JOUR 378 Intro to Photojournalism

[lopmon]

[medillphoto]

Jamie, Kinzi, and Tripp Borchik may seem like the typical all American family, but this growing family is slightly different than many. Jamie, 31, and Kinzi, 30, have been married for five years and now have a seven-month-old son, Tripp, nicknamed from James Borchik III. Jamie and Kinzi are on staff for Athletes In Action at Northwestern University. The two are required to minister together to the young student athletes of Northwestern. For the past three years the Borchiks have made a newlywed home for themselves in Evanston. However, unlike many first time parent families, these parents are always traveling and ministering across the country with their son. Through a hectic schedule, the family learns to balance raising their first son all while leading dozens of other young adults to a path of a lifetime of Christianity.

The Borchiks adore their first son and pretend to fight for his attention each day. “He’s just such a joy in our lives, we love him so much, “ said Kinzi. It is clear that Tripp is a true gift in their lives.

Jamie and Kinzi Borchik live in a quaint home in Evanston, Illinois where they raise their first born son James Borchik III. Like most first time parents, The Borchiks were extatic when they found out they were having their first son. Now, seven months later, they learn to love him more than they ever thought imaginable each day.

Jamie loves to keep his son active and going, especially before leaving him with a babysitter. “I hope I tired him out enough for you!” Jamie said. Jamie, a former basketball player says this is one of his favorite parts about having a son. He gets to rough house with him a little and have some fun. Every parent loves playing with their children, but for Jamie this is one of the most fun parts about being a first time dad, he absolutely adores every moment he spends playing with Tripp.

The Borchiks are devout Christians and share, mentor, and fellowship their faith for a living. Jamie and Kinzi both work for Athletes In Action, an extension of Campus Crusaders for Christ at Northwestern University. Jamie and Kinzi mentor men and women student athletes there from all sports ranging from football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, and more. Each Sunday they hold bible studies entitled “Action Group”, in which they have small group bible study sessions with the athletes. In addition to this, they also hold larger bible study sessions in Swift 107 for about 30-35 student athletes in which they prepare mini sermons for them every Tuesday night. Shown here are the Kinzi speaking with one of the young women that she disciples as she holds baby Tripp. The two women discuss Continuing their faith outside of college. Seen behind is Jamie Borchik doing much of the same, as he speaks to two women about their questions on apologetics.

Unlike many parents Jamie and Kinzi are always on the go due to their jobs. Whether it is just going across town to teach at Loyola University or flying to a conference in L.A. they consistently travel. Even though the Borchiks are always traveling thus sometimes having to leave baby tripp behind, they never quite adjust to saying goodbye to him. Whether they’re gone for just a few hours or a weekend, they always miss their son and can’t wait to come back home to see them. Each time they reunite, they always greet him with numerous smiles, ‘I love yous’ and ‘I miss yous.’

Though they are always up and going, Jamie and Kinzi try to bring Tripp around as much as possible whenever they can. When Jamie disciples with his group of young men he makes sure to bring Tripp along when he can and includes him in his studies. Jamie still makes time to play with him even when they’re technically “on the job”. 

While on the go at their job, the Borchiks sometimes set aside their “new parent” roles and have to get down to business and discuss more adult problems with their group of athletes on Tuesdays. Kinzi led a panel that discussed premarital sex with the large group of athletes on Tuesday March 11. Both Kinzi and Jamie love that their jobs allow them to have real-life discussions with young adults about their lives.

Kinzi, a very nurturing and soft mother, can’t help but keep Tripp glued to her side as much as possible. She loves being a mom and everything that comes with it. Tripp, a very active child, always finds a way to make her laugh. In her opinion, he’s always getting himself into something entertaining everyday.

A parent’s dream is for their children to be loved by everyone, including other kids. The Borchiks love that their job allows Tripp to become acquainted with many people young and old. The other AIA staffers that they work with have three children of their own; Sophia, Micah, and Luke, that they love having the opportunity to have not only themselves but their children to play and bond with each other. 

