Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University

Heather Ann Skalski

Heather Ann Skalski

I chose my major because … I want to be a leader and interact with people. I would like to go into the interviewing and recruiting area of Human Resources. It really is a great feeling to know that someday I will be able to make decisions that will make a positive impact on a company.

My favorite class or professor at NIU is … Alton Rollerson of my Career Planning Class. He was genuinely interested in the thoughts and opinions of his students, and he really showed that he cared for each student as an individual.

My favorite thing to do on campus is … see friends! I like attending mass meetings, social events, cultural events and educational events on campus.

Outside of the classroom, my favorite thing at NIU that really enhances my experience here is … the Asian American Center. Since it was founded here on campus, the Asian American community has strengthened its bonds even more than before. It brings all of the students together because it is like a home for us…a place we can share and take pride in.

When I have free time, I like to … surf the Internet, use the Adobe Photoshop program, go to the Recreation Center and play volleyball and hang out with sorority sisters and friends.

One thing I wish I knew about actual college life before I got here is … that there is pretty much a center, club, activity or program available for any interests and educational needs beyond school curriculum.

One positive thing I have learned about myself since coming to NIU is … I love to keep myself busy. When I came to NIU, I immediately immersed myself in extracurricular activities when I wasn't doing schoolwork.

If I was guaranteed success, I would ... be the Human Resource Manager of a large corporation and make a lot of money so I can provide for my family and give my children a good education.

After graduation, I plan to … move to the city for a few years to get the real “fast-paced,” city-life experience. Once I settle into the being a career professional, I would like to get my real estate license and work real estate part-time and as a team with my mother, who has been in the field for 15 years.

The one NIU experience I will always remember will be ... founding Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority on campus. It was a long and hard journey and I learned so much about myself. It's an honor to be part of NIU Kappa Phi Lambda's history, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for us.

NIYou

Area of Study: Business Management, Human Resource Management

Graduation Date: December 2008

Hometown: Schaumburg, Ill.

High School: Schaumburg High School

Current Employment:

  • Intern for Professional Development, Asian American Center
  • Coldwell Banker Real Estate and Mortgage, Schaumburg

Campus Involvement:

  • Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority
  • Asian American Association
  • Philippine Student Association
  • Recreation Center Open Volleyball

Highlights, achievements and awards:

  • Kevin D. Knight Institutional Tuition Waver
  • Kevin D. Knight Senior Leadership Award
  • Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges
  • Student Involvement Leadership and Development Junior Leadership Award
  • Student Involvement Leadership and Development “Rising Star Award”
  • Asian American Resource Center “Most Outstanding Female Award”
  • Minority Welcome Day Reception Asian American Student Keynote Speaker
  • NIU Multiculturalism Task Force Faculty Conference Student Keynote Speaker/Panelist
  • Grant Towers South Community Service Recognition

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