Hannah Clark

Hannah Clark is an elementary education major from Roanoke, IL

Hometown: Roanoke, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. My mom is a special education teacher and I always looked up to her growing up. In high school I played around with different career choices, all still working with children. By the time I was applying to NIU, I had come back to wanting to teach. Now, here I am in my last year as an elementary education major going into student teaching next semester.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is elementary education with an endorsement in special education. I chose this because I love working with children and was inspired by my mom, who is a special education teacher.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The community! There is always someone who is willing to help and people to come alongside you to help you succeed, whether it be faculty, friends or mentors.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
The first step is taking a risk and reaching out to people you see a lot in your classes or finding an organization you feel you would fit well with.

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 organization BrightField Students and the Honors Program. I also work at the Child Development and Family Center on campus. These have all added to my experience as a Huskie by bringing me lifelong friends and growing in faith, challenging me in honors-sponsored classes, and giving me confidence when working with children and networking with other education professionals.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The College of Education has helped me succeed by helping me keep on track with my classes and always helping me when I have questions about the future.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I received an honors scholarship this year that has taken a financial weight off my college experience. Instead of worrying about college finances, I am able to focus on classes and educational opportunities to reach my career goals.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the helpful and supportive staff for always checking in and presenting a plethora of opportunities for all students to succeed in the Honors Program.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors has been Julie Bartelt, who taught EPS 350: Classroom Management. Not only did I learn some of the most relevant and useful information in this class for my career, but Professor Bartelt also made sure to treat us all as educators and adults and build a relationship with our class. She was energetic, knowledgeable and passionate about helping future educators. She has been one of the most approachable professors I have had and shared helpful stories about what it looks like to manage a classroom effectively. I still refer back to her class constantly, and I know if I ever have any questions or concerns, I could easily contact her and she would be happy to help me out.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
It's so important to attend class regularly because there is so much to learn and gain from being in person and interacting with professors and other classmates.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
It’s hard to narrow it down to one spot, but some of my favorites are the lagoon and Cast Iron Coffee. I love the lagoon because of the nice path around it and down into Prairie Park. It's so nice to have a fresh part of nature so close to campus. I also love Cast Iron Coffee not only because of the yummy drinks, but also for the warm atmosphere to hang out with friends or get some homework done.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Be sure to visit every college you apply to. The logistics of the college are obviously important, but it's even more important to see how you feel being on campus and if it'll be the right fit for you.

Why is a college education important to you?
It's important to me because my college education has prepared me for my dream career that I wouldn't have been able to do without it.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Although it's difficult, being proactive and scheduling out in advance when you're going to do homework, work, or hang out with friends and family is extremely helpful. It’s also important to know that you can't pour from an empty cup, so be sure to spend time with other people, do some self-care or do something you love to feel filled up and be able to operate well in other areas of your life.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow NIU social media accounts and stay up to date with my email to be informed about events and services on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
My faith is important to me, so I often relax by reading my Bible or praying. I also think it’s important to spend time in community with people who can fill me up and love me well, so I spend time with many of my close friends. Other than that, I love to go on walks and be outside when the weather is nice and listen to some good music.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at the Child Development and Family Center on campus and have been working there since my freshman year. The staff and teachers there are so knowledgeable and caring to the kids and other staff. They are always willing to have the help of a student-worker and are open to many ideas and suggestions. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting, and it’s given me even more confidence in my ability to work with children and collaborate with others.