Here at the UIS Observer, we strive to promote inclusion as we tell important stories across a variety of locally-relevant subjects. It has been an amazing semester, and we are excited to introduce you to all the amazing staff that has made it possible! Our staff is uniquely talented and hardworking, as all of them are students as well as contributors to our paper. We’re excited to continue to share their stories, and we hope you enjoy learning about each of our deeply valued staff members!
Name: Bwayisak Tanko
Pronouns: She/ Her
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Communication
Hometown: Jalingo, Taraba State. Nigeria
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I wanted to share stories about international students at UIS with the UIS and Springfield community.
What motivates you to work hard?
I like to identify myself as a person of faith. My faith encourages hard work and reminds me that I am an accountable steward over that which is laid in my hands.
What is your dream vacation?
Traveling across the Islands in Greece
What kind of music do you like?
I love Faith based music regardless of the genre. I like some Afrobeats too.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I live with my heart on my sleeves.
Name: Theaibold “Theo” Kennon III
Pronouns: He/Him
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: English / Journalism
Hometown: Springfield, IL
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
At Lincoln Land Community College, I worked on its newspaper, The Lamp, and I always wanted to continue practical applications of writing. I enjoy the thrill of exploring my limits.
What motivates you to work hard?
I am motivated to work hard because I am visually disabled. Since I have to work hard at the everyday struggles of life, I might as well work hard at things that I enjoy doing.
What is your dream vacation?
I would love to take a vacation to my wife’s home city of Seattle and have her show me around there before returning to Chicago, where I show her around Chicago.
What kind of music do you like?
I have an appreciation for all types of music. My father was a DJ, so I grew up with all sorts of wonderful ‘70s and ‘80s records. I worked for over a decade at Circuit City in the music departments, so I experienced the early ‘90s and 2000s music scenes firsthand.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a great cook. I love making stuff for my wife to eat. I need adaptions for a lot of stuff, but I haven’t run into a dish I cannot make, so far.
Name: Hope Gadson
Pronouns: She/Her
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Communication
Hometown: Romeoville, IL
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I love writing, and I thought this would be a good class to explore. You gain experience in this environment, which I can take with me in life. And I get to meet some incredible people.
What motivates you to work hard?
Getting to see the final product. I’m not too keen on the process, but the thought of seeing the outcome excites me and motivates me.
What is your dream vacation?
One of the Greek Islands or anywhere out of the country.
What kind of music do you like?
Mainly pop, but my playlist has many different songs, from rock to Latin music.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I really love gaming, even though I’m bad at it.
Name: Zachary Boblitt
Pronouns: He/Him
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Communication
Hometown: Taylorville
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I enjoy telling stories. The UIS Observer gives me a chance to do that.
What motivates you to work hard?
The idea of dying in obscurity like happy-go-lucky writers Franz Kafka or Edgar Allan Poe.
What is your dream vacation?
I’m not sure because I never remember my dreams due to a lack of REM sleep.
What kind of music do you like?
I like Baroque music, but doesn’t everyone?
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I believe sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.
Name: Ruthie Hedberg
Pronouns: She/Her
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Major: Political science Minor: Philosophy
Hometown: Downers Grove, IL
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I joined the UIS Observer to gain experience in journalism and for the chance to publish my work.
What motivates you to work hard?
Working for my goals and dreams motivates me. I’m passionate about politics, and I work hard to try to achieve my goals.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be to Paris. I would love to see the Eiffel Tower and experience the culture.
What kind of music do you like?
My favorite music is indie and alternative, and my favorite band is the1975!
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love playing video games, have my own PC setup, and spend a lot of time gaming!
Name: Casey Hutchison
Pronouns: He/Him
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: English and Literary Arts
Hometown: Virden, Illinois
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I wanted to be able to tell stories that would really resonate with our generation. I really wanted to inform them about the entertainment industry and also write human interest pieces for such a diverse audience.
What motivates you to work hard?
What motivates me to work hard is the success I could have in the future. Also, a motivating factor to work hard is to be a role model for my nephew, whom I’ve spent almost the past decade helping to co-raise.
What is your dream vacation?
I would love to go to New York City! Since I was a child, I’ve always had this love for The Big Apple!
What kind of music do you like?
I’m one of those people who is all over the place. One moment I’m listening to Tammy Wynette, the next, I’m listening to Sleeping At Last, and then I’m listening to Lizzo. I absolutely love music, and a good song is a good song!
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Some people may not know that I am an award-winning podcaster, have published two books, and currently operate four podcasts, three of which are scripted audio dramas.
