Kaitlin Bauer

Kaitlin Bauer is a nonprofit and NGO studies major from Orland Park, IL

Hometown: Orland Park, IL

High School: Carl Sandburg High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the Marquette Bank Education Foundation Scholarship, Orland Park Rotary Scholarship, an NIU merit scholarship, and the Ari and Ruth Kovacevich Scholarship. Without the help of these scholarships, I would not have gotten the chance to come to NIU or continue my studies here. I am forever grateful for these scholarships in allowing me to study at NIU.

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 have always known since I was little that I wanted to work in a field where I could make a difference. In middle school and high school, I became very involved in community service, which made me realize I wanted to work for a nonprofit. When I found out about the nonprofit and NGO studies program at NIU, I knew it would be the perfect fit for me. I also discovered a love for political science at NIU when I was taking my general education requirements. I never had much interest in politics when I was younger, but international relations classes drew me into the field.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is nonprofit and NGO studies (NNGO). I have also decided to declare a double major in political science this spring. I chose to study nonprofit and NGO studies because I have always wanted to work for a nonprofit after graduating from college. As for political science, after taking a couple of international relations courses, I grew a deeper interest in politics and wanted to learn more.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
When I first came to NIU, I was not sure what I wanted to study outside of my major. I had originally planned to do a minor, but I was not sure what I wanted to minor in. What has come as a surprise to me is my plan to double major in political science and pursue a certificate in grant writing. Before coming to NIU, I never envisioned myself considering a double major or having the chance to do so. I also never knew I could pursue grant writing as a future career.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with other students and formed new friendships by getting involved with campus events. During my freshman year, I met most of my current friends at on-campus events, such as the WOW events. Attending events connected to your major can also help you meet people. Every semester, I attend the nonprofit and NGO studies networking event, which has helped me connect with nonprofit leaders in the community and other NNGO students.

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?
Outside of class, I am on the executive board of Circle K International (CKI), a community service student organization. I am the social media manager for CKI, and in the process I have learned a lot about activity and club promotion. Our goal is to get more students on campus involved in community service, and I have found the use of social media to be successful in gaining students’ attention. This is also my second year of being an NNGO ambassador. From this position, I have learned, and am continuing to learn, different ways I can be a representative for my major. I have also just started as the secretary for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Committee. In this position, I am currently learning about how I can advocate for students and how a university operates.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Honors Program here at NIU has helped me feel safe, supported and successful. The Honors Program offers many different honors-engaged experiences that I have found to be helpful learning experiences. These experiences have led me to feel more confident and successful within my field because of the learning tools they have provided me. The Honors Fellows have also been a great support system for me by helping me navigate college life and courses.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
Last fall semester, I participated in the professional development boot camp. This program helped me develop my resume, learn interview skills and connect with possible job opportunities for after college. I had two goals going into this program: to learn more about different nonprofits I could work for and to practice interviewing for job positions. My favorite part of this program was when we were able to take everything we had learned and practice talking to different employers at a career fair. After completing this program, I feel more confident when applying and interviewing for jobs.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The community is what I enjoy the most about the program. I have met so many wonderful students and staff during my time in the Honors Program, and everyone is very welcoming and supportive. No matter what you need help with, there is always someone at the Honors Program who can assist you.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I don’t have just one favorite professor here at NIU. I have had amazing professors in all different disciplines, which makes it too difficult to choose. I have especially enjoyed my professors within political science and nonprofit and NGO studies. I have taken classes in the past with many of the professors I have this semester for courses within my major.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has increased my ability to do well in all of my courses. Doing homework and reading required material is one piece of the puzzle, and attending class helps you to achieve the full picture. There is so much important discussion that takes place in class that you would miss if you decided to skip class. Class is also a great space to ask questions about the material.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the lounge in the honors office. I am drawn to this area because it is a quiet and comfortable space to get homework done.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
My advice to prospective college students is to choose the college you want to go to, not the one others want you to go to. Deciding which college you want to go to is a big decision, and it’s one only you can make. Choosing to come to NIU was one of the best decisions I made because I knew it would be the perfect fit for me, and it was my choice.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it has given me the opportunity to widen my knowledge about my field of study and the tools to be successful in my future career.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Setting up a calendar in order to set aside time for activities outside of school is a time-management strategy that works for me. Being able to see everything in one place helps me visualize what I need to do each week and what days are the best for activities outside of class. It can be easy to get lost in the assignments I need to complete and neglect my free time. Therefore, knowing when I have free time to spend with friends or family has been helpful.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed on events and services on campus either through the weekly announcements email or the Suitable app’s event calendar.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like spending time with friends and listening to music to recharge.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
On the weekends, I work for a concert venue on the VIP team. Outside of work, I like to bake and volunteer.