Selina Badu

Selina Badu is a transfer nursing major from Tema, Ghana

Hometown: Tema, Ghana

High School: Yaa Asantewaa Girls' High School

Class of: Fall 2025

Transfer from: Harry S Truman College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I chose NIU because of its strong nursing program, excellent clinical opportunities and supportive environment. NIU’s commitment to diversity and student success made it the right place for me to grow academically and professionally.

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 always wanted to be a nurse. Every time I saw people living healthy and happy, it sparked a deep sense of joy in me and made me want to be part of that healing process. Nursing felt like the path where compassion and purpose met, and that feeling has stayed with me. Today, I’m proud to be pursuing nursing as my major and working toward the career I dreamed about as a child.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in nursing with a minor in public health. I chose nursing because caring for people has always felt meaningful to me. I want to be present during difficult moments, provide comfort and help patients regain their health. As I grew in the program, I also developed a strong interest in how health systems, leadership decisions and public health programs shape the quality of care patients receive. That led me to pursue a minor in public health.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I completed my internship at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. I was accepted through their competitive student nurse internship program, which required an application, an interview and meeting specific academic requirements. I was also fortunate to receive guidance from my former clinical instructor, Randa Melms, now the manager of operations in the Emergency Department at Kishwaukee Hospital, whose support helped me navigate the process successfully.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My internship prepared me for my nursing career by giving me real hands-on experience in a fast-paced hospital environment. Working in the IMCU helped me strengthen my assessment skills, learn how to respond quickly to changes in a patient’s condition and become more confident with clinical tasks like medication administration, documentation and communication with the health care team. I also learned how to prioritize care, manage multiple patients safely and work effectively under pressure. The mentorship I received from the nurses helped me grow both professionally and personally, giving me a solid foundation as I move toward becoming a registered nurse.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One thing that pleasantly surprised me about my experience at NIU is how supportive the environment has been. I expected the nursing and public health program to be challenging, but I didn’t expect to feel so encouraged by my professors, clinical instructors, academic advisors and classmates. The faculty truly want students to succeed, and they take the time to guide us, answer questions and help us grow. I was also surprised by the numerous opportunities NIU offers outside the classroom, such as career events, workshops and student groups that help you build confidence and practical skills.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have been connected with other students in several helpful ways. I often work with classmates on group projects and presentations, which helps us share ideas, communicate effectively and support one another. I have also met new people through clinical rotations, class activities and campus events. Over time, these interactions have grown into real friendships. Having classmates who understand the challenges of nursing school has made my journey at NIU feel more supportive and less overwhelming.

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 was involved in the NIU mentoring program, where I assisted first-year nursing students as they transitioned into the program. I helped them understand course expectations, shared study tips and offered guidance whenever they felt overwhelmed. I am also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society of nursing, which has motivated me to maintain strong academic performance and stay engaged in the nursing community. In addition, I had the opportunity to participate in a mass-casualty training as a volunteer, which allowed me to practice emergency response skills and learn how different health care teams work together during critical situations. These experiences have added so much to my time as a Huskie by helping me build confidence, strengthen my leadership skills and feel more connected to the NIU community.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Several NIU offices and resources have helped me feel safe, supported and successful throughout my journey. The advising office has been especially helpful by guiding me through my course planning, answering questions and making sure I stay on track with my program requirements. Career Services has also supported me by helping me improve my résumé and cover letter and by preparing me for internship applications. In addition, the Writing Center has been a valuable resource whenever I need help reviewing my research papers or strengthening my academic writing.

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
I used several transfer-specific resources that helped me succeed at NIU. The admissions office made my transition smooth by helping me understand how my previous credits transferred and answering all my questions during the enrollment process. The advising team also guided me through my course planning and made sure I stayed on track with my nursing and public health requirements. In addition, support services like the Writing Center and Career Services continued to help me academically and professionally as I adjusted to NIU.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of the things I appreciate most about NIU is that every instructor I’ve passed through has made a meaningful impact on my journey. Each professor has supported me in a different way, whether by challenging me academically, encouraging me during difficult moments or helping me build confidence in my clinical skills. Because of that, it’s hard to choose just one favorite. I deeply value every instructor who taught me. Their patience, encouragement and real-world experience helped me grow into a stronger and more confident student nurse. Their dedication has shaped both my learning and the kind of nurse I hope to become.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has helped me a lot throughout my time at NIU. Being present in class allows me to fully understand the material, ask questions and hear important explanations I might miss on my own. It also helps me stay organized and keep up with assignments, quizzes and clinical expectations. Regular attendance gives me the chance to engage with my instructors, participate in discussions and learn from my classmates’ experiences.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the NIU library. I’m drawn to it because it is a large, comfortable space where I can focus without distractions. The quiet environment helps me concentrate on my assignments, and the reliable Wi-Fi makes it easy to study, research and complete my work. It’s a place where I feel productive, calm and motivated, so I often go there when I need to get things done or simply enjoy a peaceful study atmosphere.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
The advice I would give to a student researching colleges is to look beyond just the name of the school and focus on the environment they will actually learn and grow in. It’s important to explore the academic programs, meet with advisors, ask questions and make sure the school offers the support you need to succeed. I would also recommend visiting the campus if possible so you can get a real feel for the community. Most importantly, choose a college where you feel welcomed, supported and able to reach your goals, not just a place that looks good on paper.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it gives me the knowledge, skills and confidence I need to build the future I aspire to. It opens doors to better career opportunities and prepares me to make a real impact in health care. Education has always been a path to growth for me. It helps me expand my thinking, become more independent and make a greater impact in people’s lives. Earning my degree also means a lot to my family, who have supported me and want to see me succeed.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
To manage my time between school, family and other responsibilities, I use a few simple strategies that keep me organized. I plan my week ahead using a planner, which helps me keep track of assignment deadlines, clinical days and personal commitments. I also set priorities each day, so I know what needs my attention first. When my schedule gets busy, I break tasks into smaller steps, so I don’t feel overwhelmed. I try to keep a healthy balance by setting aside time for family and rest, even if it’s just a short break.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about campus events and services by checking my NIU email regularly, since most updates and announcements come through there. I also use the NIU website and Huskie Hub to see what activities, workshops and resources are available. In addition, I pay attention to flyers, bulletin boards and information shared in my classes. These sources help me stay up to date on opportunities that can support my academic and personal growth.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax and recharge, I enjoy taking quiet moments for myself, whether it’s doing light stretching, practicing deep breathing or listening to calming music. I also like going for walks, which helps clear my mind and reduce stress. Spending time with my family and doing simple activities at home also helps me feel grounded and refreshed. These small routines keep me balanced and help me stay focused during busy weeks.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am a full-time student, so much of my time is dedicated to my classes, clinicals and academic responsibilities. Outside of school, I have several hobbies that keep me balanced and bring joy into my routine. I love reading and often use it as a way to relax and learn new things. Singing is something I enjoy as well; it helps me unwind and express myself. I also love cooking and experimenting with new recipes, especially when I want to be creative in the kitchen. Dancing is another favorite hobby because it keeps me active and boosts my energy.