now more than ever. This newfound solitude has left us with a copious amount of free time on our hands that often feels overwhelming.
The United States has recently reported a spike in new COVID-19 cases, reaching its highest new case total since mid-August according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In order for Illinois State University to help stop the spread of the virus, students should continue to pr…
The connection between history and writing is one I find myself often thinking about.
Editor's note: Illinois State University creative writing major Jacob Fortino will be joining The Vidette with tips for better writing and studying. As writer himself, he will be sharing his writing process and ways to help other writers.
It is Aug. 16, the eve of the first official day back to Illinois State University for the fall 2020 semester, and suddenly my entire college career feels so surreal as I look back on it, especially given the state of the world we are living in now. While the start of this new semester is qu…
Applications for medical school are one of the most stressful things a pre-med student must complete if they want to become a doctor.
Editor's Note: Jennifer Miller is a pre-health and pre-dental student at ISU. Her blog, Rotating before Rotations, is about pre-medical and biology students and their experiences.
At the start of February, the sun was shining, and the sky was bright and blue, unlike the blank nothing of the winter air. The weather went from a brisk cold, to a sudden 55 degrees.
Illinois State University is a campus that I was completely unaware was a tad eco-friendly. I had no idea all the places and organizations I could join that make an effort to help save our planet.
Oct. 5 was Illinois State University’s Family Day and when School of Communication hosted an annual open house in Fell Hall, before the football game.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Anna Gorski is a new blogger for videtteonline.com. She will be writing about School of Communication events, promotions and news. Gorski is also one of The Vidette's classifieds clerks and is a member of Illinois State's Alpha Delta Pi chapter.If you are in the School of Comm…
“Ready ladies?”
Originally, I had intended on starting my blog from the beginning—of my competitive running days that is. However, the weekend of October 27th, 2018 was so special to myself and my team that I feel it would be foolish not to share with my readers first and foremost.
Editors Note: Rachel Hickey is a general marketing and journalism major. She is from Peru, Illinois. Her emphasis will be a student athlete perspective on running. You can follow her on Twitter @r_hickey15.
The conversations allowed for by the limited free time shown on the interval clock are always limited. A lot of the time when you get the urge to update a teammate on something, you’ve only got a few seconds before you both have to push off the wall again. Sometimes you are able to chat in-b…
This week I want to discuss another awesome campus resource – the Career Center! As an upcoming graduate this December, I am so happy that I utilized this service. I also want to point out that these services are also available to alumni – which is awesome.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Donna Bennett is a senior at ISU from Mark, Illinois. Bennett is majoring in Communication studies. Her blog will concentrate on health related topics.
Swimming has been my silent teacher through each stage of my life. Since I was 4 years old this sport has slapped me in the face with every wrong decision I’ve made and granted me medals of honor for every good one. It has been there for me through every death, every accomplishment, every br…
EDITOR’S NOTE: Jessi Nichols is a member of the Illinois State swim team. A junior at ISU from Florrisant, Missouri. Nichols is double majoring in communications and the legal studies. Her blog will concentrate on her life at ISU as a member of the swim team.
Do you find yourself wanting to join a club filled with cool people, a fun environment and a game that could work your brain? Look no further because the chess team is up your alley.