At the end of the day, though Kinzi and Jamie adore and love Tripp extensively, they are exhausted each and every day and just want to rest at the end of each night. However for these first time parents they wouldn’t change a single thing about their busy hectic life.

[medillphoto]

Jamie, Kinzi, and Tripp Borchik may seem like the typical all American family, but this growing family is slightly different than many. Jamie, 31, and Kinzi, 30, have been married for five years and now have a seven-month-old son, Tripp, nicknamed from James Borchik III. Jamie and Kinzi are on staff for Athletes In Action at Northwestern University. The two are required to minister together to the young student athletes of Northwestern. For the past three years the Borchiks have made a newlywed home for themselves in Evanston. However, unlike many first time parent families, these parents are always traveling and ministering across the country with their son. Through a hectic schedule, the family learns to balance raising their first son all while leading dozens of other young adults to a path of a lifetime of Christianity.

The Borchiks adore their first son and pretend to fight for his attention each day. “He’s just such a joy in our lives, we love him so much, “ said Kinzi. It is clear that Tripp is a true gift in their lives.

Jamie and Kinzi Borchik live in a quaint home in Evanston, Illinois where they raise their first born son James Borchik III. Like most first time parents, The Borchiks were extatic when they found out they were having their first son. Now, seven months later, they learn to love him more than they ever thought imaginable each day.

Jamie loves to keep his son active and going, especially before leaving him with a babysitter. “I hope I tired him out enough for you!” Jamie said. Jamie, a former basketball player says this is one of his favorite parts about having a son. He gets to rough house with him a little and have some fun. Every parent loves playing with their children, but for Jamie this is one of the most fun parts about being a first time dad, he absolutely adores every moment he spends playing with Tripp.

The Borchiks are devout Christians and share, mentor, and fellowship their faith for a living. Jamie and Kinzi both work for Athletes In Action, an extension of Campus Crusaders for Christ at Northwestern University. Jamie and Kinzi mentor men and women student athletes there from all sports ranging from football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, and more. Each Sunday they hold bible studies entitled “Action Group”, in which they have small group bible study sessions with the athletes. In addition to this, they also hold larger bible study sessions in Swift 107 for about 30-35 student athletes in which they prepare mini sermons for them every Tuesday night. Shown here are the Kinzi speaking with one of the young women that she disciples as she holds baby Tripp. The two women discuss Continuing their faith outside of college. Seen behind is Jamie Borchik doing much of the same, as he speaks to two women about their questions on apologetics.

Unlike many parents Jamie and Kinzi are always on the go due to their jobs. Whether it is just going across town to teach at Loyola University or flying to a conference in L.A. they consistently travel. Even though the Borchiks are always traveling thus sometimes having to leave baby tripp behind, they never quite adjust to saying goodbye to him. Whether they’re gone for just a few hours or a weekend, they always miss their son and can’t wait to come back home to see them. Each time they reunite, they always greet him with numerous smiles, ‘I love yous’ and ‘I miss yous.’

Though they are always up and going, Jamie and Kinzi try to bring Tripp around as much as possible whenever they can. When Jamie disciples with his group of young men he makes sure to bring Tripp along when he can and includes him in his studies. Jamie still makes time to play with him even when they’re technically “on the job”. 

While on the go at their job, the Borchiks sometimes set aside their “new parent” roles and have to get down to business and discuss more adult problems with their group of athletes on Tuesdays. Kinzi led a panel that discussed premarital sex with the large group of athletes on Tuesday March 11. Both Kinzi and Jamie love that their jobs allow them to have real-life discussions with young adults about their lives.

Kinzi, a very nurturing and soft mother, can’t help but keep Tripp glued to her side as much as possible. She loves being a mom and everything that comes with it. Tripp, a very active child, always finds a way to make her laugh. In her opinion, he’s always getting himself into something entertaining everyday.

