Johanna Freemon

Johanna Freemon is a sport management major from Sandwich, IL

Hometown: Sandwich, IL

High School: Sandwich Community 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've received the NIU Merit Scholarship due to my GPA, the Dekalb County Scholarship (as I live in Sandwich, which is in Dekalb County) and the Kovacevich Scholarship to be an honors ambassador. I have been so grateful to have the opportunity to receive these scholarships, and they have helped my family out tremendously when paying for schooling.

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 wanted to be a multitude of things: a zoologist, veterinarian, paramedic, surgeon, nurse and teacher. But I took a different path and am now majoring in sport management.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is sport management. I've always loved sports and had a passion for them, so the idea of sports being in my career sounds like a dream.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Here at NIU, everyone has been so welcoming and friendly, and the teaching staff is always open to help with anything you need.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I went through formal recruitment last year and joined Delta Gamma, which helped me find my people.

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'm involved in my sorority, Delta Gamma, which has added so much value to me being here. I am among a community that is so close, and we are always helping in the community, so it feels really special.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Honestly, just going to the professors has been the most helpful for me. As long as you communicate openly and talk about what the problem is, they understand and do their best to help.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
Taking classes with an extra honors goal has been the biggest thing getting me closer to my academic goals, because they push me further and challenge me the most.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the people the most. They are all so genuine and caring, and everyone has a drive.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Professor Dave Serowka has been my favorite so far. He is so personable and makes class enjoyable and interesting. He teaches Intro to Sport Management, and it is just such a fun class.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have benefited just by being able to understand what my teachers are talking about, being present and not just looking at a screen, and of course if attendance is graded, my grade looks better.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot has to be the Holmes Student Center because something is always going on, and everyone is constantly moving around in there. It really makes you feel like you're just surrounded by so many people, and I love it.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Just pick a college where you will feel at home. You don't have to go so far away to feel like you're experiencing something new. Either way, it will be new, and you will face a lot of hard things. So, make it a place you know you'll feel at home.

Why is a college education important to you?
I want to be able to be independent and chase my goals, and a college education builds the platform that I'll need.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I try my hardest to get everything done by certain times, hang out with my people as often as I can, and when I need it, I take time for myself.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I look at Huskie Hub, check my email and ask around.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I sleep, hang out with friends, go to the gym and watch TV.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I will soon be working at the Huskie Den, and I am in Delta Gamma, where I am the vice president of membership. I love going to the gym, painting and just hanging out with friends.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I'm so glad to have come to a college where I have found so many new opportunities.