Traci Carlson

Traci Carlson is an online general studies major from Rockford, IL

Hometown: Rockford, IL

High School: Cordova High School, California

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2026

Minors: Rehabilitation counseling and psychology

Transfer from: Rock Valley College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I chose to attend NIU for its academic excellence, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and commitment to student success.

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the NIU Transfer Merit Scholarship and the Transfer Achievement Scholar Scholarship. As a one-income family, this financial support has provided me with the opportunity to fully focus on pursuing my degree.

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 study mathematics in order to teach disadvantaged and at-risk high school students. However, life happened, and I had to put my education on hold and take another path.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) major with a minor in rehabilitation counseling and a minor in psychology. My professional goal is to work in college disability support services, with my passion being neurodivergence and mental health disabilities.

What has your experience as an online student at NIU been like?
My experience as an online student has far exceeded my expectations! The Office of Online Learning has been so welcoming and helpful. They have been there for me every step of the way with advice, online meetings, social media posts and check-ins, and always with friendly support and a smile.

What has benefited you most as an online student?
NIU's online B.G.S. program has allowed me to pursue my bachelor’s degree in a truly supportive atmosphere. Every professor has been encouraging, reassuring and ready to help in any way they can. Being an online student doesn't mean being in the shadows; it means being able to schedule classes around my other commitments while giving me the freedom to learn on my time, even if that is 11 at night.

What is your number one tip for students thinking about online education?
Plan, plan, plan! Staying organized by using a daily planner is a tremendous help, not only for staying on top of assignments, but also for scheduling time for your other commitments and much-needed mental health breaks. You can do this!

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I am amazed at the community I feel at NIU as an online student. The commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion is felt at every turn. Everyone—professors, staff and students—makes me feel like I belong here. I didn't expect to be involved in student organizations and on-campus events, but because I feel valued as part of the Huskie family, it has become an important part of my NIU experience.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have made connections through student organizations, social media and class discussion boards. The Huskie Hub has so many student organizations and clubs that are fun and welcoming. Also, the Holmes Student Center and Huskie Den are great places to hang out and grab a bite to eat with friends!

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?
Yes! I am honored to be an undergraduate representative for the Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association (RCSA) and a member of the Online Student Advisory Committee (OSAC). RCSA promotes rehabilitation counseling awareness through meetings, advocacy, and social and educational events, and strives to increase outreach to the NIU campus and surrounding community. OSAC is part of NIU's Office of Online Learning and provides feedback, recommendations and insights to enhance the quality, accessibility and overall student experience of online education at NIU. Both of these organizations have significantly enhanced my Huskie experience by providing meaningful and inclusive connections to NIU, its leaders and other students.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Advising has always made me feel valued and supported. From transferring to everyday questions and assistance, Marilyn Lorch, my B.G.S. advisor, has been instrumental in making me feel welcomed and supported. She has always gone out of her way to help me with everything I need, both in person and online. Another service I have found valuable is Togetherall, the free online mental health support platform offered through NIU's Counseling and Consultation Services. It is extremely helpful to know there are online resources available 24/7 if you want to chat with someone about feelings and difficult situations or just need support. They also have self-assessments, articles, journal and goal-setting tools, and links to external mental well-being resources. It is a tremendous benefit for all students!

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
I often use the online resources from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, such as cost-estimating calculators, transfer credit guides and tools to assist with choosing majors, minors and certificates. They make it very easy to research options and plan your educational path.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors is Dr. Amanda McCarthy. She is so knowledgeable and caring, and she truly wants her students to succeed. She is also the advisor for the Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association. I am taking her Intro to Rehabilitation Services course (REHB 327) and have learned so much from her. She takes the time to break things down and even adjust her methods so we understand and connect with all the material. She has made an impact both on my learning and my belief in my abilities.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
It's extremely difficult to succeed without giving it your all. By attending class regularly, you not only stay on top of information shared in class, but you also develop relationships with your professors and other students. Class is your time to ask questions, engage in discussions and get the most out of your education. Commit to getting all you can out of it!

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
It is important to choose a college that feels like home to you. Academic programs are typically the focus for prospective students, but the community and support you will find at the right college are equally as important. If you can, tour the campus and simply hang out for a while. Talk to professors and students, sit by a pond or fountain and watch the squirrels, check out their student center and libraries. If you are searching for an online program, reach out to advisors, student organizations and online support services. Your college should feel like your people and your place, where you are valued and really seen for who you are. NIU is that college for me, and I hope it is for you, too.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education opens doors to experiences and paths you never even knew existed. It challenges you to get out of your comfort zone and find out what is most important to you. By finding your true self and defining your dreams, you will also inspire others to take that first step or giant leap into new adventures. It is an enormous achievement no one can ever take away from you.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
As an adult transfer student with a husband and daughter, I have many responsibilities outside of college. My most important strategy is to take time on the weekend to plan all my assignments around my other commitments. When you assume there will be time for everything without actually planning ahead, it is too easy for everything to go off the rails. Another strategy that helps immensely is meal planning and prep. When I take time on the weekend to plan our meals for the week and do a grocery pickup, it streamlines my weekdays and saves a lot of valuable time. Less time worrying about meals and groceries means more time for my family and my assignments.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
To stay informed about events and services I use Huskie Hub, NIU social media and the Northern Star, NIU's student-produced, independent media. I love their campus news, sports coverage and opinion editorials.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax and recharge, I love to spend time in nature, read historical fiction and watch horror and old 80s-90s movies.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Although my career has been in finance and insurance, I am presently a full-time student working toward a new career in disability support services. I have also been a head costumer for musical theater for eight years. I like to spend my free time with my family and our three cats, trying new gluten-free recipes, knitting badly and watching way too much reality TV.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
Returning to college after a long hiatus is intimidating, but the rewards are so very worth it. If you are on the fence, make the choice to take a chance. Reach for your dreams, believe in yourself and watch the magic unfold!