A few years ago, over ISU’s siblings weekend, my sister invited me to see the Gamma Phi Circus perform in Redbird Arena. I remember sitting in one of the very top rows looking down on the stage and thinking to myself how some of these performers were higher than I was, that they were flying.…
If you have been an avid reader of my blogs, you know by now that most of the content I release is positive and or uplifting in the sense of individual growth and happiness. I like to discuss real issues and struggles in hopes that even one person may take away some piece of mind from these …
What’s up everyone? None of you all know me yet, but this will change soon. My name is Johnny Beckworth and I am a junior mass media major here at Illinois State University. I am currently interning this semester as a copy editor at The Vidette and I am happy to share with you all that I wil…
Tomorrow is the first Friday of the new semester. Most people know what they are going to do on Friday night, but I am here to give some recommendations on what to do in the middle of the day, more specifically around 11 am. After extensive research I have compiled the perfect guide for your…
Ah, here we are again with another syllabus week. I have been a complete couch potato during our winter break and the idea of getting back to hitting the books seems like a challenge. The famous syllabus week is known for extending winter break at least one more week while the teachers just …
To the Class of 2020,
At the beginning of the school year here at Illinois State University everyone on my dormitory’s floor was asked to write a letter to themselves to be returned at the end of the semester. These letters could consist of any thoughts we were having regarding academics, family, friends or virtu…
If you have previously, or are currently living in a dorm room at a college or university, there are several aspects that probably have made your experience both a negative and positive one. For the sake of relating to my fellow readers, I will focus on some constant struggles we all have, o…
Hi, my name is Sierra Hobson and I have a confession to make- I am homesick. I have been enrolled at Illinois State University for about nine weeks now, and I have never been more terrified in my life to be away from the comfort of my friends, family, and the familiar lifestyle of my home to…
As family weekend quickly approaches, some of you may wonder what you are actually going to do when your family arrives here on campus. I know when it comes to my parents, planning on going to a frat party Friday night isn’t exactly going to be their idea of a good time. It’s safe to say tha…
The ISU student fitness center welcomes Starbucks as it replaces the old Jamba Juice location. As a college student, I am particularly excited about another coffee location on campus. However, the location is a bit contradicting. After a long workout Jamba Juice just makes more sense than…
While most of you are trying to take in the last of summer as much as you possibly can, I am over here counting down the days until the air is crisp, the leaves are changing color and pumpkin flavored everything become one of the basic food groups. Fall has always been my favorite time of ye…
Tearing up as I write this article for all those who are just beginning their journey here. It’s finally sinking in that I am a senior this year at Illinois State. A senior! I cannot believe it is actually here and wish more than anything I was back in the shoes of the entire freshman class.…
“If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it at all.” We’ve heard the phrase since we were eight years old, but have you ever considered the importance behind this message? I do not think we often realize the power kind people have on those they interact with. Power to turn someone’s day a…
As a senior, I can say that I have driven down Main Street into Bloomington many, many times throughout college. I have seen the sign for Mugsy’s Pub countless times as well, but it never looked inviting or somewhere I would ever try.
The past few weeks have seemed a little brighter around here—and it’s not just because the sun has finally started shining. There have been two major celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day and the centennial anniversary of the 1916 Irish Rising.
I get this question all the time when I tell people it's my major. There isn't one simple answer though. I try my best to give people a comprehensive one. I usually say things like "creating virtual environments" or "developing easy-to-use user interfaces" but I want this post to expand on w…
As the end of the year nears, stress levels are at their highest point. I do not know about you, but I am the person who obsessively plans out every little thing that needs to be crossed off my to-do list for the next three weeks. I’ve done this since high school, and in college this obsessi…
Being kind is the most impactful and easiest way to be a great person. Sometimes I think that we can get so caught up in competition to raise thousands of dollars or to put on the biggest philanthropic event to raise the most awareness, because we think that that is the best way to be great.…
While many students are pretty familiar with downtown Bloomington around 11:30 on Friday or Saturday nights, there are definitely some places downtown that deserve to be visited, even in the light of day. Rosie’s Pub is one of them.
“... They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do." – Steve Jobs
Balancing time in college can be tough. Many students find themselves so busy they do not have time for a job, and those who do have jobs sometimes find they are constantly living paycheck to paycheck. Life as a poor college kid becomes… interesting to say the least. If you’re living this li…
Throughout our college career, we take full responsibility of our tasks at hand throughout the day and some days might seem harder to tackle those tasks than other. With the weather changing and flowers blooming, “senioritis” is at an all time high. Many wake up as early as 6 a.m. to start…
In the perfect world, I would be able to travel to fabulous places every weekend of my semester, staying in five-star hotels and dining in the best restaurants. Unfortunately in this one, my savings from a string of teenage jobs have forced me to be a little more careful with my money. While…
College is more than just studying for tests and working to get good grades. Over the past three years, I have realized what we do in the classroom may not always be the most important stuff we do while we are here. Here are the three things I find most important to do for others and for our…
The “suspicious package” that led to the evacuation of the fourth floor of Illinois State University’s Schroeder Hall’s Thursday turned out to contain only documents.
The new Illinois State University Cheerleading squad has been announced and it’s crazy to say that I am not on the team.
