Sergio Dondiego

Sergio Dondiego is a nursing major from Romeoville, IL

Hometown: Romeoville, IL

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2026

Minor: Nutrition, health and wellness

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have received several scholarships, including the Forward, Together, Forward Scholarship, the NIU Alumni Scholarship, the Merit Scholarship and nursing scholarships. I received these scholarships thanks to the generosity and selflessness of donors who are supportive of my goals and aspirations to become a nurse. These scholarships mean everything to me because they are the reason I can go to school and achieve my dreams.

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 teacher. As I pursue my nursing degree, I still dream of someday becoming a professor who helps teach the next generation of nurses. That’s why I have been tutoring pathophysiology for three semesters as the lead tutor. I have an intrinsic passion for teaching and helping nursing students get through the struggles of first track.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a nursing major with a minor in nutrition, health and wellness. I chose nursing because I wanted a career that would fulfill my passion for using my love for health sciences to help save lives of those suffering from critical conditions.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have found the size of the campus to be pleasantly surprising, since it is just the right size with plenty of space for exploring without having to take the bus all the time to get around everywhere.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I met the people I’m closest to at honors events and within the nursing program. I felt that the people I met within these communities had many things in common with me and were very welcoming, so it was easy to make connections by simply introducing myself and starting a conversation.

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?
As an Honors Fellow, I am responsible for knowing what’s going on within the program, and that includes taking part in honors events and connecting with honors students. This is my favorite part of the job, since I have endless amounts of memories proving that honors events are always a blast and the students are fun to be around.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The University Honors Program has not only allowed me to receive a tuition waiver through the Honors Fellow position, but has also provided me with a strong relationship with the honors staff, who have been nothing but supportive. They are always so welcoming and genuine about wanting to know how I am doing, and that means everything to someone who has a lot on their plate.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The University Honors Program has given me the incentive to exceed what is expected of me by taking leadership roles on executive boards and mentorships, performing research, pursuing career-related work positions and networking, all which have built my resume and skills to make me more prepared for my future career in nursing.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy getting to meet and make new friends with other honors students at the various events that are offered every semester, as well as being surrounded by great staff who give all their effort to make every honors student successful during their college career and beyond.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
The School of Nursing is full of brilliant and caring minds, and I could not have made it this far without all of their support. From the simulation instructors to the clinical instructors and the professors, I am grateful for all of them. I want to recognize Professor Amy Reeb (NURS 315) and Dr. Patrice Alsaden (NURS 317) for going above and beyond and giving their all to us students. You can feel their passion and love for teaching, and they have given so much time outside of class to help me become a better student. Professor Reeb taught me everything I know about med/surg content and made it easy. Dr. Alsaden taught me to love research and is the type of teacher I aspire to become someday.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly is typically rewarded not only by points, but also by giving myself the incentive to focus on content and be able to ask questions to the teacher.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Recreation Center. Exercising helps me reduce my stress and helps me get through the rest of the day by being more focused and attentive.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
When considering the student life of each college you are applying to, it is really up to you to determine your college experience. You must be the one to take the initiative to go out and explore whatever that school has to offer. What matters most is finding people you can relate to and spend time with throughout those four years.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important because it is a privilege that not many people have the opportunity to have. Especially when considering I am the son of an immigrant mother, I realize I am in a position that gives me an opportunity to have a financially secure and better life for myself and my family.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
It is important to set deadlines for completing work and set time aside for sleep and going out. I make sure to get as much work done by 9 p.m., then I give myself time before bed to relax. I work hard and try to get everything done by Friday so I can have the majority of the weekend for plans with family and friends.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow NIU social media accounts such as CAB and Student Involvement on Instagram to stay informed on all the events. At the Holmes Student Center and other buildings, there are many flyers throughout that have information on the services available on campus. It is also fun to go to the involvement fairs where you can talk to staff in person and get flyers and merch.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
My favorite way to relax is by taking power naps and eating my favorite foods. I look forward to every Food Truck Wednesday where I recharge by having my favorite meal from Stix and Noodles and an energy drink from Main Squeeze.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work on campus as a desk assistant with responsibilities revolving around improving the customer experience for residents. I also work as a patient care technician in the float pool, providing care to my patients and assisting nurses at several units including medical, surgical, PCU, ED, pain clinic, telemetry and outpatient cancer center. My hobbies include working out, practicing martial arts and cooking.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I love being a Huskie!