Chanel Coetzee

Chanel Coetzee is a special education major from Pretoria, South Africa

Hometown: Pretoria, South Africa

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

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 always knew I wanted to be a teacher, as so many people told me I had and still have the qualities of a teacher. Even when I was volunteering at special needs schools, the faculty told me I have what it takes to teach. I am currently enrolled in the College of Education pursuing my dream of working in special education.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is special education. I always knew I wanted to teach; however, it was only after volunteering at my local school for special needs in Dubai that I fell in love with special education. From then on, I knew that's what I wanted to do.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
That it is one big family. All the faculty and staff are so invested in your education and are so inviting when you enter their classroom. I love how there are so many walks of life on campus and how everyone has a story.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have used social media and sometimes even exchanged phone numbers with some of my classmates.

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?
Not currently, but I was involved in Penguin Players here on campus. That program showed me how much I love special education and spending time with not just kids but also adults with disabilities. It added so much to my experience and made me realize why I chose NIU in the first place.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Disability Resource Center has helped so much when it comes to academics. My professors in the College of Education have also been a huge help. The International Student and Scholar Services office has helped me stay up to date with all things immigration and job opportunities.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Lydia Short. I know her as Dr. G, and she teaches SESE 416 and SESE 444. She goes above and beyond for her students and is always there to listen if you need it. The way she has helped me succeed and feel more confident in myself as a future teacher is definitely something I will never forget.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly helps not only with the cognitive learning aspect of lectures, but also helps me better absorb the content and information. The concepts also make more sense when I actually get to do them in practice.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is definitely the Holmes Student Center. The student center is where you can find so many Huskies getting together, hanging out and making friends. I feel like it's the hub of campus. The beautiful thing about the student center, and why I like it so much, is you see so many different walks of life there. Professors from every different department hang out there. Students from every different college hang out there. They put on events like trivia nights. It's just the place to be as a Huskie.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Follow your heart. When something feels like it is home then that is right for you. Don't rush into choosing a college, take time to find your fit.

Why is a college education important to you?
I feel like a college education is important because it helps you grow as a person and learn new things about yourself. A college education also helps you research what you want to do. As far as a career, it's that key steppingstone to your future.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I take time out of my day to call home and be around friends. I plan out my day so that I can make sure I give myself time to do things outside of school.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I have the NIU Mobile app on my phone, so I get alerts every time something is happening on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to go and walk around campus and while doing so, I listen to relaxing music and reflect on my day and classes and plan on what I need to do the next day. I also sometimes like to relax by just talking to someone and venting about how my day has been or watching a good show. It's all about doing something that really calms your mind and lets you forget for a moment about how your day was or what's going on.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am currently unemployed; however, I love writing and recording songs in my spare time. One of my talents and hobbies has always been music and singing. There was one point in my life where I did want to pursue music part time. But now, with it as my hobby, I can bring it into my classroom, and a lot of the kids would benefit from having music be part of their day. I've noticed that a lot in my past placements for my professional block.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
If I could do it all over again, I'd still chose NIU.