About a week ago, something terrible happened within the ISU and Bloomington-Normal community. Seven friends, including two members of the ISU athletics family passed away. Things like this can make you pause and think about what is really important in life. ISU has had their fair share of t…
Over the past four years the amount of team meals I have been a part of is unbelievable. This past Saturday, I had my last team meal. The banquet was set for 1pm and like us, a majority of us arrived 15 minutes early. Being early is something that has been drained into our memory and we’ve l…
I’ll be graduating this May with my undergraduate degree from Illinois State University. The fact that my days are limited has me thinking about my post-grad life. One of the things I’ve been thinking about is where I’m going to live. Obviously, wherever I get a job is where I will move. Who…
I was reading an article recently about how to get out of a “sophomore year” slump. I think that we all can agree that at any time during our college experience we can get caught in a slump. Depending on what classes we are in, where we are in planning our futures, homework load, or what act…
Well… the time has come. Senior night is right around the corner and I’m having mixed feelings. Part of me could not be more excited. The excitement is more about realizing I’m graduating and moving on. It could also be exciting because that means free time will become my new friend. The oth…
As a senior ready to graduate this May, I realized that I have a lot of Illinois State University apparel and knick-knacks lying around. I was thinking recently, “What am I going to do with all this ISU stuff when I graduate?” I really don’t want to pack it up and take it home. It’s not like…
Looking back, I have a tendency to say that I’m blessed for multiple reasons. That is in no way false, but I truly realized how blessed I am to be apart of Illinois State Cheerleading and my university over the past weekend.
I got back to Blono a few days ago after a fun, relaxing Winter break. I spent a couple of days getting back into the swing of things—cleaning my apartment and getting ready for my classes. Everything was running smoothly until the fire alarm went off in my apartment building one night. You …
With Thanksgiving break a couple weeks away and the end of the semester seeming so close the anxiety of finals is starting to make its appearance. I hope I am not the only one that thinks this semester went by at lightning speed and its hard to imagine that in a matter of weeks we will be o…
All fellow Redbirds know that we have a world renowned workout facility. But unless you are a Rec regular you may not know what really separates our Rec Center from other college campuses.
The Redbirds are not the only ones who remain undefeated after this weekend. The record is homework-0, Redbirds-1, Cindy-1. Here is what I was able to check off the to do list:
As we all know feedback comes in all shapes and sizes. There is positive feedback, negative feedback and then just plain no feedback. It can be difficult to find time to give feedback to others when we are so focused on our goals and tasks. I know, Ive been there. But I found while intern…
Were already halfway through the semester, which means your chances to save your grades are dwindling. Your performance on midterms and assignments later on in the semester has the power to really influence your final grade. Most teachers dont assign high stakes assignments at the start of…
One of the most important skills I learned in college did not happen in a classroom. Learning how to cook has not only helped me survive (literally), but Ive also been able to do something I enjoy.
As you have probably heard by now, the city of Bloomington is trying to ixnay the ISU student designated driver. A long running tradition so to speak, students from all over campus drive around their cars for a night giving rides to their fellow, usually intoxicated, students. Usually, the…
As many students adjust to being away from home for the first time, the six-week plunge has been brutal. The thrill of the first weekend has begun to wear off and the realities of studying and tests have started to sink in. When caught up in the first initial whirlwind of college it feels …
If youre a senior, youre probably starting to realize how important your LinkedIn profile is. If youre an underclassman, you will see the importance of this tool soon. LinkedIn, and networking in general, is arguably the second most important aspect of college behind your education. So wh…
While you may not be thinking about next years living situation at the start of this school year, local leasing companies want you to be. Someone decided that the start of the fall semester was a good time for students to sign leases for the following year. It may be easy to get caught up i…
Last weekend was our first opportunity as a school to set the tone for the school year with our first football gamethus bringing on the first tailgate of the season. Sure, we had a great crowd. Sure, our student section was packed. But the most appealing thing to my fellow Birds should and…
Im often asked for one piece of advice for freshman students. The most important thing Ive learned over the past few years has been this: get involved. It doesnt matter what your interests are. I can almost guarantee youll find something either on-campus or in the surrounding community.
Now that students and professors are back on campus and we are well into the school year, are you sick of dining center food yet? Have you found yourself wishing you knew some great places on or near campus to try out with some friends? What many students dont know is that there are many gr…
With the start of my senior year, I've found myself reflecting on the past few years. As cliché as it sounds, theres so many things I know now that I wish I knew when I first started college. Here are five things I wish I could go back and tell my freshman self.
Upon starting back to school last week, I had the realization that life would change all too soon as I opened a new chapter. I realized it was my last first day of school well, as an undergrad at least. So for those of you who will not be graduating in December, it is a very surreal feeling.…
Id like to first start by welcoming everyone back to Illinois State University for the school year. This summer just flew by! This year Ill be blogging about my experiences being an intern this summer, and also about life as a senior in college. Im going to kick things off with an intern blog.