A parent’s dream is for their children to be loved by everyone, including other kids. The Borchiks love that their job allows Tripp to become acquainted with many people young and old. The other AIA staffers that they work with have three children of their own; Sophia, Micah, and Luke, that they love having the opportunity to have not only themselves but their children to play and bond with each other. 

At the end of the day, though Kinzi and Jamie adore and love Tripp extensively, they are exhausted each and every day and just want to rest at the end of each night. However for these first time parents they wouldn’t change a single thing about their busy hectic life.

[suduu]

1. Jaime Garcia, a veteran of the Chicago slam community, enters the Green Mill on a Sunday evening for the weekly Uptown Poetry Slam. The Green Mill, where legendary poet Mark Smith hosts, is considered the birthplace of the slam movement in Chicago.

2. Garcia practically screams about strangers on the train while on stage at the Green Mill. He said he got the idea for the poem during his morning commute to work in the Loop, where he practices law.

3. In between performances at the West Side School for the Desperate arts collective, Garcia practices a poem saved on his phone. West Side School for the Desperate is a DIY performance space in Logan Square.

4. Garcia recites poetry in front of his bathroom mirror before a performance. Many of his poems are about fighting depression and socially awkward pandas.

5. Garcia stands alone at the head of West Side School for the District. In the audience are friends he grew close to through the Chicago slam scene.

[kelso8932-blog]

1. Michael Lown, 19, designs his own stencils to create graffiti art. “I think street art is one of the purest forms of art. There’s no recognition or glory in it. It’s just art for the sake of art,” said Lown. 2. “I used to get in trouble a lot because my hobbies aren’t exactly conventional,” said Lown. He took a year off after high school because he didn’t think college fit into his lifestyle. 3. Lown insists that he shaves more than most people because his stubble makes him appear intimidating. “Some people are scared of me so I try to make myself seem as less intimidating as I can,” said Lown. “I’m actually a nice person, but I think people only see what I look like.” 4. He shovels the driveway of his grandmother’s house every time it snows since she is unable to do it herself. Lown takes his grandmother out to lunch every Saturday.

5. To make some extra money, Lown teaches guitar and piano lessons at the local youth center. He uses this job to help pay for classes at a two-year community college. “I’m trying to go back to school. It’s for me and for my parents,” said Lown.

6. He focuses on homework after a long day. Lown aims to earn enough credits to transfer to a four-year university next year. 7. Lown shows off his new haircut to his friends. “I got a mohawk because I still want to feel punk rock even when I’m trying to clean up and be the person my parents want me to be,” he said. “I’m taking little steps.”

SUMMARY:

Michael Lown, 19, spends his most of his time long boarding and creating street art. He started making stencils in middle school, and got in trouble a few times for spray painting buildings, sidewalks and even cars. His reputation and grunge style make him intimidating, but he is trying to "clean up."  He took a year off after high school but is trying to return to school with encouragement from his family. He works at a local youth center and teaches music lessons to help pay for classes at a community college. Lown’s goal is to transfer to a four-year university and earn a degree. "I've had my fun so now I'm trying to get serious about the future," he said. His daily life reflects his rebellious past and current ambitions of education.

[medillphoto]

The theater community is a different world.  Here at Northwestern University, students in the School of Communication lead their lives around four-hour rehearsals, call times, singing and dancing lessons, unusual costumes and crazy makeup.  They are memorizing lines, saying things that someone else has written and acting out the part they’re going to play next. They constantly pretend to be someone else.

Or so it seems.

A peek into the lives of School of Communication senior Natalie Houchins and sophomore Eva Victor show that their onstage present isn’t perfected in a day. It takes practice, determination and spunk to put their own flair and personalities into fictional characters. They bleed their passion for all things theater into their normal, off-stage lives: to class, to workspace, and most importantly, to parties.  They’re always camera ready, as though their lives are a combination of stills from a theater production. 

