Hometown: Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Major: Computer Science
Future Plans: Work in software development

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Majors: Political Science and Global Studies
Future Plans: Earn a master’s degree in political science

Hometown: Elgin, Illinois
Major: Communication
Future Plans: Work as a creative graphic designer or photographer

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Masters in Public Administration (MPA)
Future Plans: Earn a doctorate degree

Hometown: North Chicago, Illinois
Major: Business Administration
Future Plans: Work in the marketing field

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Human Development Counseling
Future Plans: Become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Hometown: Sherman, Illinois
Major: Exercise Science
Future Plans: Earn a master’s degree

Biology major Daniel Rodriguez is leading the effort to maintain the University of Illinois Springfield Community Garden over the summer as the project coordinator. It’s a paid student position where he works 20 hours a week watering the plants, pulling weeds and organizing volunteers. During the school year, Rodriguez is also active as a member of the TARA Meditation Club, the Biology Club and plays on the dodge ball team. When he’s not tending to the garden, Rodriguez works as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a Springfield nursing home.

Growing up in a small town, Jake Seidel spent a lot of time working outdoors. He brought his passion for the outdoors to the University of Illinois Springfield where he’s now learning how to protect the environment as a biology major. At UIS, Seidel is president of the Biology Club, a member of the UIS Cross Country and Track and Field teams, the Capital Scholars Honors Program, Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society and Students Allied for a Greener Earth (SAGE).

When international student Maria Espinosa came to the University of Illinois Springfield from Colombia to play on the UIS women’s golf team, she knew she would grow as an athlete. However, she didn’t know she’d become a leader on campus.