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Marketing Choices: Articles I've Written

While interning with Marketing Choices during fall 2024, I wrote weekly articles for our client, Adoption Choices of Florida. In my articles, I promote our client's services and provide valuable information and support to birthmothers. I learned how to incorporate SEO into my writing throughout my employment and seamlessly wove a set of keywords into  the content to enhance the client's website's SERP ranking and boost site traffic.

Adoption Choices of Florida •

Reasons Why Adoption Might Be Right for You

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a terrifying ordeal. You may be imagining what that means for your future or if you have the means to raise a child. Thoughts about healthcare, finances, and post-birth support might be swirling around in your head like a hurricane. There are limited choices for unexpected mothers. However, choosing adoption can be a great way to ensure your baby grows up in a loving and stable home.At Adoption Choices of Florida, a common question we get is, “Why should I pl...
Adoption Choices of Florida •

Answering FAQs About Choosing an Adoptive Family

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, you have a lot of choices to make. If you decide your circumstances aren’t ideal for raising a baby, you may choose to place your child for adoption. However, selecting to do so is not an easy choice. You may be concerned about the adoption process, especially when choosing the right family for your baby. The process of child adoption can be stressful and intimidating, as it requires a lot of thought and emotions. As a birth mother, you may have tons of questi...
Adoption Choices of Florida •

Choosing Adoption as a Pregnant Teen: Breaking the Stigma

Not every woman is ready to be a mother. For many women, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can be a challenging and uncertain situation. For teenagers especially, finding out you’re pregnant can feel like your entire world just collapsed. If you’re a teenager who just discovered that you’re pregnant, you may be facing fears about an uncertain future. Fortunately, becoming pregnant as a teenager does not mean that your life is over. You have options, one of which is adoption. Placing your baby...
Adoption Choices of Florida •

Making the Tough Choice: Choosing Adoption Due to Difficult Circumstances

Every birth mother who chooses adoption has varying reasons and circumstances that lead them to make the decision. For women facing homelessness, drug addiction, mental health issues, and abuse, an unplanned pregnancy can become an additional burden. The idea of raising a baby in dire circumstances with minimal access to resources can be terrifying. If you’re pregnant and dealing with difficult life situations, choosing adoption is a great choice for you and your baby. Placing your baby for adop...
Adoption Choices of Florida •

Domestic Violence Awareness: Finding Safety and Security Through Adoption Services

In the United States, reported domestic abuse by an intimate partner accounts for over 15% of the country’s violent crimes. There are more domestic violence cases than what has been reported. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month approaches in October, we at Adoption Choices of Florida want to reiterate one important thing. No human being, especially birth mothers, should be forced to suffer violence at the hands of their partners.As a pregnant woman in a violent situation, you...
Adoption Choices of Florida •

Finding Stability: Homelessness and Unplanned Pregnancy - Considering Adoption

Being homeless is already a complicated problem that many in the United States face daily. When you’re also pregnant, the lack of a stable environment to nurture and raise your baby is a terrifying situation. Without consistent housing, access to reproductive healthcare, and basic resources, raising a baby while homeless seems incredibly stressful and impossible. Despite the stigma surrounding homelessness and pregnancy, know that you’re not alone. You are not the first nor the last person in a...
Adoption Choices of Florida •

How to Navigate An Open Adoption: Learning to Set Boundaries and Communicate Clearly

Deciding to place a child for adoption is a decision that leaves some birth mothers with complicated feelings. Even if the choice was the right one, you may be facing feelings of grief and uncertainty. You may be wondering if you’ll ever see your child again after placement and the end of the adoption process.However, the end of the adoption process does not mean that you will never see your baby again. For some birth mothers and adoptive parents, choosing an open adoption can keep all parties i...
Adoption Choices of Florida •

Adoption and Mental Health: Coping with Grief and Loss

Regardless of the circumstances that lead you to make the choice, placing your child for adoption is emotionally taxing. After going through the adoption process, you may be struggling with feelings of grief or emptiness. You may be uncertain that child adoption was the right choice for you. The intense wave of emotion that comes after the adoption process can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many coping strategies and resources you can utilize. Focusing on your mental health and seeking...

