Francisco Cervantes

Francisco Cervantes is a mathematical sciences, secondary education licensure major from North Riverside, IL

Hometown: North Riverside, IL

High School: Riverside-Brookfield High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2028

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 high school math teacher. I am currently pursuing that as my major.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is mathematics with secondary education licensure. I decided on this major because I always had a passion for math. In addition, I liked helping other people with their math work. So, I figured out what age group worked best for me, which was high school students, and decided to major in math with secondary education licensure.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I would say how helpful the professors are. If you are having issues with any work, you can always go to the professor and ask for help. They are more than willing to help you if you reach out to them.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have formed some new friendships through clubs, classes and extracurricular events. I joined the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club last semester and made some friends in that club by sharing common interests. Within my own classes, I just talk to the people around me and discuss how things in the class are going or other classes. The conversations mostly consist of school-related things. As for extracurricular events, sometimes I go to events like Loteria Night or something of that nature and just start talking to 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 am part of the University Honors Program. The honors program is great for me because it surrounds me with like-minded people who have similar goals. They prioritize their education, and it pushes me to do the same. In addition, it provides a community of people who you can always talk to. I am also part of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club. This has added to my experience by allowing me to find something that I have great interest in. It also keeps me competitive and fit.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The honors program, because they are always welcoming me to come in and stop by for any reason. I can always go to them and talk about pretty much anything.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The opportunity to live in the Honors House has made me closer to my academic goals by putting me in a space with people who take their education seriously. This makes me take my own education seriously and want to be a great student with great grades.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy that they always have something going on and it’s always something different. There are different events throughout the week that just let me enjoy the college experience, apart from the academic aspect.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I would say my calculus instructor, Markjoe Uba, because he was pretty funny, but he also taught the material really well, in addition to being really understanding.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
The benefits from attending class regularly are really just that you don't miss anything. You get to learn firsthand, don't miss anything important and aren't left behind within the material.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?

My favorite spot is probably the library. I am drawn to it because I always get my work done there and don't procrastinate. It's also just peaceful for me. It's usually quiet and I like the environment of it.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
The advice that I would give is to visit each campus. I say this because you can only really see yourself going to that college if you see it in person. Can you envision yourself being a student there and really benefiting from going there?

Why is a college education important to you?
It's important for me because it is only a steppingstone to a bigger goal of mine. That steppingstone is an important one, because without it, I can't get to my goal.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I use a whiteboard calendar that I hung on my door. I put everything important there, so that way I always see it when I'm leaving. It allows me to remember everything.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I use Instagram mostly. Many times, I learn about events and services through posts from certain accounts. Instagram is also the app I use most, so it only made sense to find the accounts associated with NIU and follow those to stay updated.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I usually relax or recharge by reading, playing video games, listening to music or doing some sort of physical activity. All of these things relax and recharge me. I pick which one I do by the time of day and how much time I have.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
My job in the summer is being a summer camp counselor at my village's recreational center. I am with the oldest group, which consists of fifth-eighth graders. It's a great job that I love, and it's really fun. As for hobbies, those consist of running, biking, reading and trying to discover new music. They all bring peace to me.