Hi! I'm Bruktawit, a current student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pursuing a double major in Studio Arts and Advertising. I’m passionate about sharing my experiences here and helping prospective students get a feel for campus life. Whether you're curious about academics, student organizations, or the local scene, I’m here to give you an insider’s perspective. I’ll guide you through the campus, answer any questions, and provide tips to help you make the most out of your college experience. Looking forward to showing you around and helping you decide if UIUC is the right fit for you!

Hometown

Des Plaines, IL

Major(s)

Advertising, Studio Art

Minor(s)

Informatics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I am a member of the American Advertising Federation, where I have been involved with DEI, AdTech, AdBuzz, and OTH. Additionally, I serve as the Vice President of the East African Club.

Describe your college experience

My college experience has been an incredible journey of growth and discovery. Transitioning to college was a big adjustment—balancing different classes, managing my schedule, and taking advantage of new opportunities was both challenging and exciting. The wide variety of courses pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop skills I didn’t know I had. One of the best aspects of my college life has been the community. I’ve loved the connections I’ve made and the people I’ve met—they’ve truly enriched my experience. Joining clubs and participating in campus activities has been a great way to meet like-minded individuals and feel more connected to the school. Living in the dorms during my first year was a memorable experience. It had its ups and downs, but it ultimately taught me resilience and independence. I look back on that time fondly, knowing it played a big part in shaping who I am today.

Tip for future students

Come in with an open mind and don’t limit yourself—college is a time to explore and grow. You can do anything you set your mind to, so take advantage of the opportunities around you. Engage with the campus community, learn about yourself, and connect with the people around you. Joining clubs is a game-changer—it not only helps you meet new friends but also makes the school portion feel less stressful. Put yourself out there, and you’ll make the most of your college experience!

Favorite class

I can’t choose just one, but two of my favorite classes have been Drawing and Afro 101. Drawing class opened my eyes to new mediums and taught me that not knowing something doesn’t mean it’s too late to learn. It encouraged me to explore and expand my art beyond a single medium. It was also a great opportunity to connect with other creatives, learn about their styles, inspirations, and processes—it was inspiring to be part of such a creative community. Afro 101 was a class I took during my freshman year, and while it was one of the hardest classes I’ve ever taken, it was also one of the most rewarding. The community, the professor, and the content were all phenomenal. This class pushed me to become a better writer and a more knowledgeable historian about Black history. It showed me that even if something feels difficult, it’s not impossible—I was able to succeed, and I’m proud of what I accomplished.

Career goals

After college, I hope to pursue a career in UI​/​UX design while also exploring opportunities in digital marketing. My goal is to work with companies that align with my values and passions, creating work that feels meaningful and authentic. On the side, I want to continue developing my own art projects—because why limit yourself? I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and making an impact in both my career and personal creative pursuits.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love to relax and take time for myself. School can get stressful quickly, so it’s important to me to make space for destressing and taking care of my mental health. That might mean having a self-care night at home, reading, journaling, and enjoying my favorite comfort foods. I also enjoy spending time with friends doing fun activities like going to the movies, hitting the gym, or playing card games. It’s all about finding balance and doing what feels good in the moment.

High school or secondary school

Maine West HighSchool, Des Plaines, IL United States