Because that’s just who they are. 

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1. Sophomore Eva Victor participates in a game during the beginning of rehearsal on March 10th for The Lilliput Troupe, a show that will be performed in the spring. 

2. A group of theater students dance in a circle at a party in the apartment of senior Natalie Houchins on March 15th. "This is when it really turns into a theater party, when musical soundtracks are playing," Houchins said. "This is what you came for."

3. Victor hugs a fellow theater friend during the party. Everyone at the party hugs for every and any occasion - whether a good song comes on, whether they're arriving or leaving the party or whether they've made or missed a shot in beer pong.

4. Houchins is extremely enthusiastic during the Lilliput Troupe rehearsal, acting out the part from head to toe.

5. Houchins dances to musical theater songs at the party. She says she feels more comfortable at theater parties than any others. "I'm also in Greek life so I know what it's like in both social scenes. It's so different," Houchins said. "At theater parties, you know everyone ... and you've also hooked up with everyone."

6. Houchins and her friends dress up for the pajama-themed party, held in her whimsically decorated apartment.

7. Houchins laughs loudly during a surprise party she threw for her boyfriend on March 14th. "It's kind of awkward being in a relationship and sitting in a room full of theater kids at a party and being like, 'We've both hooked up with everyone here.' But we're mature about it because we all work and study together anyway."

Photo story by Ashley Wu

[medillphoto]

Jamie, Kinzi, and Tripp Borchik may seem like the typical all American family, but this growing family is slightly different than many. Jamie, 31, and Kinzi, 30, have been married for five years and now have a seven-month-old son, Tripp, nicknamed from James Borchik III. Jamie and Kinzi are on staff for Athletes In Action at Northwestern University. The two are required to minister together to the young student athletes of Northwestern. For the past three years the Borchiks have made a newlywed home for themselves in Evanston. However, unlike many first time parent families, these parents are always traveling and ministering across the country with their son. Through a hectic schedule, the family learns to balance raising their first son all while leading dozens of other young adults to a path of a lifetime of Christianity.

The Borchiks adore their first son and pretend to fight for his attention each day. “He’s just such a joy in our lives, we love him so much, “ said Kinzi. It is clear that Tripp is a true gift in their lives.

Jamie and Kinzi Borchik live in a quaint home in Evanston, Illinois where they raise their first born son James Borchik III. Like most first time parents, The Borchiks were extatic when they found out they were having their first son. Now, seven months later, they learn to love him more than they ever thought imaginable each day.

Jamie loves to keep his son active and going, especially before leaving him with a babysitter. “I hope I tired him out enough for you!” Jamie said. Jamie, a former basketball player says this is one of his favorite parts about having a son. He gets to rough house with him a little and have some fun. Every parent loves playing with their children, but for Jamie this is one of the most fun parts about being a first time dad, he absolutely adores every moment he spends playing with Tripp.

The Borchiks are devout Christians and share, mentor, and fellowship their faith for a living. Jamie and Kinzi both work for Athletes In Action, an extension of Campus Crusaders for Christ at Northwestern University. Jamie and Kinzi mentor men and women student athletes there from all sports ranging from football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, and more. Each Sunday they hold bible studies entitled “Action Group”, in which they have small group bible study sessions with the athletes. In addition to this, they also hold larger bible study sessions in Swift 107 for about 30-35 student athletes in which they prepare mini sermons for them every Tuesday night. Shown here are the Kinzi speaking with one of the young women that she disciples as she holds baby Tripp. The two women discuss Continuing their faith outside of college. Seen behind is Jamie Borchik doing much of the same, as he speaks to two women about their questions on apologetics.

Unlike many parents Jamie and Kinzi are always on the go due to their jobs. Whether it is just going across town to teach at Loyola University or flying to a conference in L.A. they consistently travel. Even though the Borchiks are always traveling thus sometimes having to leave baby tripp behind, they never quite adjust to saying goodbye to him. Whether they’re gone for just a few hours or a weekend, they always miss their son and can’t wait to come back home to see them. Each time they reunite, they always greet him with numerous smiles, ‘I love yous’ and ‘I miss yous.’

