NIQ Profiles - Scott PickettAreas of Study:
Clinical Psychology, LGBT Studies Graduate Certificate
Year in school/Graduation Date: Doctoral Candidate, 2008
Campus Involvement:
Ally Program Volunteer
Former Co-leader of the LGBT Support Group
Speaker at Taboo Topics: Let's Talk about Sex
What's your favorite LGBTQ thing (class, event, hangout, etc) at NIU and why?
Considering that I am a graduate student, I have been less involved with campus groups like Prism. So, I always look forward to LGBT History Month activites and other activities sponsored by the Resource Center. It has given me a chance to be involved and to meet and mingle with other students without having to feel that I am too old to be hanging out with Prism.
It was also great to sit in classes with professors who put in the effort to make the classes LGBT friendly. There is nothing more rewarding than realizing that your value as an LGBT student is honored in the classroom. Plus, it is fun to watch non-LGBT students learn things about LGBT people that they would not typically learn.
What do you think makes NIU a good school for LGBTQ students?
The Resource Center is the heart of it all! The visibility of the Center, the activities that are planned, and the pride that the Center fosters makes people feel comfortable and supported when on campus. Even when speaking to students who do not use the Center's resources or participate in activities, they discuss the comfort they feel and the support that is available if needed.
In your view, what does the LGBT Resource Center offer for LGBTQ students?
From educational information, to social support, to friendly familiar faces, the Resource Center is always there if you need it.
How has the LGBT Resource Center supported you or helped you as a student?
The center has provided needed support and, at times, materials I needed for personal and education purposes. More than ever, it has been a place to drop in and touch base.
What has your experience been like as an LGBTQ student at NIU?
Any where you go, the environment is not always welcoming, but the fact that LGBT issues are visible and discussed on campus made my identity less of an issue for people. If there ever was an issue, the support was offered and the issues were handled respectfully. The larger university environment, as a whole, seems more educated and aware of LGBT issues than other places, which has an impact on how you feel in the classroom, in meetings, at events, and just walking across campus.
What advice would you give to other LGBTQ students about being LGBTQ at NIU?
Find a comfortable place to be yourself and stay connected to others. It is so easy to become isolated when you are focused on what you are doing for school or when you are worried about how you will be accepted. You can forget that there is a great community just outside the door that has so many opportunities to meet others and experience things that will last you a lifetime. Even if you do not become connected to an LGBT group, find something that gives you the support that you need.