THE 'CAT COLLECTIVE: PEER ADMIRERS

With Wildcat Welcome up and running, we're trying something new. Welcome to the 'Cat Collective, a compilation of STITCH's quintessential NU articles. Fear not, baby wildcats, we've got you covered--from Chicago's best brunch spots to inter-cat marriage. Get to know your peer advisers with today's article.

Originally Published in the 2015 September Issue by Rachel Lefferts.

Transition, education, tradition and excitement: these are just a few of the words that come to mind when thinking about Wildcat Welcome. Although this ten-day whirlwind is all of these things and more, it is, above all else, one of introductions. Whether you've been donning purple since the day you were born or you've never stepped foot on campus before, you will meet countless new people and learn several new things about this place you will call home for the next four years. And while you'll probably introduce yourself to more people than you can remember, you'll likely wish you had met just a few more of the two thousand plus new students and Peer Advisers. 

Luckily, STITCH has you covered. We caught up with a few Peer Advisers whose distinct sets of interests, backgrounds and talents stand as a true testament to the diversity of not just the Wildcat Welcome family and the Class of 2019, but of the entire Northwestern student body. And yet, as disparate as their pursuits may seem, these PAs share one thing in common: their passion for Northwestern and dedication to its community

Blake Bakkila

Year: Senior
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

Despite being miles away from her Southern California roots, this Newport Beach native could not be more proud to call Northwestern her second home. Blake Bakkila shares her school pride with prospective students and families as a campus tour guide, and is excited to do just that with her first PA group. Having transferred to NU as a sophomore, Bakkila has a true appreciation for the school and the unique sense of family it provides. “I’ve felt this heightened sense of nostalgia talking to all of these first-year students about what to expect, and I love to see their enthusiasm, especially as I’m closing my own chapter here,” Bakkila said.

When she’s not walking backwards around campus, Bakkila pursues research as an intern for the Medill Justice Project and holds a leadership position with her sorority. Whether she’s seeking out the best brunch spots or blogging for FoodSeum, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to the education, celebration and inspiration of food, Bakkila loves venturing off campus to explore the Chicago food scene.

As for her personal style? She likes to think of it as a happy medium between Kate Middleton and Mindy Lahiri (from the Mindy Project, one of her favorite shows), but admits that her friends say she’s very preppy. “My go-to look is a casual dress with a jean jacket and booties or sandals, depending on the weather,” Bakkila said. 

Gordon Schlict  

Year: Sophomore
Major: Economics and Political Science
Hometown: Cologne, Germany

After moving to the Chicago area from his home-town of Cologne, Germany, just a few years ago, sophomore Gordon Schlict knows firsthand what it’s like to acclimate to living in a new country, and is thrilled to be a Peer Adviser for International Student Orientation (ISO) and Wildcat Welcome.

Schlict’s first-year experience had such a positive impact that he felt compelled to give back to his community by passing onto the freshman what he gained last year. “Wildcat Welcome is an awesome illustration of the strength and pride of our community at Northwestern, so I hope my group takes this time and beyond as a way to nd their place on campus,” Schlict said.
 

As a member of Northwestern Model United Nations, Schlict pursues his passion for global politics, aspiring to one day be a diplomat. He also stays in touch with his international background by serving on the executive board of the International Student Association, which acts as his home away from home. As if these pursuits didn’t keep him busy enough, Schlict is also the secretary of his fraternity and an active member of the NU Investment Management Group.

Based on his put-together and preppy look, it’s clear that Schlict’s professional goals trickle down to his style. “The way I present myself to others is important, and I’m very impacted by the people around me,” Schlicht said. Spot him on campus in his signature pastel button-downs, wingtip oxfords and boat shoes (with a vest on cooler days, of course).

Rocio Mendez-Rozo

Year: Junior
Major: English and Latino/Latina Studies
Hometown: Chicago, IL

Though the Class of 2019 may get to know her in that signature PA t-shirt and backpack, Rocio Mendez-Rozo will soon trade in her Wildcat Welcome attire for ice skates. An English and Latino/Latina Studies double-major, she serves as the vice president of Northwestern’s Figure Skating Team and as the co-president of Mariachi Northwestern, a group dedicated to spreading the Mexican folk music sounds of mariachi across campus.

Off the ice, she embraces her boho chic style. Whether she’s wearing a maxi skirt and a simple t-shirt or a chunky cardigan and boots, she loves to accessorize with bold statement pieces— patterned scarves, gold jewelry and bold lips are her favorites.

Mendez-Rozo cannot wait to be a Peer Adviser for a second year in a row and hopes to foster the same fun, tight-knit community that made last year so memorable. “One of the most important things we can o er as returning students is to talk about the multiple voices and narratives on this campus and to stress why it’s important to engage these voices to create cohesion and community,” she said

Kori Alston

Year: Sophomore
Major: Theatre
Hometown: Great Barrington, MA

Kori Alston may only be a sophomore, but he’s already taken the theatre scene by storm. Not only is he the director of special events for the theatre group Vertigo Productions, but he’ll also be assistant directing a student product and a main-stage production this year. This coming January, his play “The Alexander Litany” will be performed as a part of the Vertigo Reading Series.

Although playwriting, acting and directing provide Alston with the ultimate creative outlet, he also makes a statement through his style, which he describes as “afropunk.” He prefers to deviate from conventional commercial clothing, instead seeking unique pieces at thrift stores.

Whether he’s wearing overalls and skirts in unconventional ways or donning bright colors and patterns, he has fun creating bold, attention-grabbing looks. “Life’s too short to not enjoy getting dressed in the morning,” Alston said.

After his experience with Wildcat Welcome last year, Alston knew he wanted to get involved in a more intimate way. “I’m the oldest of seven kids, so being the trailblazer—the person who’s stumbled through it and can help others through it—comes naturally to me,” he said. “I’ve been involved with mentor programs throughout my life, and it’s something I’m really passionate about.”