Adam Abdur-Rahman

Adam Abdur-Rahman is a transfer English and communication studies double major from Grayslake, IL

Hometown: Grayslake, IL

High School: Islamic Foundation School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2027

Transfer from: College of Lake County

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I wanted to follow my partner and receive a great education with scholarship opportunities.

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the NIU transfer merit scholarship, which was a massive deciding factor in my coming here. I appreciate an institution willing to support its students.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I'd always yearned to be an author, politician or comic writer, and in some ways I continue to pursue each of these via my majors and intended enrollment in the MPA program here.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My majors are English and communication studies, and my minor is business analytics. I wanted an education that would help me be well-rounded and prepared for the professional world. In my opinion, NIU has done this better than any institution I've ever been to.

Have you conducted an internship? 
Yes, I'm currently interning with the Department of Public Administration.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
It's taught me a lot about professionalism in an environment where I am the youngest and least academically and professionally experienced of the folks in the office. It's been both rewarding and humbling, yet encouraging.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Just the sheer number of opportunities for student involvement on campus.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I attended several orientation week events for transfer students and made several of my first friends at NIU there.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
I'm a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, Writing Club and Campus Activities Board (CAB). I also intern with the public administration department.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I haven't utilized too many services yet, but I would say even my awareness of our Black spaces has helped me feel supported.

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
The transfer events really helped me feel included and involved on campus immediately.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I haven't yet had the opportunity to truly dive into all of the support offered; however, I do know we have a very involved community I can turn to when necessary.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The ability to challenge myself academically and earn distinction for it.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I literally haven't had one bad professor, but if I had to pick a favorite, I'd be stuck between Professor Gulsat Aygen, who taught me grammar, and Professor Nicole Clifton for her awesome Arthurian literature class.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
You actually benefit from the materials rather than just sending in assignments and getting nothing but a grade out of it. I get to engage in class discussion and grow my perspective on a lot of things.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I tend to stick pretty consistently to Reavis Hall. It’s where the lion’s share of my classes take place, and I genuinely enjoy its laid-back energy.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Keep an open mind; you may find the greatest community ever where you least expect it.

Why is a college education important to you?
Statistically, the degree is a massive determining factor in the sort of life you'll be able to live. For me personally, it's something I've always intended to attain and exists as a standard to achieve.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Realistically, I just get work done when it arises, and it prevents me from getting overwhelmed. Understand your limits but also don't underestimate yourself when it comes to what you can handle.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Social media and Huskie Hub, mostly.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
For me, spending time with my girlfriend and our cats, reading some fantasy or sci-fi, or gaming are usually the ways I take the edge off.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I'm an avid reader and writer with hopes of being published in the next year or so, if time allows. Currently, I'm only working in my internship; however, the vast majority of my work experience has been in the field of social media management.