Marketing Choices: Some Articles I've Edited

During my time with Marketing Choices, I edited 4-5 articles per week, checking for prompt adherence, error-free grammar, factual correctness, a solid structure, consistency, empathy, and clarity. Following the assignments' perimeters, I also ensured that the author seamlessly weaved required SEO keywords into their writing. We used the 'track changes' feature on Google Docs. Below are two versions of the articles I've edited: One with my edits in 'track changes' and the other with all edits accepted.

The Daily Illini Print Editions

As the Editor-in-Chief and The Managing Editor for Reporting, I helped design and approve various aspects of our weekly print editions. Using InCopy and InDesign, my team developed 8-15 (and sometimes 20+) printed pages, utilizing publishing/editorial principles to design appealing spreads for our campus-focused audience. Below are a few pages I helped design. I've also included the "New Student Edition", which, as the Editor-in-Chief, I worked on the full edition rather than a few pages. 

Note: New Student Edition lists me as the Features Editor. This is because the issue is relevant to the upcoming fall semester where I planned to return to being the Features Editor.

The Daily Illini Articles

The Daily Illini •

Phi Mu’s ‘fearless’ fighter remembered at ‘Swifties’ night

Ava Shaw, junior and a sister of the sorority Phi Mu, passed away in July due to a heart condition. The Taylor Swift night held at Joe’s Brewery on Wednesday was held in her honor

On Aug. 24, a line long enough to wrap around the block eagerly waited to enter Joe’s Brewery. The bass of the music was the only thing those far from the door could make out.

But those near the door could make out more of the music. A familiar female artist’s pop-country music brought excitement as the line recogniz
The Daily Illini •

AI use in journalism brings ethical, employment concerns

A few years ago, a reporter from The Washington Post accomplished a journalistic feat that not many writers have done before. In 2016, within only their first year of writing for The Post, the reporter, pen name Heliograf, wrote and published 850 articles.

Heliograf was a multi-interest reporter who was interested in both sports and politics, and nearly all 850 of their articles came from just those two topics. They wrote 300 short reports and alerts about the Rio Olympics and 500 articles abou
The Daily Illini •

A person ‘hard to come by’: Remembering Nikolai Hristov

Nikolai Hristov, senior in computer science and executive member of WPGU passed away in November. Friends and family remember Nikolai and the impact he had on their lives.

One night during this year’s Halloween weekend, a group of friends was walking the campus streets heading toward a house party when they suddenly spotted an out-of-place shopping cart.

The friends approached the cart, laughing as one of them got in it. The friend in the cart was wearing an old, too-tight Spiderman costume wi
The Daily Illini •

What he brings with him ‘every day’: ABC News’ Steve Osunsami reflects on journey, time at UI

Steve Osunsami wrote for The Daily Illini during his time at the University, and has since then worked with ABC News and has contributed to other news outlets in his career.

The Osunsami siblings walked home from grade school and into an unlit house. The power was shut off, an experience familiar to the family.

Steve Osunsami grabbed the flashlight under his bed, remembering that he had a spare one on his desk, and flicked it on. The light illuminated his homework, and he scribbled in the answ
The Daily Illini •

‘The Last of Us’ review from someone who never played the game

When one thinks of “post-apocalyptic” media, images of bloody, stumbling zombies who bite chunks of flesh out of survivors tend to pop up. After all, one of the most famous pieces of post-apocalyptic media is AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” which is a show where bloody, stumbling zombies bite chunks of flesh out of survivors.

However, in 2013, game developers at Naughty Dog produced a game that offers action-adventure and sci-fi lovers a unique perspective on the “post-apocalyptic” archetype: “The La
The Daily Illini •

The battle of the sister cities

The mayor of Urbana, Diane Marlin (left), and the mayor of Champaign, Deborah Feinen (right), wear the shirts sold in the “Champaign-Urbana” vs. “Urbana-Champaign” competition.

In Central Illinois, a decades-long battle like no other looms over the cornfields and University buildings. The competition ignites passion within those who are most concerned with its competitors. Peace can only be brought by the results.

For over 100 years, residents of both Champaign and Urbana have playfully bicker
The Daily Illini •

Just BEE Açaí celebrates one-year anniversary

Current Just BEE Açaí owner Kristin Reinbold (pictured in white) with her husband, Norman Reinbold, and two employees at the store front. The store in located inside the Illini Union.