Though they are always up and going, Jamie and Kinzi try to bring Tripp around as much as possible whenever they can. When Jamie disciples with his group of young men he makes sure to bring Tripp along when he can and includes him in his studies. Jamie still makes time to play with him even when they’re technically “on the job”. 

While on the go at their job, the Borchiks sometimes set aside their “new parent” roles and have to get down to business and discuss more adult problems with their group of athletes on Tuesdays. Kinzi led a panel that discussed premarital sex with the large group of athletes on Tuesday March 11. Both Kinzi and Jamie love that their jobs allow them to have real-life discussions with young adults about their lives.

Kinzi, a very nurturing and soft mother, can’t help but keep Tripp glued to her side as much as possible. She loves being a mom and everything that comes with it. Tripp, a very active child, always finds a way to make her laugh. In her opinion, he’s always getting himself into something entertaining everyday.

A parent’s dream is for their children to be loved by everyone, including other kids. The Borchiks love that their job allows Tripp to become acquainted with many people young and old. The other AIA staffers that they work with have three children of their own; Sophia, Micah, and Luke, that they love having the opportunity to have not only themselves but their children to play and bond with each other. 

At the end of the day, though Kinzi and Jamie adore and love Tripp extensively, they are exhausted each and every day and just want to rest at the end of each night. However for these first time parents they wouldn’t change a single thing about their busy hectic life.

[alexnitkin]

1) Gabe Carter, 30, started going by “Mississippi Gabe” since he was 15, the year he decided to devote his life to playing the blues. The fact that he was born and raised in Chicago, he said, never made him reconsider the name.

2) Carter is a full-time musician. Between whatever gigs he can find, Carter spends as many days as he can playing in underground subway stations to support his pregnant wife at home. “Over the years I’ve done a lot of odd jobs to get by…moving, construction, workin’ in restaurants, you name it,” Carter said. “But mostly music. It always comes back to the music.”

3) A child can’t help but leave his family’s tabe at the Chicago House of Blues, where Carter is playing a gig on a Saturday night, and start dancing.

4) A local blues musician, impressed by Carter’s playing, introduces himself and takes his card. “Blues style just comes natural to me,” Carter says. “Only thing I’ve ever known.”

5) Carter started playing gospel music about a year ago, because it “gives me the opportunity to work for Jesus, which is all I can ask for.” After he’s done playing, two children from his church congregation, whose grandmother brought them to visit, join him at a table.

6) “I started playin’ out on the street about 10 years ago, subway maybe five,” Carter said. “I like it a lot, ‘cause I get to make good money, meet good people and deliver people through the music.”

[ornibella]

[medillphoto]

Molly Falke is a Tennessee native with a business degree from Colorado State University. Upon graduation  in 2010, she became part of the missionary group FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. Now at Northwestern University, her third university, she wants “other people to fall in love with Jesus as well.” It wasn’t until a study abroad experience in 2009 in Strasbourg, France while on the rooftop of Notre Dame Cathedral where Falke heard God ask her why she was here on Earth. “Before I was living a life where I was caught up in the everything of this world: my reputation, money and sinful patterns. Isn’t it funny how someone can call themselves a Christian and live a lifestyle completely contrary to the gospel,” she said. A day in the life of Molly balances personal spirituality with student interactions and missionary work. 

1) As part of her daily prayer routine, Falke prays the rosary before 4:30 p.m. daily mass in the Sheil Catholic Center chapel in Evanston, Ill.

2) (L-R) Andy Dejka, Derek Lyssy, Whitney Lyssy, Molly Falke and Hannah Kauffold gather for a FOCUS teammate dinner and stick around for stories and homemade peanut butter cookies.

