Kaylee Bearden

Kaylee Bearden is an elementary education major from Geneva. IL

Hometown: Geneva. IL

Year: Anticipated graduation year: 2024

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU? 
I received a Huskie Pledge Grant through my FAFSA. It helps me to not worry as much about future debt.

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've always wanted to become a teacher, and I'm proud to say that I'm studying to get my degree in elementary education.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am an elementary education major because I've always wanted to be a teacher.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU? 
The food!

How have you connected with other students at NIU? 
I've connected with other students mainly online (due to COVID).

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?I really liked taking Math 201 (Fundamentals of Elementary Math) with Brooke Randazzo. She's very personable and wants all her students to succeed.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it? 
I love my dorm room. It's comfortable and all mine.

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges? 
Go where you want; you have the rest of your life to pay off debt.

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
I've had to learn to take colder showers, LOL.