Josh Helsper

#PeopleofNIU Photo by Michelle LaVigne/Institutional Communications

Hometown: Lily Lake, IL

Year: Junior

Major: Mechanical engineering

Why did you choose NIU?
I chose NIU for a lot of different reasons. The main one was it has a really good mechanical engineering program. I don’t just say that because I’m here and I’m enjoying it. I really do think we have a great mechanical engineering program, and I came here for that. I also came here because there were a lot of really great scholarship opportunities that were presented to me that I could not have gotten through any other university.

What most excites you about your major?
I’m studying mechanical engineering, and I’m doing that because I really like the challenges that it presents. I like to solve problems and work on design of different things, and really conquer the problems that no one ever has really solved before. I feel like I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives with what I design. I can see in real time how it affects people, and how it benefits other people and that’s really cool to me.

What most surprised you about NIU?
I was surprised at how easy it was to fit into the community and make friends wherever you go. That was really beneficial and surprising to me because I came in not knowing anyone in my class or anyone here really. Instantly it was very easy to click and just mesh with other people. I have a lot of good friends that I’ve made that I hope to have for the rest of my life.

Where is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I have two. My fist would probably be over at Still Gym, in the shop, because that’s where the Supermileage Team works. The second would be by the East Lagoon because it’s such a beautiful part of campus and it’s nice to just take a walk or sit down and relax.