Just on the inside of the Illini Union’s Quad-side entrance sits a small restaurant that brings a coastal fruity treat to the Midwest.

For over a year now, Just BEE Açaí has served açaí bowls as well as various loaded toasts to anyone who stops by. The family-run restaurant opened its Union storefront on Jan. 6,
The Daily Illini •

Holidays present challenges for small businesses

Every year around Black Friday, large companies like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy roll out yearly deals for the holiday season, bringing in an influx of web traffic and revenue. But where do small businesses fall into the success of the holidays?

Local business owners share and discuss what it is like to operate a small business during the holiday season. For retail businesses, the holiday season brings in a significant chunk of income. According to the National Retail Federation, an average of
The Daily Illini •

Urbana schools cancel classes due to threats of shooting

Urbana High School canceled classes due to a possible shooting and bomb threat on Monday.

This is an ongoing story. Check back later for more updates.

Monday morning, Urbana High School, as well as the middle school, canceled classes due to a possible shooting and bomb threat at the high school.

A mass text and email from superintendent Jennifer Ivory-Tatum were sent out to parents and students at 7:40 a.m., telling them that UHS had “received a message regarding a possible shooting.” The mes
The Daily Illini •

Where to vote on campus

Next Tuesday marks an important date when millions American citizens will head to the polls to vote in the midterm elections.

For students who live on campus, there are various polling locations to go to. Of course, you have to be a registered voter in Champaign County, and your polling location will depend on the location of your provided permanent address.

To find the location of your polling place, check out the State Board of Elections website.

Here is where all of this year’s on-campus p
The Daily Illini •

The minister who helped desegregate Urbana school district

Reverend Evelyn Underwood spends time preparing food for the congregation and charity on Sunday. Dr. Underwood is an associate minister at the New Will Free Baptist Church.

Every Sunday is the same for Urbana resident Dr. Evelyn Burnett Underwood.

She wakes up, puts on a matching bright-colored skirt and blazer and drives with her husband to New Will Free Baptist Church in Champaign. She stands in front of the people of her church with a smile on her face and delivers a ground-breaking sermon.
The Daily Illini •

HOCU | The Bishop who built a church himself

Bishop King James Underwood speaks to the congregation on Sunday. Bishop Underwood was the senior pastor of the New Will Free Baptist Church for 42 years, but retired in September.

Urbana resident Bishop King James Underwood built his life from the ground up with many tools, whether they be hammers or his faith in Christ.

Bishop Underwood was born in 1938 on a plantation called Panther Burn, which is named after the Black Panthers. The plantation was within the Mississippi Delta.

At the time,
The Daily Illini •

Neon Trees concert leaves everybody talking

Wednesday evening, Utah rock band Neon Trees illuminated State Farm Center with a colorful concert as a new addition to the University’s Homecoming Week celebrations.

Formed in 2005 by a group of childhood friends, Neon Trees steadily grew in popularity throughout the late 2000s, especially after opening for other popular bands at the time, such as The Killers, Panic! At the Disco and My Chemical Romance.

In 2010, Neon Trees debuted their first album, with the well-known song “Animal” as the l
The Daily Illini •

How to deal with a difficult dorm roommate

For many students, going to college means encountering a lot of firsts: living alone, drinking, failing a class and more. For freshman students who are mandated to live in a dorm, this may be their first time living with another person besides their family.

However, living with a roommate in a dorm no bigger than 12 feet wide isn’t always a great experience. For some students, having a bad roommate can sour the college experience. With a bad roommate, a dorm — which is supposed to be a place of
The Daily Illini •

Senior Year bucket list

Four years ago, I went to my first class on the first day of my first year of college. I was nervous but very excited about the opportunities that were sure to come.

But on Monday, I experienced that nervousness and excitement for the final time — it was my last first day of school. My time in college came and went so fast.

I’ve always had this fear of never living my life to the fullest, and when I look back on my time at the University, I realize that there are many things I have yet to do.
The Daily Illini •

Tips to consider before attending Quad Day

Crowds of students fill up the Main Quad as they attend Quad Day on Aug 22, 2021. It is important for students to dress appropriately according to the weather and to bring essentials such as water and sunscreen.

Last year, the day was hot and muggy.

