Someone You Should Know

Debbie Benson, Program Assistant/Office Manager
Study Abroad Program

Debbie Benson serves as the program assistant and office manager for the Study Abroad office, a position she has held since November 1992. She joined NIU in December 1989.

What are the responsibilities of your position?
I advise and recruit participants for NIU study abroad programs, as well as accept applications and implement acceptance procedures for final approval by the coordinator. I also assist the coordinator in structuring and designing program descriptions and maintaining both program and student files, in addition to assisting with registration and grade processing. Also, as office manager, I handle supplies, mail distribution and work orders.

How did you choose your profession?
During high school and college, I took business and secretarial courses and have always enjoyed office work, probably because it makes use of my organizational skills. My husband also is employed at NIU and encouraged me to seek employment here. I followed his advice and have been very happy at NIU.

What's the best part about your job?
The best part of my job is helping students realize their dreams to study in another country and hearing about their often life-changing experiences when they return. I enjoy working with people, and this position offers the opportunity to meet and work with many people from all walks of life. Working with students keeps you young.

If you weren't in your current job field, what would you be doing?
I've always wished I were more artistic and secretly would have liked to be an artist or performer. Realistically, I would probably be working with young people in some way, maybe as a kindergarten or first grade teacher.

What are you reading?
At the moment I am reading "The Last Precinct" by Patricia Cornwell.

What music are you listening to?
I usually listen to artists such as the Eagles, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Jim Croce and John Cougar Mellencamp. My husband and I also enjoy listening to Chicago-based singer/songwriters Beki Hemingway and Jonathan Rundman.

What good movies have you seen lately?
I haven't really seen many movies lately. One of my favorites is "Remember the Titans." More recently, I enjoyed "Ocean's Eleven."

Do you have a favorite TV show?
I enjoy TV shows that make me laugh out loud or good dramas. My current favorites are "NYPD Blue," "ER," "The Practice," "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "My Wife and Kids."

Any words to live by?
Always treat people the way you would like to be treated. Also, I always tell my kids if you are going to do a job, do it to the best of your ability.