Tia Fornatoro

Tia Fornatoro is a honors marketing major from Algonquin, IL

Hometown: Algonquin, IL

High School: Harry D. Jacobs High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2027

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received an NIU merit scholarship and an Honors Excellence Award. I received both on the basis of active engagement and outstanding academic performance in high school and the University Honors Program. The financial support awarded to me through NIU has had a tremendous impact on my experience in college thus far. The support has given me the ability to focus on my studies without the stress of worrying about additional costs for college.

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 was a freshman in high school, I had an interest in marketing and the way businesses utilize creativity and business strategies to create revenue. It was in my sophomore year marketing class that the idea to enter into digital marketing entered my mind. Now, four years later as a sophomore in college, I'm ecstatic to be pursuing a degree in marketing through the College of Business.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is marketing. I decided to enter this field because I've always been a very creative person. I loved the idea of entering a career field where I could mix my creative side with real-life business principles. To be able to see the work put into a campaign successfully translated into visible revenue and community growth has always seemed very fulfilling.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I got my internship through the NIU Career Fair. It was in Hoffman Estates.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
It provided me with real-life experience surrounding a wide variety of marketing careers, tasks and work.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The level of engagement and friendliness I've seen from the students and the staff. In high school, people were very reserved into their own groups. Here at NIU, everyone is open to meeting new people and making connections.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
By joining clubs and attending events.

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 currently the videographer for the NIU Idol Club. The Idol Club has allowed me to attend a variety of events I wouldn't normally, while being able to meet new members of the university in the process.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The University Honors Program and marketing department have a variety of resources to help students with any challenges or difficulties they may be facing.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
Support from my academic advisor has helped me with meeting my graduation requirements and successfully preparing me to complete my undergraduate degree.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the connections and opportunities it provides students.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Joel Gimbel. He was the one who sparked my interest in statistics in STAT 100.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I've benefited tremendously by being more prepared and informed about classwork, assignments, coursework and expectations.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The Holmes Student Center, because it is where the most activities are. It’s the hub of the university.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Try to find a college that checks off your main boxes, somewhere where you can see yourself attending for four years with the end result allowing you to be a more successful and developed person.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is incredibly important to me as it affords me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person, not only academically, but also socially and professionally. It provides a structured environment for growth that would be harder to simulate in the working world.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I write everything down in a planner. I write it out in order of priority and pace myself, so I know how much I can handle based on my schedule. I also try my best to make time for friends and family based on my work and school load.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Through email and social media.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I nap and spend time with friends and family.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a digital marketing assistant for a pet supply company. Since it’s a small start-up, I manage a variety of tasks throughout the company. In terms of hobbies, I like spending time with friends and family, watching movies, reading and crocheting.