I am considering enrolling in an online class this summer. This would be my second time taking an online class. I took a computer based class during one of my previous summer vacations. That class went so well for me. I was pleased to see that one of my classes I planned for the future happe…
With the end of the semester approaching I am now able to say I have two semesters of blogging experience. What the readers see is the finished product, but the behind the scenes work is a tedious process.
One thing that students will encounter in college classes is group projects. I do not know anymore who does not cringe when hearing that they have to do a group project. Group projects are not high on anyones list of ideal class activities, except professors, who seem to love to assign them…
I am the type of individual that can get bored if I do the same thing for too long. Usually about midterm, I get bored with the classes I am taking that semester. I want to move on to a new subject. Surprisingly, this semester I am still content with my classes. That has to do with the fact …
As of late, reality has begun to set in full throttle. Upon completing a numerous number of credit hours, the school titles you a SENIOR. Though this is a great title to have, as it is a major accomplishment, your attitude may begin to change. Over the past semester these are just a few of…
One of my professors told the class to keep your foot on the gas pedal, the semester isnt over just yet. But oh is it ever so close. I can hear the countdown in my head. Each morning as I rise out of bed, serves as a constant reminder of how soon I will be waking, not to the homework I ab…
Sometimes I feel like all I hear is everyone around me complaining about something. I believe that there is a time and place to vent. Every once and a while, it is good to get things off our chests. But complaining, for the sake of complaining, we all can agree gets annoying to listen to. I …
I bet we can all agree that when we left high school as seniors about to enter college, we all thought we were pretty cool. We worked our way up from a lowly freshman to being on top as a senior. Then we arrived at college and we were a lowly freshman again. If you think about it, that is ho…
All For You
I do not know if I am the only one who noticed this, but the bell tower on campus has not ringing every hour like it used to. In fact, it has not rang at all or played the school or fight songs. I am not even sure where the bell tower is located on campus. Does anyone know? I was in my apart…
Every time I take an exam, I always seem to be tripped up by a trick question. It is inevitable! I recently spoke with a professor about an exam I took in their class. The professor told me that they like putting trick questions on exams to encourage students to understand the concepts in th…
Coming from a college prep high school, the schools main goal was to prepare all their students for the challenges they would face in college, as well as in the distant future. That means instilling values in us including dedication, organization, motivation and hard work. One way they chal…
I think there comes a time in every students life where you have to ask yourself, what the heck am I doing?
This past week marks a sad anniversary for many people in Illinois. On 2/14/2008 a gunman opened fire on a lecture hall full of students at Northern Illinois Universitys Cole Hall before taking his own life. During those terrible minutes, many students were injured and five were fatally wou…
With only a couple months left of school, nothing can come between those who are graduating in May and all the excitement that follows. Many seniors are suffering from something termed senioritis. Symptoms can be, but not limited to, wearing sweats every day, being over the whole party sce…
One thing I love about ISU is that most professors post their PowerPoint presentations on ReggieNet or their websites. I love this for a few reasons. One, I do not have to write notes in class. Therefore my hand does not cramp and I am not writing franticly and missing key information. Secon…
The past week of school has been an arctic blast...literally. Walking around campus with the winter weather attacking you can leave you feeling blue, but here are a few tips to make the winter weather a little more bearable.
With an auditorium full of laughter, comedians Carly Aquilino and Chris Distefano of MTVs Girl Code and Guy Code gave students more than a good time at Jan. 31, comedy show brought to you by the University Program Board. I got that chance to meet with Aquilino and Distefano and talk to …
I hope everyones first week of classes went well! It can be somewhat stressful to hear our new professors go over the workload that will be put on our back for the semester, but nevertheless, the first week of classes is one of my favorites.
