Malena Coan

Malena Coan is a transfer biological sciences major from Rockford, IL

Hometown: Rockford, IL

High School: Jefferson High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

Transfer from: Rock Valley College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
For the biology program.

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 paleontologist when I was really young, but I changed my mind and wanted to be a zoologist, and then an ecologist, after watching David Attenborough my entire childhood. I am pursuing it in my current major.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a biological sciences major. I wanted to go into this major because I love animals and want to research them.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I really love the walkability of the campus and the pretty scenery at the East Lagoon.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have made a few friends and study with them in the commuter lounge in the Peters Campus Life Building or in the library. Usually, I make friends from having mutual classes.

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?
No, I am not involved in any as I am a full-time student with two jobs.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Peters Campus Life Building financial advising office has really helped me feel very heard and supported because of the few advisors who put in the extra effort to contact me, remember me and connect with me.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I very much enjoyed the Braven class and program I was a part of that taught me essential adult life skills like how to build a resume and make a LinkedIn profile.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the idea that I can graduate with honors and the variety of easy and entertaining classes I can take that qualify as honors courses.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
So far, I enjoy Dr. Jennifer Koop, who was my general ecology professor, and Dr. Linda Yasui, who is my cell biology professor. They both have been very easy graders, and they teach super well. I haven't had any professors who stuck out to me as being lifelong people I look up to yet, though.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I tend to stay afloat in assignments better, which is an obvious advantage.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Either the lagoon for the peaceful scenery and the quietness of being away from people, the study rooms in the library or the conference room on the second floor of the Peters Campus Life Building. I tend to stay away from people to focus.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Get on top of the FAFSA or grants and scholarships right away, because being prepared for the due dates of payments or scholarship applications and being first-come, first-served is a big help and stress reliever.

Why is a college education important to you?
I know that having a degree can land me a job I enjoy much better than working my way up a company, and while I won't have good benefits at first, I will get there one day to prove my work was all worth it.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Definitely prioritizing self-care and my me-time, along with spending time with my friend circle and family.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Usually through social media, from friends or seeing posters on walls in buildings around campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Watching movies, skin care or self-care, going to see friends or going out to do fun things around Rockford.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a swim instructor at the YMCA and as a parts assistant at Code 1 Aviation, where I order hardware or organize parts. My hobbies are mainly doing my nails or reading books.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
Being a part of the Huskie community has made me feel like I have had a proper college life experience, one I will reflect on and remember well into my adult life as time spent with classmates who became lifelong friends. The friends I have made have truly made college life memorable and entertaining.