Adrian Micor has long considered himself to be among the most involved students on campus. He wears many hats at Illinois State—a result of him always being open to new opportunities. When the pandemic abruptly changed his plans, he did not abandon his open-minded approach to life.
“My way of life has taken a shift,” said Micor, a senior marketing major from Morton Grove. “I went from being one of the most active students on campus who saw everyone every day, to being one of the most active students in a different way.”
While campus life may look different from previous semesters, Micor has managed to keep much of his typical experience intact. From continuing to work as a tour guide for Admissions to crafting his favorite lunch at Watterson Dining Commons, he has continued to enjoy the opportunities that have made his Illinois State experience memorable.
Earlier this month, University Marketing and Communications Senior Photographer Lyndsie Schlink followed Micor through a typical day in his life as a Redbird.
Adrian Micor checks in with the other Admissions guides to find out the majors of the students he is about to give a tour to.
Micor’s Thursday begins with his shift as a tour guide for Admissions. As a general rule, he checks in with his co-workers to discover the majors and interests of the students he will be giving a tour to. In his experience, this has helped him target specific points of interest to entice prospective students.
Adrian Micor gathers his tour group outside of the north entrance of the Bone Student Center before showing them around campus.
Micor initiates his tour outside of the Bone Student Center. He starts off by introducing the amenities available at the Bone—Starbucks, Barnes & Noble at Illinois State University, and the new Timbers Grille, among others. As the group moves forward, Micor tells the students and parents about the housing and dining options available on campus.
Adrian Micor leads his tour group.
Micor prides himself on being a personable and straightforward tour guide. “Any student that’s looking at the University wants to know if this is a place where they belong,” said Micor. “I take a very honest approach in my tours. I say right off the bat, ‘This is going to be the most honest tour of your life. You want to know if this is your home, so I’m going to give that to you.’”
Micor has been a tour guide since his sophomore year. His two years of experience did not prepare him for an obstacle he has faced in the new normal—the struggle to convey facial expressions while wearing a mask. “My smile is what usually gains the trust of people,” said Micor. “You’ll never truly realize the impact of a smile until it’s masked up and nobody can see it.”
To get past that roadblock, Micor makes sure to place extra enthusiasm on his words.
Adrian Micor sanitizes his equipment at the conclusion of his shift.
After his tour, Micor returns to the Office of Admissions to sanitize his equipment. Next stop? Lunch at Watterson Dining Commons.
Adrian Micor waits for his food to be served into to-go containers at the Watterson Dining Commons.
While some students may only consider the meals listed on the menu, Micor thinks outside of the box when creating his meals.
“I like to get creative at Watterson,” said Micor. “For example, some people might see just the salad. I see, ‘Look at this salad. You can get a spicy chicken sandwich, take the spicy chicken out, cut it up, and put it in the salad.’”
Adrian Micor eats lunch at a picnic table outside of the Watterson Dining Commons.
Micor’s custom spicy chicken salad is a go-to option for him. Additionally, he frequents The Wok—Watterson Dining Commons’ venue for Asian cuisine.
These days, Micor enjoys his meals at a picnic table outside of Watterson Dining Commons, getting a chance to unwind after his busy morning.
Adrian Micor enjoys the fall weather by relaxing on the Quad.
After lunch, Micor has a break in his schedule. He takes advantage of his downtime by relaxing on the Quad, enjoying the fall weather. He also uses the free time to catch up on emails and check ReggieNet, Illinois State’s learning management system.
Adrian Micor shares a laugh with WZND station manager Steve Suess ’10, M.S. ’12, via Zoom during a weekly promotion planning meeting.
After his downtime on the Quad, Micor returns to his off-campus apartment for a Zoom meeting. Micor, who works as a promotions director for student radio station WZND, participated in a weekly promotion planning meeting for the station. Following the meeting, he heads to his office at WZND, located in the basement of Fell Hall.
Adrian Micor writes his to-do list on the whiteboard in his WZND office.
As a business student, Micor originally struggled to see himself working at the radio station after a friend recommended it to him during his sophomore year. However, he decided to take a shot at it, and he quickly learned that his marketing education carried over seamlessly to his position as promotions director.
“My main duty as the promotions director is to retain current listeners and to gain more listeners,” said Micor. “Signage and branding is what I’m in charge of. I am a part of the management council and I oversee the Media Business Office.”
Cossette Nowik was excited to show Adrian Micor how she had decorated her office at WZND.
Micor is thankful for the connections and opportunities that WZND has given him. He routinely emphasizes the importance of branching out and networking on campus.
“There’s a huge correlation between your satisfaction with the University and how much you’re involved in,” said Micor. “Being involved makes you feel like you belong, and in turn, gives you higher morale. It’s a ripple effect.”
Trademark and Licensing graduate assistant Sara Engstrom ’19 does a photo shoot for new apparel with Adrian Micor on the Quad.
Following his shift at WZND, Micor heads to the Quad for an apparel photoshoot. Since the summer of 2019, Micor has been a “Redbird Rep” brand ambassador. His strong Instagram following and marketing experience helped him secure the position.
“I help with social media for university merchandising, as well as Athletics when they need me,” said Micor. “I promote games, and then also promote merchandise that’s either sold at Barnes & Noble or The Alamo. I also do photoshoots for merchandise and different events that they need me for.”
Adrian Micor participates in his Strategic Marketing Management class on Zoom from the balcony of his apartment.
Micor then returns to his apartment for his 3:35 p.m. Zoom class. The course is Strategic Marketing Management taught by Instructional Assistant Professor of Marketing Mark Gibson. Micor prefers to participate in class while sitting out on his apartment’s balcony.
Since the start of the semester, Micor has found that there are perks to learning via Zoom. “I think it’s convenient that I don’t have to leave this 10-foot radius to go to class,” said Micor. “I could wake up at 8:59 a.m. and be in class at 9 a.m. It’s just so convenient.”
Adrian Micor waves to a friend as he runs through People’s Park on his one-mile run.
After a long day, Micor’s favorite way to blow off steam is to go for a run. “When I have a lot of stress, I’ll usually go for a run,” said Micor. “I try to make a point of going for a run at least every other day.”
Micor’s typical route spans one mile. He begins at his apartment, runs to Watterson Towers, and then circles back to his apartment complex, located just west of campus.
Adrian Micor lifts weights in the gym at his apartment complex, The Edge on Hovey.
Following his run, he then stops by his apartment complex gym for some weightlifting.
Adrian Micor cooks dinner in his apartment.
A productive day calls for a fulfilling meal. Luckily for Micor, he developed a passion for cooking during the early months of the pandemic.
He crafts himself a salad consisting of breaded chicken tenders, jalapenos, and onions. “I love cooking dinner,” said Micor. “It’s a great way to unwind after a long day.”
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