Elisa Reamer

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED: I've traveled around the Chicago suburbs. I lived in Bolingbrook for 11 years, Batavia for 8 years and now I currently live in Aurora.

WHAT COLLEGE DID YOU ATTEND AND WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR: I attended Waubonsee Community College as a communication major and then I transferred to Northern Illinois University as a journalism major with a communication minor.

WHY DID YOU GET INTO THE NEWS (OR SPORTS) BUSINESS/BECOME A JOURNALIST: My first memory of being interested in the news was when I was really young. I would set up our family laptop on a chair and pretend I was giving the weather to my parents (I had an odd addiction to constantly checking the weather). I really became interested in it when I visited WGN Studios in Chicago for my 18th birthday, and I felt so at home being in a TV studio. My news classes at Waubonsee really helped guide me to this industry since I enjoyed them so much.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A JOURNALIST: My favorite thing about being a journalist by far is the people I meet. I've had the pleasure of meeting so many people with such interesting stories to tell. I also love that every day is different, and it will always keep me busy by providing plenty of work to do. l enjoy being a source of information and being able to learn about the stateline area.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A JOURNALIST AND A TELEVISION STATION IN OUR COMMUNITY: Our biggest role is to make sure people know what's going on around them and around the world. We have a duty to keep people informed with all essential facts.

WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE WORK: Within the last year, I've discovered that I really enjoy building Legos and taking walks. I'm also a poet, so I try to write whenever I'm able to. You can also find me hanging out with my boyfriend on the days I don't work. On days I do work, I simply get home, eat dinner, take a shower and then go to sleep. I'm also a huge fan of going to concerts!

WHO IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON/PEOPLE – OR ANIMAL - IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY: My parents are my favorite people and I classify them as my best friends. They continue to support me with every single thing I do, and they shower me in love no matter what. I am so blessed to have such awesome parents. They always push me to do my best and to never settle for less.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW: I have a first-place heat race trophy from Sycamore Speedway! I raced a Ford Crown Victoria in the Powderpuff class. I also have a few second and third places under my belt.

WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE AND WHY: One of my journalism professors at NIU, Bill Cassidy. I had him for three different classes and he was one of my biggest support systems. He helped build up my confidence and helped make me the journalist that I am today. He always inspired me to do my best and I am so thankful for everything he did for me.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK: I developed a lemonade addiction while attending NIU because of the Jersey Mike's student discount for the meals. You can always find me drinking water, but lemonade is my go-to drink if I want something with added flavor.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DINNER ENTREE: Shrimp. I love seafood but Shrimp will always have my heart and I can seriously live off of it. Also, the American Sign Language sign for shrimp is one of my favorite signs, so that adds to my love for shrimp.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT: I don't know if this counts as a dessert but one of my biggest guilty pleasures is donuts.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY AND WHY: My favorite holiday is Christmas because of the pretty lights, movies and being able to spend time with family I don't see a lot. One of my favorite activities to do with my family is driving around looking at Christmas lights. Also, Christmas movies are just top tier.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON AND WHY: Don't call me crazy but winter is. I love snow and all of the holidays that occur during winter. I'm also a big fan of hot chocolate, which is obviously most popular during wintertime.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT: I always say football but honestly, I don't watch sports. I used to be big into the New Orleans Saints and would never miss a Sunday game but that changed once Drew Brees left.

NAME THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES: Ferris Bueller's Day Off (I can quote this entire movie and know what scene people are on even if I'm not in the room watching), Sixteen Candles, Cars (my first car was named after Sally from the movie).

NAME YOUR FAVORITE BOOK/AUTHOR: I am obsessed with the Miss. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Series by Ransom Riggs. I own all of the books in the series, the movie and have a poster in my room. I've also met Ransom and he's such a wonderful person.

WHAT IS THE MOST DARING THING YOU’VE DONE: In 2017, I went zip-lining in Galena with my dad. This was by far one of the greatest moments of my life and I would love to do it again. Also, my dad is terrified of heights so shoutout to him for agreeing to do this with me. The zip-lining wasn't even the most daring part, it was the free-falling parts. Yes, I was hooked up with safety equipment, but it took me a very long time up on the podiums to finally get the guts to jump. To be honest, I'm surprised I'm still not up there.