Hi! I’m Rachel.
If I had to describe myself in three phrases they would be: sponge-like, a pop cultural informant, and an extroverted introvert.
I graduated (well kind of…virtually, haha) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign last May with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a minor in Latino/a Studies. In addition I also studied abroad in Rome my junior year, focusing my studies on food, media, culture, and language…while also having my high-key Lizzie McGuire moment. I’ve always loved the fast paced nature of social media, so working at Gossip Genie seemed like the perfect fit.
In my free time you can probably catch me whipping something up in the kitchen or taking film pictures of my friends (which they have grown to love pre-pandemic).
Q&A with Rachel:
Q: Favorite social media platform?
A: Tik Tok, for sure. I spent 12 hours a week on it during the peak of quarantine. My claim to fame on that platform is that I made a Tik Tok which received almost 700k views on it.
Q: Favorite accounts to follow on Instagram?
A: @supreme_leak_news, @kkeeaattoonn, @fededecesareviola (one of my instructors in Rome) and @sherriesavorsthecity.
Q: Drink of choice?
A: Vodka cranberry with lime or a “Blue Guy” from the infamous Kam’s in Champaign.
Q: Current Favorite TV Show?
A: The best show I’ve watched recently is definitely Bridgerton, but Euphoria will always be one of my favorite shows of all time…I’ve watched it three times and counting.
Q: What did your Spotify wrapped look like this year?
A: My top artists were: Dua Lipa, Travis Scott, Brockhampton, Olivia O’Brien, and Ariana Grande. My Top song was “Blueberry Faygo” by Lil Mosey, but I will never be able to live down that my top artist was Tiesto in 2019 lol.
Q: What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to (pre-pandemic)?
A: This is a really hard one. I’ve traveled to over 15 countries and 30+ cities but I’d have to say my top 6 are: Cinque Terre in Italy, Paris, Amsterdam, New Orleans, Oaxaca in Mexico and Aruba.
Q: If it was your last day on Earth…what would your last meal be?
A: I’m a big foodie, so this is another hard one. I’d have to say gnocchi alla sorrentina with lots of bread on the side, a nice glass of Lambrusco, and pint of Jeni’s ooey gooey butter cake for dessert.
Q: Last question… What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago?
A: Wow, I don’t know if I can pick. My favorite place for pizza is Piece Pizza in Wicker Park and for deep dish my go to is Pequod’s. My favorite for Italian is either Pompei in Little Italy or Via Carducci La Sorella in Wicker. For sushi, I would have to say my favorite place in Chicago is Enso also in Wicker. My go to spot for brunch was Toast, but sadly, it closed because of the pandemic. There are so many restaurants I know I’m missing, but as you can tell…I love food!
Also, if you want to see any of my previous work you can check out my portfolio and/or food instagram. I’m so excited to be a part of the Gossip Genie team and see where my growth as a Genie goes.
