Jessalyn Belvel

Jessalyn Belvel is an elementary education major from Geneseo, IL

Hometown: Geneseo, IL

High School: Geneseo High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2027

Minor: Family and child studies

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have received academic (merit) scholarships, as well as the A. Kerby and Helene Tink Fund, the Charlotte Schwartz College of Education Fund, a Kovacevich Scholarship and a Marian Elliott Scholarship. I was chosen for and granted these scholarships through the College of Education. Because of these scholarships, I am able to attend NIU without a financial burden, which allows me to pursue deeper opportunities in my college experience that I otherwise would not be able to afford.

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 wanted to take a path in athletics. I have always been interested in sports psychology, athletic training and physical/occupational therapy because of the impact these occupations had on me as a child, and throughout my childhood I wanted to pursue a career in helping athletes. I have since branched out of the world of athletics and into teaching.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is elementary education with an emphasis in early childhood and special education, and my minor is family and child studies. I decided to pursue education because of the impact educators had on me throughout my time in school. Growing up, I had some incredible teachers, coaches and mentors who truly made a difference in my life, and I want to model the same for my students in the future.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was surprised by the number of opportunities available at NIU to get involved and take leadership. There are so many different paths you can take and organizations to join that allow you to be a part of change on campus and find your voice in the community.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I originally was able to connect with other students through the events held on campus during Week of Welcome for freshmen. These events were so beneficial to me for getting out on campus and meeting new people. Many of the friends I made during welcome week are still people I choose to be around today. Many of my other friends I met through student organizations as well as classes.

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 currently involved with the Campus Activities Board, Sigma Lambda Sigma, the University Honors Program and Dance Marathon. These groups have allowed me to pursue interests that I otherwise would not have been able to continue, as well as given me an active role in the NIU community and surrounding DeKalb area. I have also been able to travel out of state to national conferences for the National Association of Campus Activities. I am also currently in the process of creating the Women's Wrestling Club as a new student organization here on campus. My experience so far with starting a new organization has taught me leadership skills and given me the chance to advocate for populations on campus that deserve more opportunities. These organizations have also brought me some of my best friends and given me access to leaders and mentors who can help me go further with my goals.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The honors program staff have been a huge help to me since my first day here at NIU. They are always available to support my goals and have created a community for students. The Disability Resource Center has always been available and helpful for any accommodations and support needed with academics, and my academic advisor, Kimberly Green, made my major change seamless and is a wonderful person to go to for any support I may need. I have also found security in the community advisors in my residence hall.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The honors program staff has been the largest help to me on campus throughout my time at NIU. Registering for classes early is a huge plus for honors students, as well as access to the honors computer lounge and printing. I have attended multiple honors events that have pushed me academically and socially. My favorite of these experiences was the Barsema Bootcamp, where Dennis Barsema came to NIU over the course of three weeks to speak to a group of honors students about goal setting, self-fulfillment and future career goals. These sessions were empowering and helpful in recognizing what to embrace about myself and what needs to be done to reach my goals.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I love the community that has been created through the honors program. I see many people I recognize from honors events in my classes and throughout campus, and this brings a sense of community to such a large campus.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite course I have taken so far is one that I am currently enrolled in, Teaching With a Multicultural Perspective (LTIC 301). The professors for this class are Dr. James Cohen and Dr. Dwi, and I truly enjoy the way these instructors allow the students to lead conversations and explore questions on their own before coming into the discussion with the "right answer." Another of my favorite courses has been Disability in Film (SESE 320) with Dr. Natalie Andzik. I have learned about many perspectives society has on different disabilities and how my understanding of these perspectives can shape how my future classroom functions and how supported my students feel.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly allows me to create a routine that allows time for my classes, studying and activities. I am able to create a better relationship with my professors by attending class and communicating effectively with them. I also benefit from the content shared in class, and it is noticeable that I perform better overall in a class when I am attending regularly.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love getting coffee and studying at Cast Iron Coffee. I love the cozy feel of it and some of my best friends work there, too! It is also a great place to meet friends and play some games or just hang out.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would say to not be afraid of taking the chance on a bigger school! Large schools provide so many opportunities that are not possible in other locations and can connect you with tons of ways to enhance your time in college as well as your future career. I would also advise students to take the chance of trying something totally new in college, like a new club, recreational sport or class. You truly never know where that opportunity may take you.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education builds upon and enhances a person’s interests and abilities in a way that can make their future more reliable and comfortable. It is important to me to take the opportunities I have been given and give my best effort to continually better myself for the future.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
My favorite way to keep organized in my schedule is having multiple planners. I have one that is monthly, one that is weekly and one that is daily by hour. These planners allow me to schedule my day out in the morning, and I like to plan specific time for resting, calling my friends and family, studying, and eating among my classes and organizations. This keeps me from being overly stressed about what I should do at what time and ensures I have time in my day for everything I need.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow most of the NIU Instagram pages, and there are often posts about events there. I also like to read the weekly/monthly newsletters sent out by the College of Education and student organizations. This allows me to stay up to date with what events are happening on campus. My favorite way to explore services at NIU is the Involvement Fair. So many services are advertised and here to help on campus, and the fair is a great way to see it all in one place!

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to call my friends and family between classes or during study breaks. I also like to run and go to the gym to relieve stress.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I love all athletics, but especially weightlifting, wrestling and running. At home, I work at an elementary school, a summer camp and a restaurant. Here at NIU I do not currently have a job.