Name: Amanda Brown
Pronouns: She/Her
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Communication
Hometown: Springfield
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I joined the UIS Observer because I wanted to get journalism experience.
What motivates you to work hard?
I am a very determined person who sets goals for myself. I work hard because I want to be successful and happy in my life.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be a two-week trip to Venice, Italy.
What kind of music do you like?
I am not picky when it comes to music. I have a wide variety of what I listen to.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Many people do not know that I do a lot of community service. I have started children’s reading corners/libraries throughout the Springfield community.
Name: Nicholas Nielson
Pronouns: He/Him
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Master of Communication
Hometown: Pocatello Idaho
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I wanted to get some experience in the journalism side of communication and also produce a podcast – “Lincoln in my Living Room.”
What motivates you to work hard?
The feeling of completion is very motivating to me… and food.
What is your dream vacation?
I would love to travel to Greece or Iceland. I am also a lover and frequent visitor of caves!
What kind of music do you like?
I’m an old soul who loves classical music and ABBA!
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have extra-bendy fingers. Ask me to show you the next time you see me.
Name: Will Formea
Pronouns: He/Him
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Springfield
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I thought it would be a great opportunity to highlight important events to all of campus.
What motivates you to work hard?
Knowing that what I’m doing will improve someone’s day or teach them something meaningful.
What is your dream vacation?
I really love this town on 30A called Rosemary Beach.
What kind of music do you like?
I love dance music, but country just as much.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am an avid hunter and have been my whole life.
Name: Danielle Webster
Pronouns: They / Them / She /Her
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Legal Studies
Hometown: Bartonville, IL
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I enjoy writing greatly, and it’s something I’m passionate about. It’s fun and challenging at times, but rewarding to be able to teach and share stories with a new audience.
What motivates you to work hard?
My son motivates me the most; I want to give him the best life possible. I also am motivated because I had a rough childhood and want to contribute to the world in a way that benefits others. I want to see other people have opportunities I had but also be able to access resources I didn’t.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be a trip to Europe. My grandfather served in WWII, and I’d like to see where his ventures took him. I know he witnessed the liberation of Dachau Concentration Camp firsthand.
What kind of music do you like?
Most any type of music. I suppose a favorite might be jazz, though.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve worked as a diesel mechanic.
Name: Prince Washington
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major / Minor: Political Science
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
I joined as a class credit and at the advice of UIS alumni Jacob Tebbe.
What motivates you to work hard?
A sense of accomplishment motivates me to work harder, especially when it will further a personal goal of mine or a bigger mission.
What is your dream vacation?
My ideal vacation is a trip to the Bahamas with family and friends.
What kind of music do you like?
I enjoy R&B, hip-hop, soul and pop music.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have testified to create and pass legislation in Springfield, Illinois, at the State Capitol. I was an architect and expert witness for Senate Bill 190, a bill that helps homeless students in college. It was passed unanimously through the Senate and House after my testimony. It was signed into law by Illinois Governor Jay Robert Pritzker.
Name: Ethan Vergara
Pronouns: He/Him
Staff Title: Staff Contributor
Major: Sociology/Anthropology, Minor: Communication
Hometown: Waukegan, IL
Why did you join the UIS Observer?
It was more interesting than accounting or something, and I always wondered what it would be like to write for a newspaper and be a reporter. Plus, I just like learning from people, and writing articles has given me plenty of opportunities to do that. Plus, it’s an opportunity to use my camera; I’m more of a photographer at heart.
What motivates you to work hard?
I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and feeling proud of myself when I make something I’m confident in. I enjoy being busy. Honestly, during the summers, I get pretty bored just doing nothing, which Is why I volunteer and do my best to get a job (No luck normally, though…). Also, anxiety forces me to just buckle down and get things done rather than procrastinate, one plus of it, I guess.
What is your dream vacation?
Oof, no clue. I could give the easy answer of a week in the Caribbean, but really I’m not a beach person. Big city? Not really my speed. I’d say a world-tour cruise or something, I love experiencing things outside of my own bubble, and a cruise like that would let me get a taste of a bunch of different cultures and landscapes (and food, I can’t forget the food)
What kind of music do you like?
All kinds, a better question would be, what music do I not like? I’ll listen to jazz, techno, pop, rap, indie, punk rock and even some heavy metal when I’m in the right mood. I’m not really a person who has “favorites” (except for restaurants – my hometown has the best Chinese takeout ever)
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most of my friends call me a bad luck charm. No joke, the first time I ever went out with friends to Six Flags, all the rides shut down as we were in line. There are other examples, but that’s the biggest one we all remember.
