Brigid Findley

What year did you start working at NIU?
2017

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now? 
Sycamore, Illinois

In what department do you work?
School of Music, College of Visual and Performing Arts

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?
Illinois Wesleyan University ('17), B.A. in business administration, minor in French and Francophone studies. Northern Illinois University, graduate certificate in public management ('19); Master of Public Administration, nonprofit management.

If you attended college, were you a first-generation student? If so, what advice would you offer to current first generation students?
Whether you're a first-generation student or you've had many members of your family attend college, ask questions! Asking questions is one of the greatest tools and strengths you can develop. It might be daunting at first because you may not want to be seen as not knowing something "obvious," but you know things others don't and vice versa. As the saying goes, "You don't know what you don't know," and that applies to everyone throughout life. So, keep asking questions.

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
As an advisor, I don't have a typical day. The only consistent part is working with students, which is great! It could be meeting with students in advising appointments; being available to answer questions as students walk by in the hall; collaborating with colleagues on a new project or ways to improve effectiveness and efficiency in our department; attending department, college or university meetings; and more. It's always a problem-solving adventure.

What do you like about working at NIU?
I love working with the students — getting to know them, see them perform and grow! I previously was the music admissions coordinator, and what's really special this year is all the students I advise, I worked with in the admissions process over the last few years. I also have fantastic coworkers. We really enjoy working together, there's lots of laugher, we'll have group lunches and I know they have my back like I have theirs. I'm lucky to be in a super supportive environment.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
Ask questions! Meet with your advisor every semester, the earlier the better. Check your email. Go to class but also go to office hours. Class is important — it's what you're paying for and where you'll learn and share ideas with your peers. Office hours are where you can ask questions, get further insight and make some great connections. I learned some really valuable things going to office hours, not only for the class but for life in general.

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
I am the academic advisor, so I'm here to help students plan their academic schedules and help in a variety of other ways, such as connecting them to campus resources and advocating for their needs on the committees I serve on. For the School of Music, come see our concerts! Better yet, join an ensemble! All ensembles are open to all students, regardless of major.

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
My colleagues are fantastic mentors to our students, both in the classroom and outside the classroom. They are creative and will take new approaches to solving problems. They also ask questions, such as “What can we do to make something better?” They're also fantastic support systems for students, in academics, professional development, campus activities and in life.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
I grew up at NIU. My dad worked here, and I attended Huskie Pup Camp when I was little, took music and dance lessons, and many years of Theatre Camp. I met some of my best friends at Theatre Camp — we were even in each other’s weddings.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
It's easy to say a huge accomplishment(s) has been any one of my degrees/certificates, especially when working full-time during my graduate certificate and master's degree. However, I'm learning to be proud of the little things, too. Whether it's learning a new hobby, working through/facing something that gives me a lot of fear or anxiety, setting better boundaries to or trying something new. I'm proud of the life I'm building for myself and with my husband. My best friend designed a quote that I've taken to heart: "Small progress is still progress.” It’s reminded me to be proud of all the little things, in addition to the big things.

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
A quote from my alma mater's 17th president, Minor Myers Jr., has been a guide for me: "Go into the world and do well, but more importantly go into the world and do good." I want to do good, help people and solve problems. If I can look in the mirror at the end of the day and know I've done good work for a good organization, that's a success.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
I think I align with all the core values but mostly with service and stewardship. It has been the center of my academic and professional life.

Have you contributed to any NIU Foundation fundraising campaigns such as the Day of Giving or Huskies United? If yes, why did you decided to support NIU?
Yes. When possible, I try to give to fundraising campaigns to help our students. There's a lot of great things happening in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the School of Music, and every dollar counts.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
As a kid, I wanted to be an artist, a teacher or an actor. Then it evolved, focusing on nonprofit director/CEO. However, it's still evolving. I love being an advisor, but I don't know what I want to do when I grow up. I hope whatever it is I do, I keep learning and helping people.

Are you participating in or have you participated in any NIU shared governance or professional development groups? If so, how has your participation enhanced your experience as an employee?
I'm on different committees within the School of Music and at the university. I appreciate being able to share ideas and learn from my colleagues across campus. I've built great relationships with numerous individuals, and it's a great way to understand different paradigms. It's the professional version of office hours in a way — learning more in new ways!

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love spending time with my husband, my parents and my friends. Reading a good book, lots of crafting projects, and playing video games and board games with friends are some of my favorites. Getting a massage is always great too!

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
I love to cook and bake. My husband and I love trying new recipes — of course usually for the first time when people are coming over! We've been pretty successful, thankfully! I love to crochet, craft with my Cricut machine, paint with acrylics and watercolor, and various other crafts. I enjoy reading and am looking forward to traveling some more this year!