Hello UIC Flames,

I am Rashi, a first-year PhD student in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition. We are all almost towards the end of the semester, with a lot of assignments and pending work to complete. Wait! How can we forget about exams? I know it’s overwhelming to complete everything in less time, but there is a greater challenge that I believe we all struggle with: focus and motivation. Sometimes, we even watch motivational videos, read self-help books or search for different techniques to be more productive. Likewise, I'd like to share a technique that has helped me become more productive, and I hope it helps you too! Have you ever heard about the Pomodoro technique? If not, let me introduce you to the Pomodoro technique and how it works. Pomodoro is an Italian word meaning "tomato." Just like tomatoes that are cut into pieces, we can divide our work into manageable chunks, including mini breaks to work and relax at the same time. This technique typically involves working on a single task for 25 minutes with a timer, followed by a 5-minute break after completing one session. Each session is known as Pomodoro!

Interestingly, the Pomodoro technique was developed in the late 1980s by Francesco Cirillo, an Italian student. He drew inspiration from a tomato-shaped kitchen timer when he struggled in college with focus. Over time, this technique has become popular and is used by millions of people due to its numerous benefits. The Pomodoro technique is not only effective for focusing, but it also helps reduce procrastination. This helps with better time management and increases motivation after completing each Pomodoro. In addition, the 5-minute mini breaks help boost creativity by allowing the brain to rest and think about new ideas or retain what we have learned. This technique is a boon for all students, especially those who get distracted easily. And in a world where most of us are stuck with gadgets, it is easy to get distracted. I would highly recommend trying this technique and completing all your tasks with ease!

What inspired you to start teaching English?

Around the time I moved to Chicago, I saw a poster at my library about volunteer English tutoring at Aquinas Literacy Center. I'd been looking for ways to get involved in my community and I had the necessary skills, so I signed up. I enjoyed tutoring so much that I decided to get a Master's degree in TESOL and teach full time.

What’s one goal you have for your students beyond language skills?

It’s important to me that students learn how to engage with people from different backgrounds. Our world is such a polarized place right now. If Tutorium students can learn to be kind and curious when they interact with people from other cultures, they will be change-makers! 

If you could teach anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I’d love to teach in any large city in East or Southeast Asia. My top pick would be Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. That’s where my husband and I met. We could relive great memories and eat delicious food every day.

How do you keep your classes lively and engaging?

I think my classroom could be more engaging, especially in the early mornings. Activities that get students moving are usually a good way to liven things up, though. I think that a good class period has a mix of fast-paced, high-energy interaction and focused work time.

What emoji sums up your teaching vibe? 😄

🐣What a fun question! I picked this emoji because I love watching students break out of the ‘shell’ of language limitations. I always try to encourage students to take the next step in their language growth, and I enjoy the process.

Thanksgiving Break

November 26th - November 28th

There are no classes on Wednesday, November 26th, Thursday, November 28th, or Friday, November 29th. If you're looking for something fun to do in Chicago during Thanksgiving break, here are a few ideas.

Classes resume on Monday, December 1st.

Unfortunately, after fall comes winter, and Chicago winters can be challenging and cold. Now is the best time to prepare for the cold weather.

Chicago stores that sell affordable, warm clothes include Target, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Burlington, and Nordstrom Rack. You can also shop at thrift stores to find inexpensive, used winter boots and clothes.

OIS Adjusting to Winter Event 

Want even more information about how to be prepared for Chicago winters? Winter safety and outdoor fun will also be included. Then, hop on a bus for the short trip to the loop where Chicago hosts the annual Christkindlmarket. Join the Office of International Services for their informational event about Chicago winters here!

Date: December 2, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Registration at the OIS front desk is open NOW. The OIS office is in SSB.  Please visit the office in person to sign up and complete the participant waiver form. Registration for this event is not available by phone or email.

Have you had time to visit UIC's library? Whether you need to do research for your paper or you need a nice spot to work on your group project, the library provides the perfect atmosphere for studying, collaborating, and even conversing. The best part is you can visit the library in person or access library materials online. If you need assistance during your visit, a librarian is always available to help you. Plan your visit to the library today!

Are you planning to continue to study English here at the Tutorium? We sure hope so! Don't forget to register for classes for the Spring semester. Register by December 2, 2025, for a 5% discount! You should have received an email with instructions on how to register. Search for it in your UIC email. If you try to register and receive a HOLD message, contact tutorium@uic.edu.(*Not available to Shorelight UIC Global students.)

Remember that there are various kinds of tuition discounts available to you! You can get up to a 20% discount if you combine them. The details are on our website at https://tie.uic.edu/apply/tuition/discounts/.

We want your photos. At the end of every term, we make a short video celebrating the completion of another semester, and we include all of the pictures our students share with us. We especially love photos of you and your classmates in class, exploring Chicago, at class parties, and having fun with your teachers.

Please send us any photos you took this semester for us to share in the Tutorium End-of-Session video. You can send the pictures to us at tutorium@uic.edu. You can also tag #tieuic in your photos on Facebook and Instagram so we can find and share your memories. View past End of Session videos on the Tutorium YouTube channel.

This past Thursday we stayed warm with our Soup Potluck! We had so much fun trying out all the different soups. Thank you to everyone that brought a soup to make this potluck possible! 

Day: Tuesday, November 18th 

Time: 11:15AM - 12:15AM 

Location: Grant Hall Room 308

This month’s conversation hour is all about Fall and Winter Events and Holidays!. You’ll learn new vocabulary, English phrases, and fun tips about these exciting events. You’ll also have a chance to practice speaking with students in your class and other UIC students. There’ll be a light lunch and snacks for you to enjoy. Bring a friend and plan to join us for our next and final English conversation hour of the fall semester!

Thursday, December 4th

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

MILLENIUM LANES in SCE

Bowling Snacks, Drinks, and Fun! 

Have you ever felt like you’re not yourself in English? Maybe you feel like you tell better jokes in your first language. Maybe you’re really good at graphic design, but you don’t know how to communicate that part of yourself in English. Did you know that learning another language is almost like learning a new personality, too? It’s normal to feel like you’re not yourself in another language. To learn ways to navigate these feelings, read more>>. 

Thinking about changing your major? There are many reasons why students change their major throughout their college career. However, before making such a big decision, there are a few things to consider read more>>. 

Even before you take your final exams, you can check the grades for your assignments, tests, projects, and homework in Blackboard. Here’s how to view them:

Here is an article if you need more help finding your grades.

Final exam week is December 1 - 4

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