UIC awards outstanding faculty each year for their hard work and dedication to higher education. This year, Mrs. Becky Bonarek, one of our very own ESL instructors, was among the winners of this year's teacher recognition award. Congratulations Becky! Thank you for your dedication to our program and for helping students excel in English language learning. Job well done! 

Hometown:

I am a lucky girl because I have two nationalities, Colombian and Italian. I lived in Colombia for a short time but I always had a piece of Colombia because my mother raised me with all the Colombian habits.

I grew up in Italy and started my passion for food when I was sixteen, and Italy is the perfect country to become a chef. I love my two nationalities!

Fun Facts:

In this photo from one of my endless travels through Italy, I had the pleasure of discovering both its rich culture and delicious food. In Piazza San Marco in Venice, I came across this elegant waiter. After enjoying an Aperol spritz, I couldn't resist asking him for a photo. This moment was captured about ten years ago, and it remains a beautiful memory of Venice.

Favorite Social Media Platform: Instagram

Hometown:

I’m from Da Nang, Vietnam, a beautiful coastal city known for tourism. One of its iconic landmarks is the Golden Bridge, held by two giant Buddha's hands, which seems to pass through the clouds.

Fun Facts:

I love reading books and dream of spending entire days on a beanbag, surrounded by my favorite stories.

One of my favorite words is “wabi-sabi,” a Japanese concept that celebrates the beauty in imperfection and impermanence. It reminds me to embrace weaknesses with kindness and keep moving forward.

Although my real name is special to me, many people in the U.S. find it challenging to pronounce. Nevertheless, it remains a meaningful part of who I am.

Favorite Social Media Platform: TikTok

A student ambassador represents their college or university to prospective college students. Nancy and Juanita will use social media platforms like Instagram to showcase all the language learning fun at the Tutorium so other English language learners can learn more about the Tutorium. If you see one of our student ambassadors around campus, say hello and introduce yourself. You might featured in one of their social media posts. 

Do you follow us on socials? If not, like and follow now! 

We had so much fun decorating sweet treats at our Valentine's Party. Everyone got really into making their treats look fancy and delicious. Hope to see you at the next party! 

Are you planning to apply to university for an undergraduate or graduate degree? Do you wonder how to do this? 

The focus of the next University Admissions Seminar will be on applying to University. We will talk about how to start, the information that you need to collect, and give some advice on staying organized.

Join us Wednesday, February, 19th, 2:30 PM in AH 104. If you want to ask questions ahead of time, email tutorium@uic.edu. 

My favorite appetizer to start a good dinner is grilled octopus with purple mashed potatoes chips, homemade barbecue salsa, and brunoise yellow potatoes. Let me tell you these dishes have a different consistence and contrasts and for these reasons it's one of my favorite dishes. It is also easy to cook and the dish aspect is really pretty because I play with different colors and consistences. This dish will be a good fusion with a glass of winner Chardonnay, Grechetto Castello Della Sala (Antenori). Kitchen for me is my everything - my family, my passion and my home.

If you want to learn more about how to cook this dish or if you need any cooking tips, you can email me at jmalf@uic.edu. 

Thanks for cooking with me! 

If you have a difficult time reading in English, you’re not alone. Reading comprehension is a skill that requires lots of time and effort. Here are a few tips to help you read and understand with ease.

1. Find books you like. Practice makes perfect. And it’s easier to practice when you enjoy what you are doing!

2. Read out loud. Reading out loud will help you to understand what you are reading.

3. Skim the headings of the text. Skimming the headings will let you know the main points of the text. This makes it easier to follow.

4. Re-read sections that are confusing. Go back and read it again until you understand.

5. Write down words you don't know. Look them up in a dictionary later, then try to use them in a sentence.

6. Discuss what you read with a friend, classmate or teacher. Summarizing what you read in your own words will help you relate to the text and reinforce your understanding.

Are you looking to begin the application process but you do not know where to start? Maybe you missed last week's University seminar and now you feel completely lost. Well, take a deep breathe! Here are some tips to help you.

You will have midterm exams in your class on February 26 and 27. Are you already worried about midterm exams? Take a deep breath. Relax! You can do it! However, this is a good time to review everything you have learned so you are ready for midterm week. Check out the study tips on these websites: How to Prepare for a Midterm Exam and Study Tips: Learn How to Learn.

Here are some of the best tips:

Do you like to visit new restaurants? Do you like to take fun pictures of places or your friends? Do you like to tell jokes? Do you have something to share about your culture or life back home? Do you have something valuable to share that will help us all understand what is like being an International student here at UIC? If your answer is "yes," then you can write for the newsletter! 

The newsletter editorial team is looking for students like you to write for the Tutorium newsletter. If you are interested, fill out this google form or you can email Mrs. Nora to let her know (ntatina@uic.edu). 

Email questions to tutorium@uic.edu.
Or contact us to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting.