NIQ Profiles - Andrea Drott Areas of Study:
B.S., Accounting, 2005
M.S. Ed, Counseling, 2007
Campus Involvement:
Prism
Future Plans:
To work as a school counselor. Eventually get my doctorate and start a private counseling practice.
My favorite LGBTQ thing at NIU is Dont miss GAY JAM!!! Prism's yearly drag and variety show. It always proves to be a good time. It is also our major event to raise funds for our annual service project.
My involvement on campus has helped me by Getting me out of my comfort zone. I got the chance to meet a lot of great people all over campus that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. My involvement has helped me develop many leadership skills and given me many great opportunities to do more for the community.
If I had three words to describe the campus environment for LGBTQ students I would say accepting, diverse, and fun.
NIU is a good school for LGBTQ students because Everyone I have come out to, students and teachers alike, have been supportive. Many ask questions and try to learn more. I've never felt like I had to hide who I am. Also, there is at least one LGBTQ event a week and usually many more. There is something for everyone. Everyone can find something that they like and can be comfortable with being out.
The LGBT Resource Center offers a great home away from home. Whether it's to just hang out or get some work done the resource center a laid back environment to retreat to.
The LGBT Resource Center has helped me by offering books and other resources for school projects and open ears and open hearts.
I use the resource center to get on the internet during the day, work on school stuff, relax and meet other LGBTQ people on campus.
My experience as an LGBTQ student at NIU has been
I have been in the paper several times for LGBTQ related things. People know who I am and what
I'm about and I have never experienced a problem because of it.
My advice to other LGBTQ students would be GET INVOLVED! Overall the climate of the whole country is becoming more accepting, however there is so much progress still to be made. Helping others and becoming active is the most rewarding feeling.