A Space to Share and Learn

Last Thursday, the Tutorium hosted a Lunch and Learn event where students came together to listen, share, and connect. During the session, Sophia, Austin, and Adja each presented a topic that reflects their background, interests, and personal experiences. The event created a friendly environment where students could learn about different cultures, talents, and ideas.

Culture and Memory Through Vietnamese Cuisine

Sophia talked about Vietnamese food and explained how it is connected to history, family traditions, and identity. She described traditional dishes, cultural influences, and how certain meals remind her of home. Her presentation showed how food can represent culture and a sense of home.

Art as Expression and Growth

Austin shared his experience attending an art focused high school and participating in student exhibitions. He presented meaningful artwork, including a portrait of his grandmother created during the COVID-19 period. His story showed how art can be a strong way to express feelings and personal experiences.

Friendship and Support at the Tutorium

Adja spoke about the importance of friendship and community. She explained how classmates can support and motivate each other, especially in a new academic environment. Her presentation showed the importance of respect, connection, and building good relationships.

What This Event Meant to Me

As a student attending this event, I felt that Lunch and Learn was more than just presentations. It was an opportunity to practice English in a real situation, ask questions, and learn more about my classmates’ lives and cultures. Events like this help us feel more confident and remind us that learning a language is also about understanding and connection.

Meet the Writer:

Amani Shehadeh is from Palestine. Her hobbies are swimming and riding horses. These activities help her to relax and have fun. Her goal is to get a master's degree at UIC in social work.

Mexico, whose name comes from the Nahuatl word mexico meaning "in the navel of the moon," and whose full name is the United Mexican States, is a vibrant country in the heart of North America. A land full of riches, it is distinguished by its art, culture, gastronomy, and traditions, with each state contributing a unique universe.

In Mexico, Spanish is the most spoken language although it officially recognizes 68 indigenous languages and 364 linguistic variants. We have one of the Seven Wonders of the World (Chichén Itzá), and the largest pyramid in the world is in Puebla, Mexico.

How Do We Celebrate Our Independence?

Mexico’s independence is celebrated on September 16th, one of the most important holidays in the country. The entire month of September is decorated with the patriotic colors: green, white, and red. At night, the president gives "El Grito" in the Zócalo, commemorating Miguel Hidalgo, who called the people to rise against Spanish rule. Patriotic songs are sung, and the month is filled with celebrations featuring music, dance, food, tequila, fireworks, and even a huge parade.

Traditions

The Day of the Dead is a Mexican tradition where we honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away. It is believed that on this day, they return home to share time and food with us once again. The tradition has pre-Hispanic origins, where it was believed that souls traveled to Mictlán, the place of the dead. They had to cross nine levels, each with its own challenges and meanings. It took over four years to reach eternal rest, guided by a dog called Xoloitzcuintle. Today, it is considered Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and its symbolism is with families lovingly remembering those who lived and loved even after death. The ofrenda included their favorite dishes, water, candles, incense, salt,cempasúchil, bread of the dead, papel picado (cut paper) and photographs.

Gastronomy

Mexican gastronomy, recognized and diverse worldwide, is a cultural heritage of humanity. It uses ancestral techniques and combines a wide variety of ingredients and flavors without losing tradition. Additionally, November 16th is celebrated annually as the National Day of Mexican Gastronomy. Mexican cuisine features vibrant ingredients and dishes such as tacos, mole, pozole, tamales, enchiladas, cochinita pibil, and chiles en nogada, among others.

Music and Dance

Mariachi has transcended borders and transformed traditional music through which values, stories, and different languages are transmitted. It is also recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán - El Son De La Negra / Guadalajara (Video Oficial) In addition, Mexican folk dance includes styles such as jarabe tapatío, danza de los viejitos, and huapango.

In conclusion Mexicans are very sociable, we love to make new friends and celebrate on every occasion. In Mexico, even the earth dances (earthquakes, tremors, and earthquakes), so take your precautions. If you are interested in knowing more about my country, I would love to talk to you, and if you want to share something about your country, feel free to talk to me.

Meet the writer:

Alexandra Paredes is from Mexico. Her hobby is hiking. Her goal is to speak very well and also complete a career at the university.

Fun Facts: I love long walks in the park. I love taking taking pictures of the sun setting (and sometimes rising, if I can get up early enough). My favorite food is a Philly Cheesesteak.

I can help you with… content creation, social media planning, alumni spotlight, and other marketing support.

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 a 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 on Wednesday, February 18th, at 11 am in AH 104. If you want to ask questions in advance, email tutorium@uic.edu. 

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 the last week of February. 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:

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