Andrea Carranza

Andrea Carranza is a mathematical sciences. world languages and cultures double major from Wauconda, IL

Hometown: Wauconda, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

Major: Mathematics and world languages and cultures

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 wanted to be a business major for as long as I could remember, but my senior year of high school I decided to be a math teacher.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a double major in mathematical sciences (emphasis in mathematics education) and world languages and cultures (emphasis in Spanish and Hispanic studies). I decided on this course of study because I enjoy mathematics and working with kids and being bilingual is a strong skill in education.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have enjoyed that NIU puts together multiple activities throughout the school year.

How did the CHANCE Program help with your transition into NIU?
The CHANCE Program helped me assimilate to college by breaking down every aspect. It has shown me all the tools and resources NIU has to offer.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with other students through the University Honors Program. I have attended activities that NIU has put together that facilitate the process of making friends.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The advising support the Honors Program offers has helped me schedule my classes for my upcoming semesters.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I enjoy the most about the Honors Program is the community of people it has allowed me to meet.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Teresa Wasonga, who taught EPFE 201: Education as an Agent for Change, has been one of my favorite professors. Not only was she very knowledgeable about the material in class, she had a lot of examples and other materials that pertained to the class. She was very inspirational in the way she taught, and her class reassured me that I wanted to become an educator.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the material in the class. It has also facilitated communication with my professors.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the central quad because you can sit down and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The central quad has a few fountains running and depending on where you sit, you can see the East Lagoon. The buildings in the area are unique compared to the other buildings on campus, and if you look up you can see the observatory.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would tell a student who is researching colleges to look at all the opportunities and resources the college has to offer. I would also advise them to take a campus tour and see what the environment looks like. Lastly, I would say to look at which college has the most to offer without being a financial burden.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because I am first-generation student. My parents are immigrants in this country, and I have witnessed them overwork themselves to provide for my family. The least I could do to repay them is to show them that all their sacrifices have been worth something.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I have multiple strategies that help me manage my time. The main thing I do is make a spreadsheet for each semester with every assignment and its due date. Next, I put all my daily activities in an online calendar to see when I have free time. Lastly, I have a daily planner where I write down my assignments as soon as the professor assigns them. Using all these tools, I have been able to allot time for other activities in my personal life. I also make it a goal to get all my work done before the weekend, so I can allow myself to relax.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about the events and services available on campus by reading the weekly announcement email that lists everything happening that week. The honors program also has a weekly newsletter with all the honors events going on. Lastly, I follow multiple social media accounts that pertain to NIU.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
In all honesty, when I want to relax, I tend to watch culinary shows while sitting around and doing nothing. When the weather is nice, I like to go out and enjoy nature.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
My favorite hobby is hiking. There are a lot of walking paths nearby that offer very nice scenery. I also weight lift every morning at the Recreation Center to get my day started. I also enjoy cooking and baking and often like to try new recipes.