NIQ Profiles - Brad HouserAreas of Study: Elementary Education
Expected Graduation Date: December 2008
Campus Involvement:
Prism
Future Plans:
I plan to teach children in grades 3 to 5 before eventually educating future teachers at the university level.
My favorite LGBTQ thing at NIU is … the community gatherings for Prism because it is a laid back atmosphere where I can hang out with my friends and meet new people.
My involvement on campus has helped me by … My role as an officer on the executive board of Prism has given me leadership and responsibility roles that I will be able to take with me to the classroom. These things have made me very proud to say that not only has Prism allowed me the chance to support the LGBT community, but has also prepared me for the road ahead in my life.
NIU is a good school for LGBTQ students because … NIU is a very accepting school, and I personally have never been criticized or belittled by another student because of my sexuality.
The LGBT Resource Center offers … a place to relax, do homework, talk to your friends, and seek guidance when you have questions or problems related to school or your personal life.
The LGBT Resource Center has helped me by … giving me a fun and friendly environment to turn to when I’m stressed or just need someone to talk to. When I first started attending NIU it helped me become comfortable with the campus and who I was, and that it was ok to be me.
I use the resource center to … have lunch between my classes, to socialize, and occasionally to do homework.
My experience as an LGBTQ student at NIU has been … NIU is my third school but the first I have been out at. Most of my classmates who get to know me become aware of my involvement in Prism and other LGBT activities, so most of classmates are aware of my sexuality. I have never had a negative experience when people have come across this information, and I would say LGBT organizations and events are well appreciated here.
My advice to other LGBTQ students would be … My advice would be to not feel you need to hold back your identity here. Some are more vocal than others about their sexuality, but people are either very accepting, or simply do not care as much as we let ourselves think they will be. Also, there are many resources to help you along the way.