I was making my walk from the Six Pack to the Main Quad, clad in an all-black outfit wearing half-up-half-down pigtails. I didn’t bring an umbrella or any water because I thought I would be outside for only 30 minutes, and the quad wasn’t going to
The Daily Illini •

From ‘county fair’ to Illini celebration

A University student rides a unicycle on the Main Quad for Quad Day in the ‘70s. This Sunday’s Quad Day makes it the 51st one for the University.

This Sunday marks the 51st Quad Day celebration – a day when thousands of students gather on the Main and South Quads to explore the 800+ RSOs.

But 51 years ago, Quad Day looked much different than it does now. According to Ryan Ross, University alum and ​​history and traditions curator of the University Alumni Association, the first Quad Day in 1971
The Daily Illini •

Mother of Champaign shooting victim questions UI honorary degree requirements

Ever since Kristian “KP” Philpotts was little, he loved animals more than anything else. Taking care of them became his passion — a dream he desired to chase as he grew into adulthood.

“He had a passion for animals since he was seven or eight years old, and it never stopped or went away,” Marla Rice, Philpotts’ mother, said. “When the commercials would come on about the abused animals, he would get really upset and beg for me to change the channel.”

When it came time to pick a major, Philpotts
The Daily Illini •

Navigating the tribulations of transfer-student life

Members of the Illini Transfer Ambassadors pose for a picture during their final meeting last year. Students discuss the trials and tribulations of being a transfer.

When I moved into Scott Hall last August, I felt so out of place. Attending Welcome Week was even worse since it felt like it was aimed solely toward freshman students. Every speaker mentioned the “Class of 2025,” while I was the Class of 2023.

It seemed like nothing was meant for me, a transfer junior from a small community colle
The Daily Illini •

One dead, one in custody following Friday night Green Street shooting

An Urbana man was confirmed dead on Friday night after being shot in the head outside of 205 East Green Street near The Red Lion.

According to a press release from the city of Champaign, 46-year-old Joshua Berg was walking with 42-year-old Matthew Denbo when the two began arguing. The argument quickly escalated, and Denbo allegedly shot Bern in the head before fleeing.

Denbo was located by officers and arrested. He is being held in the Champaign County Jail on a preliminary homicide charge and
The Daily Illini •

Shots fired near Fair, Victor streets

This story is ongoing. Please check back regularly for updates.

At approximately 7:35 p.m. on Tuesday, at least one person was injured after shots were fired between two cars traveling east near Victor and Fair streets in Champaign.

Residents reported hearing at least five gunshots, and say that the car traveling in the north lane shot into the car driving south. The victim then crashed into a light pole.

Police have found at least five bullet casings in the street. The condition of the victi
The Daily Illini •

Rainbow washing: End of Pride Month questions corporate compassion

When June 1 arrived, companies like Facebook and Walmart rolled out shelves of colorful merchandise, flooded their social media pages with rainbows and aired compassionate commercials.

Pride month had begun, and corporations wanted to make sure their consumers knew how much they supported the LGBTQ+ community. One company, Burger King, showed their support by creating the Pride Whopper — a burger with either two top buns or two bottom buns rather than one of each.

However, Pride Month will end
The Daily Illini •

Community members, students shocked by abortion decision

Abortion rights activists demonstrate in front of anti-abortion activists outside of the U.S. Supreme Court Building on Friday.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the right to an abortion is not protected by the U.S. Constitution, overturning two of its previous decisions — Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

The majority opinion, a draft of which was previously leaked in early May, paves the way for nearly half of the states to roll back abortion rights. There is also a poss
The Daily Illini •

Champaign Juneteenth celebration opens conversations about race

Community members play smooth jazz music at the Champaign Park District’s Juneteenth celebration at Douglas Park on Saturday. The district has hosted a Juneteenth celebration for 15 years.

On Saturday afternoon, the Champaign Park District held its annual Juneteenth celebration at Douglass Park to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth — now declared a national holiday — recognizes the date that the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their liberat
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Plant Mode Project

During my Business and Technical Writing 273 course, I collaborated with a team of four to develop a comprehensive marketing campaign for Plant Mode, a local business. My role was pivotal in designing an innovative social media strategy, conceptualizing engaging poster designs, and introducing a customer loyalty card system. The attached slides, crafted using Canva, showcase the creative assets and strategies I contributed to our end of semester presentation.