Jorie O’Brien

What year did you start at NIU? 2018.

Where is your hometown? and where do you live now?
My hometown is Calumet City, Illinois. I currently live in Peru, Illinois.

Where did you attend school? What degree(s) did you earn?

• South Suburban College, South Holland, Illinois - associate degree in science, 2002
• Calumet College of St. Joseph, Whiting, Indiana - bachelor's degree in education, 2005
• Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois - master's degree in higher education and student affairs, 2021

Describe your typical day—what do you do while at work?
My typical day consists of answering email related to processing military educational benefits for military-connected students at NIU. I also make sure that we are in compliance with the state and federal regulations related to processing those benefits. I also help students who walk into our department and need assistance with requesting benefits, understanding what the benefits cover and any other general university questions they might have.

What do you like about working at NIU?
I love the feel of the university when students are on campus. The energy you get by just taking a walk around campus can lift you up. I also enjoy working with our military-connected population. As a child of a Vietnam veteran, I appreciate everything veterans and their families have sacrificed so we can keep our freedom.

What advice would you give to students currently attending NIU?
The advice I would give is to get involved and use the resources NIU has to offer. From student organizations to intramural teams to fraternity and sorority life, join an organization where you can make friendships that could last a lifetime. Use the writing center and the library, Career Services and counseling services. So many resources at a student’s disposal!

What is important for students to know about the office/department that you work in? What student services does your office provide?
Our office, Military and Veteran Services, assists students with requesting federal and state military educational benefits. We make sure the benefits are applied to their student account and the federal educational benefit is processed with the Department of Veterans Affairs. We also have a lounge space where military-connected students can study, watch TV or even hold a study group for a class or project.

In what ways do you see your colleagues help student success?
I have colleagues in many different departments across campus. Financial aid colleagues help students understand their awards and what funding will pay for what part of their bill. Housing colleagues help students get prepared to move into their dorm. The Disability Resource Center helps students with test taking, note taking and homework assignments. These are just a few examples of how anyone across campus can make a difference in the lives of our students. All of our campus partners help students just by saying, “hi” or “good luck,” or even to enjoy a break from school.

What is your favorite memory of NIU?
I have two favorite memories. First, I can remember stepping onto campus for my in-person interview when I was first hired in March 2018. The feeling of belonging and wanting to be here was indescribable. I knew I wanted to work here and help the students of this campus community. The second was when I graduated in 2021 with my master's degree. My family was in the stands of the stadium, and I could hear them cheer when my name was called. That gave me the sense of pride my family had in me and I had in myself.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
I am most proud of our children. I was a single mother for 14 years, and being able to raise my daughter and see her turn into a fantastic teacher herself makes my heart smile. My husband has four children, and I could not love them anymore if they were my own. Being part of their lives and watching them grow has been the other joy of my life. The accomplishment of raising a blended family is so amazing to me.

What fulfills you personally and professionally?
As you can see, my family fulfills me personally. Professionally and personally, I am working on fulfilling a dream I had long ago. I am currently going to school to complete my doctorate in higher education and student affairs with a focus on higher education administration. Earning that degree will be the hardest and most rewarding accomplishment for me.

Which of NIU’s core values align with your own?
Curiosity and creativity: For me, asking the questions no one else may ask fills a void that needs to be answered. As seen in my hobbies and interests, I am a very creative person by nature. Tying those two together can broaden a student's mind and challenge them in new ways.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher. I did succeed in that dream and taught for eight years. As our children have grown, so has the age of the students I work with. I may not be in the classroom teaching but being around students and seeing them succeed gives me the same joy.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To recharge I love to be with my family and watch our kids play sports. I love to go to as many events as time and scheduling will allow. I also take painting classes through my local community college, Illinois Valley Community College. I take about four classes a semester. I bring my paintings to school and hang them in my office. My other way to recharge is to crochet.

Do you have any hobbies or interesting personal pursuits you're involved with in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to crochet. My grandmother taught me when I was about 8 years old, and I picked it back up about eight years ago. Each of our five children has a blanket I made. I have made countless gifts for family and friends. I enjoy it because I can create anywhere: in the car when I am a passenger, on an airplane or on a weeknight watching/listening to the TV. As mentioned above, I have also picked up the hobby of painting.