3) Falke regularly meets with students like freshman Joanna Mueller for reflection, prayer and to simply hang out. “We have conversations about God, if they are open to it or just talk about anything on his or her mind,” she said.

4) Driving home in her Dodge SUV named JB2, in reference to Justin Bieber, Falke always keeps extra rosaries and sunglasses on hand.

5) Every Sunday after 9 p.m. mass, FOCUS missionaries and students will have a late night meal at JT’s Bar and Grill in Evanston. Fr. Manuel Dorantes, right, joined them for a glass of wine and to recount his experience as a former Univision News reporter.

6) "It was my Christmas present. It was mom’s guitar that she got for her 16th birthday." Falke who considers herself a proficient singer but with limited instrumental skill, follows along a YouTube tutorial in an attempt to tune the 70s guitar.

7) The night before finals week starts at Northwestern University, Falke and other Sheil Catholic Center volunteers passed out snacks and juice at Deering Library to motivate students to continue studying. “It was my first time in this library because missionaries don’t get a Wildcard so I could never come in,” she explained.

8) After hanging out with softball player Anna Petersen at the Northwestern University Lakefill, Falke and Petersen decided to have snowball throwing contest to see who can throw the farthest into the lake. “It is so hard for college students to take Christianity seriously and I want to change that,” said Falke.

[medillphoto]

1. Sam Sullivan,a 21-year-old student at Northwestern University, eats dinner at the recently opened Lao Sze Chuan restaurant in Evanston. Sullivan is a fan of good food and often goes out to dinner with his roommates and close friends. Friday, March 7th, 2014. 

2. Sullivan DJs during his radio show at WNUR, the university's radio station. Every Tuesday night at 10:00 pm Sullivan or DJ James Bluntz plays electronic music for a couple of hours. Tuesday, March 11th, 2014. 

3. Sullivan tries to concentrate on editing a paper while his housemates talk with one another in the living room. Sullivan often finds it challenging to do work at home because of the chaotic environment there. He lives with five other guys who rarely clean. The house is always messy and full of trash. Tuesday, March 11th, 2014. 

4. Sullivan works on a a research paper in the library. Sullivan is an incredibly dedicated student with a 4.0 GPA. He often secludes himself in a quiet and empty part of the library to get work done. Sunday, March 16th, 2014.

5. Sullivan finishes a problem set for an Economics class in the library Friday night before going out to dinner. Having a perfect GPA and a balanced social life is not easy at a school like Northwestern, yet Sullivan makes it happen. He is incredibly organized and willing to spend entire days in seclusion at the library when there is work to be done. Friday, March 7th, 2014.

6. Sullivan places a water bottle on top of the pile of recyclable trash in his kitchen. He couldn't remember when was the last time someone took out the recycling. "One time there was a leaf in the living room that actually decomposed before anyone cleaned it up," he said. Tuesday, March 7th, 2014. 

7. Sullivan gets some work done while his house mates are not around. "I need silence to focus," he said. Tuesday March 7th, 2014. 

8. Sullivan and his friends watch a basketball game while they wait to be seated at Lao Sze Chuan. Sullivan used to be in a Fraternity and although he no longer goes to parties every weekend, he tries to have fun when he can. Friday, March 7th, 2014. 

9. Sullivan touches the ceiling as he walks down the hallway in his house. Tuesday, March 7th, 2014. 

Marina Braga/Medill

[vickyazigi]

[medillphoto]

Matías de Bourguignon is an economics and business student at the Catholic University of Chile in Santiago, Chile. He chose Northwestern University as the location of his study abroad because of its strong academic reputation and because he thought being in Evanston would give him a true "college experience." Nearly three months into his exchange experience, Matías said he has met amazing people who he is now proud to call his friends. However, his life as an American college student is completely different from his home life. He had never lived out of his parents home, much less in a foreign country. Doing his own grocery shopping and cooking for himself are daily tasks he was unprepared to take on before moving into the small room he sublets from another Northwestern student. Experiencing the freezing temperatures of the Midwest has taught him to appreciate the weather he has back home. While he misses the comfort of his home, his parents, and his six siblings, Matías has greatly appreciated learning about American culture and university life.  Now he enjoys playing beer-pong, watching basketball games, and going to the occasional frat party.