The first week back to school is over and many students have been to their new classes at least once. The first week of the new semester, was the week where kids pop in and out of classes and you decide if your professor really looks like Mitch from "Modern Family" or if it is just your imag…
With the first week of classes underway, the abruptness of a new schedule can leave you tired, annoyed and not feeling yourself. Especially if you have gone from sleeping the day away during winter break to an 8 am class twice a week. You know, the class where you are only allowed one absenc…
I have heard several classmates this semester struggling with the question of whether or not to commute to campus next year. The majority of these students are traditional students, who currently live on or near campus, but are considering commuting about an hour to an hour and half to campu…
I am sure some of you have run or walked a 5K once in your life. 5Ks are really popular and can be an easy way to raise money and awareness for whatever the cause might be. At the same time, you do not have to be a marathon enthusiast to participate. At the 5Ks I have participated in, I have…
Lets be honest with ourselves here girls, we all go out on a Friday or Saturday night hoping to meet the one. You get all dressed up, full make up, borderline risqué dress but showing only enough skin to create the wow factor, but also maintaining a higher level of class all at the same…
We, as Americans, have many traditions, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving and the holidays. Since Australians do not celebrate Thanksgiving, they have their own celebrations. I experienced one of the traditions with my friends while I was abroad in Australia. Every Sunday night we wou…
During my time abroad in Australia, I got the chance to go to the Great Barrier Reef twice! The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef located off the eastern coast of Australia in the Coral Sea. It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and 132,973 square miles long.…
My favorite part of my trip to Sydney, Australia was when I went to the Blue Mountains and world famous Bondi Beach. The Blue Mountains are just outside Sydney and are known for their scenic and breathtaking views. Prior to coming to Australia, I knew nothing about the Blue Mountains, but I …
I have recently had some disappointing things happen to me. They are nothing I cannot handle. These are the types of things that make us stronger and give us experience. Learning to deal with disappointments in the right way is important; otherwise we may get discouraged and give up. If we g…
Students at Illinois State University have all been wondering what is going to happen to the Southside dorms, Atkin-Colby and Hamilton-Whitten. President Timothy J. Flanagan and the university vice rresidents talked on the matter briefly at the State of the University address this past Thurs…
As I mentioned in my previous blog, I studied abroad in Australia. While in Sydney, I stayed in Chinatown. Chinatown was really cool and I felt comfortable while staying there. There were many Chinese restaurants close by, as well as, Chinese bakeries, delis, meat markets, etc. There was so …
Recently there was an article published that many social media and TV programs were talking about called 23 Things Women Should Stop Doing. Some examples included to stop apologizing all the time, even for things that are not your fault or you cannot control. Another example was wearing he…
I believe that there is something to be said about being quiet. I am rather boisterous in nature, for the most part; however, I truly enjoy silence in the company of others. It is enlightening to just be still and listen. I used to wear my headphones from class to class. I would listen to In…
Tailgating for homecoming is something I look forward to every year. You get to see people you haven't seen in a while, wake up earlier than normal, and of course wear your cutest Illinois State University outfit for everyone to see and show off your redbird spirit! In the past couple of yea…
Though the lyrics, go you Redbirds onto battle; fight for ISU. Raise the banner, red and white. To this emblem well be true, may be stuck in your head this homecoming week, dont let your spirit wear be stuck in a rut. Of course campus will be filled with red, white and black outfit combi…
In Central Illinois, we have the pleasure (or maybe not, depending on who you ask) of having a spring, a summer, an autumn and a winter. We each have our own favorite season. Mine personally is autumn. I love the cool, crisp air, football games, caramel apples and wearing sweaters. But what …
Recently I had the joy (insert sarcasm here) of prepping for the ISU internship fair. As a junior and a business major, taking advantage of this opportunity was vital to my success post-graduation time. When I graduate from ISU, I would like to go straight into a job. Luckily, I have plenty …
While I studied abroad last semester in Australia, I lived in an apartment complex with all the amenities. The complex was also right across the street from the Uni I was studying at. Needless to say, I was in a great position. Even the shopping centers, which featured grocery stores, were a…
This semester, I finally have a car at school. It has been a real convenience. I can get around Blo-No on my own time without having to wait on public transportation. However, having a car at school has not been completely ideal. There is a lot of traffic in the area and I have already been …
While I was abroad last semester, one of the biggest differences I noticed was my professors' academic philosophies. Prior to me going abroad, I met an Australian girl who was on exchange here at Illinois State University. She told me she noticed the education standards here were different t…
One of the first things that came to mind while moving into the dorms at Hewitt was,
According to freedictionary.com, nontraditional is defined as not conforming to or in accord with tradition. I believe in another definition it defines it as simply unconventional. I like that. Unconventional. It sounds like a badge that I am proud to wear. I remember growing up, the pro…
Mike Robbins wears many hats. In the literal sense, he can often be spotted in Fell Hall sporting some type of baseball cap. However, I am referring to the different roles he takes on every day: a former serviceman of the United States Army, a full-time college student, a third-shift worker,…
This semester I am enrolled in a class that has about 200 students in it. Since its a class that is in high demand, I understand the large numbers. There are only so many faculty members to teach and way more students that need to take it. In this case, the poor student-to-teacher ratio is …