Brianna Candia

Brianna Candia is a communicative disorders major from Crystal Lake, IL

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

High School: Prairie Ridge High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2027

Minors: Spanish and Latino and Latin American studies

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher, but since then, I have changed my career goals. I am majoring in communicative disorders, and I plan to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in communicative disorders and with a minor in Spanish and a minor in Latino and Latin American studies. I decided on this course of study because I love helping people, and I want to be able to make a difference for those who have struggled with communication. I am minoring in Spanish and Latino and Latin American studies because I want to become a certified bilingual speech-language pathologist to reach a larger community.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was pleasantly surprised by how incredibly understanding and helpful the professors here are. They are always willing to help their students out, and they want us to succeed.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have made new friends from being in the same classes, by joining clubs and by going to events at NIU.

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 involved in the Communicative Disorders Student Association, and I am a part of the Campus Activities Board. These organizations have helped me to meet new people and make a positive contribution to NIU.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Math Assistance Center has helped me feel successful by helping me feel confident about taking my math exams. I appreciated having the opportunity to get all my questions answered so I didn't have to struggle in my classes.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Connect 10 events, like the Procrastination Café, have helped me get closer to my academic goals.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the events that the Honors Program holds the most because it gives students the opportunity to meet new people and de-stress from classes and homework.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors has been Professor Stephen Vilaseca for my FLSP 301 class. I learned a lot in his class that has helped me in my other classes, and I will take what I learned with me in the future. I also really appreciated his desire for us all to succeed and his passion for Spanish.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have benefited by attending class regularly because it is really helpful to have the teacher lecture to the class instead of feeling lost trying to learn everything on your own.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center because it has a lot of places to hang out, and it has Starbucks and Qdoba inside. A lot of fun events are also held there.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would tell them to look into the program they are wanting to study to help determine their best fit.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because in order to fulfill my goal of being a speech-language pathologist, I need to get my bachelor's and master's degrees. It is also important to me because it gives me more opportunities.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I think it is helpful to make sure you know what has to be done by when and try to schedule it out efficiently.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I look on Suitable, Huskie Hub and Instagram to stay informed on the events going on around campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I recharge by taking breaks from studying and doing homework by doing things I enjoy. I relax by talking with my loved ones or reading.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work as a server in an assisted living facility. I like painting, drawing, reading, playing guitar and spending time with my loved ones.