[ornibella]

[polinaphotography]

1. Veronica Johnson, 19, is a sophomore Theater major at Northwestern University. She lives on the fifth floor of Willard Residential College.

2. On a Wednesday night, Johnson takes to local cafés like Kafein to catch up with friends and her schoolwork.

3. Johnson, a costume designer, designed a German-inspired dress for the “Characters Welcome” block of Northwestern University Dance Marathon. The sophomore also studies German at Northwestern.

4. In order to raise money for Dance Marathon, Johnson charged friends and dorm-mates to alter, fix and tailor their clothes for them. One client asked her to fix a broken zipper on a backpack. 

5. At 10:30 p.m. on a Thursday, Johnson heads to Norris University Center for a production meeting of Lovers and Madmen’s “Henry IV, Part I” - which she is co-costume designing with freshman Annie Warner. This is one of two shows that she is currently working on. She and Warner present their ideas and inspirations for the show thus far. 

6. Johnson finds her inspiration in designs she finds online and creates Pinterest boards for each show to share her visions with the rest of the production team at her next meeting.

7. But after her work is over, she puts costume designing out of her mind and relaxes in a café with her friend and future roommate Emily Baldwin.

[medillphoto]

Beyond the Books

1. Emil Vulić, 20, is a sophomore at Oakton Community College in Skokie, IL. Emil is a political science and history major and participates in several student groups including student government with an interest in pursuing law. After his first year at Oakton, it became Emil’s responsibility to finance his education. In addition, the last year of his time at Oakton is coming to a close and Emil is beginning to look at universities near home and abroad. Emil works at Beck’s bookstore in Evanston, Il to put towards his schooling and help out financially at home. 

2. Three weeks after graduating from high school, Emil secured a position at the bookstore. He currently works approximately 40 hours a week in addition to school, family and personal life. 

3. Emil folds a Northwestern shirt while chatting with a coworker at the front counter in Beck's. Emil uses his earnings from Beck's to pay half of his tuition while a scholarship covers the rest. "My parents are divorced and I see money doesn't grow on trees. I knew I had to get a job eventually, sooner is better."

4. A few times a week, Emil visits his mother Zehra, 40, and helps her file papers at work. Emil splits his time between his mother's house in Chicago and his father's house in Skokie where he lives with his mother and grandmother.

5. Although Emil is a U.S native, his family hails from Montenegro, a small Eastern European country once a part of Yugoslavia. Montenegrin was his first language and is the main language spoken in his household. Emil speaks several other languages including German and is learning Arabic. Here, Emil practices his Arabic.

6. Emil and his mother kick back on the couch and watch TV. "He comes over and we can sit and talk for hours about anything!", says Emil's mother.   

7. At his father's home, Emil and his brother Alan, 21, watch their favorite youtube videos together. Extended family and many other Montenegrin families live in the Chicago and Skokie area creating a close community. "We come from a small town in Montenegro called Bar. After the civil war, many people emigrated to New York and Chicago. Skokie is like our Bar." 

8. A piece of Montenegrin history hangs above the couch in Emil's father's home. The painting of Sveti Stefan or The Island of St. Stefan perserves the families' culture. Emil hopes to possibly return to Montenegro to finish school. "I don't know how I will pay for it all but I know it will get done. Life is too short to be stressed. My motto is ' Life is Good'." 

[rebeccasavransky]

[medillphoto]

Junior Natalie Houchins and sophomores Nick Raef and Eva Victor rehearse The Lilliput Troupe on Monday night. The show will be performed in the spring.

Photos by Ashley Wu

[alexnitkin]