Onique Bryson

Onique Bryson is a health sciences, emphasis in pre-physical therapy major from Aurora, IL

Hometown: Aurora, IL

Class Of: 2023

Minor: Spanish

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 teacher. As I grew older, I decided that I wanted to be a Spanish teacher. However, I am now studying to attend physical therapy school to become a physical therapist.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is health sciences with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy and my minor is Spanish. With everything I’ve done, what brings me the greatest joy is helping people. Physical therapy is an excellent way for me to network and meet new people while helping them to feel better. My love for Spanish has also grown a lot. Therefore, I decided that it’s best to continue studying it. I can also communicate in more than one language!

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something that surprises me is that I’m still surviving despite any challenges faced with classes! It will all get better in the end, no matter what. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
To connect with people, it is easier to find people in your classes since you’ll probably have similar goals. Trying to do stuff outside of the classroom setting is also beneficial to meet new people.

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 a member of the PT club before COVID, and I did study abroad during summer 2022! It helped me so much in developing as an individual, meeting people from different backgrounds and learning how to navigate in new cultures.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The University Honors Program has helped me to challenge myself by being more involved and taking on harder courses. This helped me to meet new people who are always trying to be a better version of themselves.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I really like the workshops provided, such as the Barsema Leadership Bootcamp and the CODE workshop. These two programs gave me the chance to stand out, to be more effective as a leader and to be respectful while being diverse.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I love that the honors advisors are so helpful. They really want us to succeed, and I see that often by their actions. I also love that they have many activities during each semester.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors is Professor Stephen Vilaseca. He taught me Spanish while in Spain and also here at NIU. He is a very humble individual who always helped me to push myself and learn more about Spanish.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By attending class regularly, I didn’t miss anything. I got to take notes in a way that I like, and I also got to ask for direct help from my professors. It has also helped me to study better.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot is the Holmes Student Center. I love to find a quiet spot to study and eat. I also like that there a number of food spots available in this building.

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
I would say just go for it. College may provide you with many opportunities that you didn’t see yourself getting! It will also shape you as a young adult and teach resiliency. 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
I’ve had to adjust to different learning styles because everyone teaches differently. So, the structure that I was used to was a bit different, but in no time I caught up and got accustomed.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax my favorite thing to do is take a nap. If that isn’t an option, I like to call my family or my friends and talk. Sometimes, I will also try to read a book, watch my favorite thing on TV or try something new.