Jocelyn Quiñones Solis

Jocelyn Quiñones Solis has much in common with the students she helps choose NIU for their higher education. Transfer student—check. First-generation—check. Received financial aid—check. And, she’s an NIU graduate—big check.

A native of Plainfield, Ill., Jocelyn earned a B.A. in psychology with a minor in cognitive studies after transferring from Joliet (Ill.) Junior College. She worked in the mental health and medical fields before returning to campus and joining the admissions team. She says she’s not surprised she landed back in DeKalb as an admissions counselor.

"As a graduate, NIU has always been a place where I wanted to work and contribute," she says. "One of the best parts of my job is helping teach students that access to an affordable quality education is possible."

Financial aid was an important part of Jocelyn’s access to an NIU education and she encourages students to explore all their options to help them afford an investment in college. She received a transfer merit scholarship and full MAP and Pell Grants due to her financial need.

Jocelyn also encourages her students to look outside the classroom for opportunities in addition to the high-quality experiences they receive inside the classroom.

"My favorite part of NIU is both the internship opportunities and classes that provide experiential learning," she says. "The use of real-world applications helps you understand the material and create solid connections."

And she echoes others who encourage students to ask questions during both their college search and once they arrive on campus.

"The college experience can be daunting, especially for first-generation students," she says. "Asking questions will help you understand college life and make the time and degree progress go more smoothly."