Area of Study: Applied Physics in Astronomy and Political Science
Minor: Applied Mathematics
Graduation Date: May 2008
Hometown: Naperville
High School: Waubonsie Valley
Current Employment: Sports Reporter with the Northern Star
Campus Involvement:
Highlights, achievements and awards:
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I chose my major because … in high school I enjoyed physics and had a fascination with astronomy. When I came to NIU I knew that I wanted to study those subjects, but my freshman year I took “Democracy in America” (POLS 150H), and although it was challenging, I enjoyed the political readings, debates and philosophy discussed in class so much so that, after taking additional political sciences classes, I decided to major in political science as well.
My favorite professor at NIU is … Dr. Gary Glenn. He teaches his classes in small groups that are discussion-based and question-driven. Dr. Glenn also teaches in-depth courses in the great books. I have already studied Plato’s Republic under him, as well as sections of Aristotle’s Politics, Locke’s Two Treatises and Rousseau’s Emile.
My favorite thing to do on campus is … to be active. I love going to sporting events so much that I become a sports reporter for the student newspaper, the Northern Star. I just love rooting for my Huskies. I also like to be involved on campus, and I try to attend interesting lectures or musical performances.
Outside of the classroom, my favorite thing at NIU that really enhances my experience here is … participating in my co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. I’ve had the chance to meet so many amazing people that have not only become my brothers and sisters within the fraternity, but also my friends outside. We do a lot together: eat meals, attend athletic events, and participate in service, leadership and fellowship events on the weeknights and weekends.
When I have free time, I like to … hang out with my friends. Sometime we just talk, play video games or watch a movie, or if there’s snow on the ground, we’ll go out sledding.
One thing I wish I knew about actual college life before I got here is … to get active right away. Get involved in groups and meet people.
One positive thing I have learned about myself since coming to NIU is … that I’m a good “people person.” I’ve always had an easy time talking with people and relating with them, but my time at NIU has let me see that I excel at this skill.
If I was guaranteed success, I would … stay in college forever and continue to learn. I have so many interests, and I would get degrees in astronomy, political science, math, journalism, radio broadcasting, meteorology, teaching, history and archeology.
After graduation, I plan to … go to graduate school, become a teaching assistant and earn a master’s degree. I would like to go into education, so a teaching assistant position will help me learn if college is where I want to teach. If so, I want to get a professional degree. If not, I will earn my teaching certificate and teach high school.
The one NIU experience I will always remember will be …. driving with my friends to Detroit to root for the Huskies in the MAC Championship football game. The game was amazing, despite the loss. Then, on the drive home, we got lost and ended up in Ohio. We made it back to Illinois around 4 a.m., so I had just enough time to take a nap and go to my Friday classes.