Precious Aina

Precious Aina is a nursing major from Chicago, IL

Hometown: Chicago, IL

High School: Chicago Math and Science Academy

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2025

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 merit scholarship. I am truly grateful to have been awarded this scholarship. It has substantially reduced the financial load of my schooling, allowing me to concentrate more on my academics. I am incredibly appreciative of this support.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a medical doctor because I was inspired by the idea of saving lives and helping others, not to mention how cool they looked in their white coats. However, my path has shifted to nursing. While I’m not pursuing a medical degree, nursing still allows me to make a significant impact. Nurses work closely with doctors, and they too play a crucial role in saving lives. So, while my journey has changed, it’s not a big departure from my original goal.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is nursing, and I chose it because nurses are more hands-on when it comes to patient care. Additionally, nursing offers a wide range of career paths due to its diversity, allowing me to explore various opportunities within the field.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
For my honors capstone, I am conducting research on early interventions for sepsis. Sepsis is a severe infection, but there are steps we can take to prevent it from becoming life-threatening. This topic interests me because one of my professors shared a story about how a nurse identified a patient with sepsis based on certain signs. Other nurses dismissed the symptoms, as they seemed vague. However, the nurse, knowing the signs of sepsis, stood his ground and was able to save the patient. This story inspires me to be a nurse who is not only knowledgeable, but also attentive to every detail of my patient's condition and advocates for their well-being

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
I've learned a lot by conducting research since it uses reliable sources with strong supporting data. It has also improved my education, particularly because the health care industry is always changing.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
My research will help me provide better care to patients by enhancing my knowledge and ensuring I can apply the most appropriate and effective practices.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
My effectiveness in doing research has been greatly influenced by my teachers at the NIU School of Nursing, particularly Jennifer Sharp and Eleanor Evins. They instructed classes in which I was required to do research papers. Following their guidance, I saw a significant improvement in both my writing and my knowledge of APA style. With their assistance, I have undoubtedly improved my research skills.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Research is highly encouraged at NIU, and students are encouraged to form the habit of conducting research. In every area, research is essential, and NIU offers a wealth of tools and opportunities to support students in integrating it into their academic careers.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The strong sense of community at NIU is one aspect of my experience that has pleasantly surprised me. I’ve been encouraged and welcomed to participate in various activities, whether through student clubs or the support provided by staff and faculty. Additionally, the resources available to students are excellent, and the inclusiveness on campus is truly great.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I’ve connected with other students to study for classes and meet new people, mainly because we are taking the same courses and because I’m involved in certain organizations. These connections have allowed us to collaborate on assignments, share study tips and support each other throughout our academic journeys

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 am actively involved in the Northern Prairie Alliance (NPA), currently serving on the executive board as the community outreach chair. I’m also a member of the Student Nurses Organization and the African Student Association. These organizations have helped me step out of my shell and become part of a supportive community. I’m grateful for the opportunities they’ve provided to connect with others and grow both personally and professionally.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Writing Center has been an invaluable resource that has helped me countless times, along with the student success program and tutoring sessions offered for courses at the School of Nursing. These resources have provided me with the support I need to improve my writing and deepen my understanding of course material.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The University Honors Program offers opportunities to earn Honors Engaged points. One of these opportunities is called Connect 10. To earn points for this, I attended the Procrastination Cafe held at the student center a few times, which helped me stay on track with my assignments. I also participated in the Wellness Wednesday programs every week, which focused on mindfulness and self-care for students. These activities allowed me to take an active role in both my studies and my overall well-being.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I truly appreciate the benefits we receive, such as early registration for classes and the initiatives that unite students and create a strong feeling of community. These opportunities foster relationships and enhance the quality of the college experience.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite professor is Dr. Cristan Sabio, who taught medical-surgical nursing (NURS 318). Dr. Sabio has a unique teaching style where he incorporates his personal experiences as a nurse into the content we learn in class. These stories make the material easier to understand and remember. I often find myself recalling those stories during exams, as they help me vividly remember the content. Dr. Sabio is also very engaged in our learning; he even joins tutoring sessions to review material and help us prepare for upcoming exams.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly helps me stay up to date with the course material, making it easier to absorb and retain information for exams and studying. Additionally, many professors include attendance as part of our grade, which further motivates me to be present.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is Founders Memorial Library, especially the study rooms. I am drawn to it because it's a place you can gather for study groups, and it's very quiet.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would suggest looking at what the school has to offer and whether it aligns with your interests. It's also important to consider finances, as well as if the college shows a great sense of community.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because my parents never had the opportunity to earn a university degree. I’ve always had the goal of pursuing higher education and getting to the heights that my parents couldn't. I also have a deep love for learning, and a college education allows me to continue expanding my knowledge.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Honestly, I’m still working on finding the strategy that works best for me, but I’ve found that making a to-do list and checking off tasks as I complete them helps me stay organized and on track.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about events and services on campus through Huskie Hub and by occasionally checking the posters on the walls of buildings like the Recreation Center, the student center and the nursing building.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I relax by watching a comfort movie, taking a walk outside while listening to music, or talking to my family and friends. These activities help me unwind and clear my mind.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am currently working at the NIU Recreation Center, and it’s been an amazing experience. Every day, I have the opportunity to meet and interact with different people. One of my favorite hobbies is cooking. I enjoy cooking for my friends and family, and I love trying new recipes!