Ryanne Anderson

Ryanne Anderson is a transfer communicative disorders major from Crystal Lake, IL

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

Class of: Spring 2024

Transfer from: University of Texas

What high school did you attend?
Online (I was dancing ballet professionally at the time.)

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
For family and closer connections.

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received transfer scholarships and federal grants. I pay for school out of pocket, so it helped me substantially. It eased a lot of my stress and kept me motivated to keep working hard.

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 wanted to be a professional ballerina, and I was one. I completed that goal and wanted to go back to school because I missed learning. I was a special education major but learned about speech pathology and loved it.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a communicative disorders major. I love the field and the various opportunities within it. Sometimes I feel stuck in conversation or find myself unable to communicate due to anxiety, so I want to help others overcome communication difficulties of their own.

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.
I’m working on research with Dr. Jamie Mayer that focuses on increasing the attention and intentional communication of dementia patients. It appeals to me because I have a deep interest in the brain and how it functions and how loss of that function can affect the individual. The dementia patients are always very fun to work with, but it can weigh on you emotionally. Overall, it is worth it.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
I feel more well-rounded as a candidate for grad school. It has pushed me to work beyond my classes and apply the knowledge I’m learning.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
I plan to continue being involved in research. I have a goal of publishing my own one day, so this experience is preparing me for that.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Mayer and the individuals I work with at Oak Crest and Lincolnshire. They all have given me more than beneficial opportunities. Dr. Mayer has helped walk me through the steps of getting IRB approval and applying for research grants, so I know what that looks like in the future. The residents at the retirement facilities and nursing homes have given me nothing but love and excitement for what I’m doing. It keeps me motivated.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Get involved! It’s fun, but it also provides learning opportunities and connections.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
How connected everyone is. If you allow it to, it can really feel like family.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Getting involved in organizations and the University Honors Program has really helped me. You see the same people and can meet people with similar interests.

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?
Yes! I am the research assistant for Music and Memory. I’m also a transfer-to-transfer mentor and the president of the Intercultural Student Organization. They have helped me build connections and friendships.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
I have not reached out to many. Asking my professors has been beneficial when I’ve needed help.

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
The Transfer to Transfer program! It helped me connect with others who understood the specific difficulties of being a transfer student.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
Honors courses have helped me connect with my professors and find research opportunities.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The honors major-specific courses.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I can’t choose one, but if I had to it would be Dr. Mayer. I think she taught neuroscience extremely well, and it was material I have a lot of interest in.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I don’t miss material. I make connections, and it keeps my grades high!

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Starbucks (obviously) or the lounge on the first floor of Wirtz Hall. I like the lounge because it’s quiet and comfortable for studying.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Find somewhere you have a community and support. Going to a number one college should not matter, but instead how the specific program can benefit you.

Why is a college education important to you?
I love learning. I want to learn as much as possible, so continuing my education just made sense.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I set timers for study times, take breaks and make sure I give myself time to rest and digest. Sometimes knowing that you just have to get through is helpful, because studying doesn’t always feel great.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow NIU pages on Instagram.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I read, watch TV, play games, go for walks and take naps.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at the DeKalb County courthouse as a deputy clerk. It has nice hours that keep my day leveled at a good 9-5.