Scholarship Recipient Profiles
Yesenia Juarez
Scholarships Awarded: Presidential Scholarship; ROTC Housing Scholarship, Forward, Together Forward Scholarship
Areas of Study: Sociology major, Latino/Latin American Studies minor, Military Science minor, Spanish minor
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2011
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Activities: Army ROTC; Foreign Language Residence Program; Campus Activities Board; Event Production Services
What are your personal and professional goals?
My personal goal is to help students in achieving their academic goals while in the University. I like to do this by providing them with volunteer opportunities and extra-curricular activities through academic and community organizations. My professional goal is my career in the United States Army. The ROTC program at NIU has taught me how to be a leader on campus and in the field. I have gained so much confidence in myself and my ability to achieve to the extreme.
How has being a scholarship recipient assisted you in being successful at NIU?
My scholarship has shown me that we can be rewarded for all that we do. Like everything else in life, we must work to get where we stand today. My efforts in the academic field and the community have lead me to network with other students. These students are often worthy of being recognized, and everything comes full circle when they apply and receive a scholarship I recommend for them.
What is your advice to students looking for scholarships or financial assistance?
Keep being yourself. Keep up your academics. There is nothing to lose when you apply. If you don't receive it the first time around, try again. Network with your peers. Become involved on campus. There are resources everywhere. And, if nothing else, ASK! Always ask questions when you are unsure of anything - you might surprise yourself!
What is the best thing about being an NIU Huskie?
The camaraderie with your friends. As a freshman you might not know anyone, but the networking comes fast. The campus does not seem so large after the first semester. There is always someone willing to help. There is support everywhere.