Julia Dmitruk

Julia Dmitruk is a nursing major from Mount Prospect, IL

Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL

High School: Prospect High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2028

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the NIU Merit Scholarship for my academic achievements and grades in high school. This financial support has eased the burden on my family and allowed me, as a first-generation college student, to attend NIU with less stress. It has given me the freedom to focus on my studies and fully engage in the opportunities available on campus.

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 knew I wanted to work in the medical field. Initially, I considered following in my sister's footsteps and becoming a biomedical engineer. Later, I thought about pursuing physical therapy. It was not until my junior year of high school that I discovered my true passion was nursing, which is the path I am now pursuing.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
During my junior year of high school, I was given the opportunity to take a certified nursing assistant (CNA) class. I was eager to gain hands-on experience within health care. During this class, I completed clinical hours at senior nursing homes in the area. During each clinical, I connected with residents, helped with daily tasks and observed the profound impact compassionate care has on people’s lives. It was during these clinicals that I felt a strong sense of purpose in being part of a field where I could contribute directly to others’ health and well-being. With these experiences, I decided to major in nursing.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have been pleasantly surprised by how accessible and supportive the faculty is at NIU. One notable faculty member is my coach on NIU's Silverettes dance team, Miss Lisa. She is really encouraging and supportive of me and my teammates, helping me balance both my academic and athletic commitments.

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, where I have met peers with similar academic interests, and also by meeting classmates in my courses. These connections have helped me form friendships and collaborate on assignments and studying.

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?
An extracurricular activity I am involved in at NIU is the Silverettes dance team. Being part of the team has truly made NIU feel like home. I have met so many supportive girls on the team, and it really feels like a family. I love that I get to continue pursuing something I have always loved, dancing, into college. I also love that I get to represent NIU at football games and other sporting events while embracing what it truly means to be a Huskie. Through this team, I am able to show school spirit, support my peers and be part of a community that celebrates togetherness and teamwork.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The NIU Honors Program and my professors have helped me feel safe, supported and successful. The Honors Program has connected me with peers who share similar academic goals, while my professors are willing to provide support and guidance, which has made a big difference in my confidence and success in my classes.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program has provided opportunities that have helped me get closer to my academic and career goals by connecting me with like-minded peers, offering challenging courses and providing additional resources from professors. These experiences have strengthened my skills and confidence as I work toward a career in nursing.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I enjoy most about the Honors Program is meeting new people who share similar goals. I met one of my closest friends at NIU through orientation, and discovering that she was also in the Honors Program brought us even closer. Everyone in the Honors Program strives for excellence and academic success, which are qualities I have always carried with me throughout my life.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors at NIU has been Professor Carrie Helmig. She taught my statistics class during my very first semester. From the start, she made a strong impression on me as both a teacher and a mentor. I could tell that she genuinely cared about her students’ success and wanted us to feel comfortable learning material that many feel intimidating. She explained concepts in a way that was clear and approachable, while also keeping the class engaging and even fun. Her teaching style helped me build confidence in a subject I was not initially sure about. I appreciated how she took the time to answer questions, encourage participation and make statistics feel applicable to real life. Professor Helmig not only helped me succeed academically when I received an A in statistics, but also set a positive tone for my transition into college.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By attending class regularly, I have been able to stay on top of my work and fully engage with the material being taught. Being present in class has helped me understand concepts more clearly because I can hear the professor firsthand, ask questions and participate in discussions. It also allows me to pick up on important details that I might miss if I only relied on the textbook or slides, such as what could possibly be a question on an exam. Attending class consistently keeps me accountable and motivated, since I am actively involved rather than falling behind and trying to catch up later on my own. Being consistent in attending class has helped me not only succeed academically, but also feel more confident and engaged in my education.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. Not only does it have a Starbucks, one of my favorite places to grab a drink and recharge, but it also offers plenty of spaces where you can sit down with friends to study or work on homework. I love that it is right in the middle of campus, making it the perfect place to stop between classes without having to walk all the way back to my dorm. Whether I am grabbing coffee, meeting up with friends or finding a quiet corner to get work done, the student center has become a go-to spot for me.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
My advice to a student researching colleges is to find a place that truly fits you and your needs. For example, if affordability is important, look into schools that offer strong financial aid or scholarships. Also, consider the atmosphere — choose a campus where you believe you will thrive both academically and socially. Personally, NIU has been the perfect fit for me. It is close to home, which allows me to visit my family on weekends, and it is affordable, so I feel confident that I will be able to continue my education without financial strain. On top of that, NIU gives me the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion for dance, which makes my college experience even more fulfilling and exciting.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because my parents were not fortunate enough to have that opportunity. They came to the U.S. from Poland in their early 20s with nothing but a suitcase and big dreams. They have worked so hard to give me opportunities they never had. Being a first-generation college student makes earning my degree even more meaningful. It is not only about my own future, but also about honoring the sacrifices they made for me and my sister.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I stay organized by printing out calendars, using a planner and planning my days ahead of time. Being on the dance team while also making time to go home and see friends has really taught me how important time management is. Planning things out ahead of time helps me balance school, athletics and my personal life without feeling too overwhelmed.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about events and services on campus through email from NIU, social media updates and by hearing about events from friends. These sources make it easy to stay connected and involved as a Huskie.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax and recharge, I like to grab a drink from Starbucks and take a nap between classes and dance team practices whenever I have the time. I am on my feet a lot, so I try to take full advantage of any breaks I get to rest and recharge.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I do not work during the school year because my time is mostly focused on the dance team and my classes. Over the summer, I worked as a lifeguard at my local park district and also nannied two young children, which I really enjoyed since I want to be a pediatric nurse in the future. During the school year, I occasionally babysit when I have the time. Outside of work and school, my number one hobby is dancing.