Isabella Froh

Isabella Froh is a communicative disorders major from Sheboygan, WI

Hometown: Sheboygan, WI

High School: Sheboygan North 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 one of the Presidential Scholarships during the year 2024. I was already planning to attend NIU, but this financial support made me even more confident in my decision! This scholarship has impacted my experience at this amazing school because of the reduced financial stress on me and my family. Because of this scholarship opportunity, I have the ability to take full advantage of on-campus activities without worrying about a part-time job.

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 with kids. I bounced between career choices such as a kindergarten teacher, a special needs educator and now a pediatric audiologist. I have planned on being a pediatric audiologist for four years now and have been on that path since attending NIU.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major here at NIU is communicative disorders with an emphasis in audiology. I chose this major because I wear hearing aids throughout my day-to-day life. I suffered with hearing loss and ear issues throughout my whole life and was fitted for hearing aids at age 10. The support I received from my pediatric audiologist throughout the years, as well as working with little kids with hearing aids or cochlear implants, impacted my decision to go into this wonderful career.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One of the most pleasantly surprising aspects I have found at NIU is the close-knit community that is diverse and inclusive. NIU is a larger campus, but with the extracurriculars they offer, I found my people within the first semester of attendance.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have been able to form new friendships through the activities NIU has to offer, such as the back-to-school bonfire and block parties. There are so many students who attend these events, I managed to meet some of my closest friends at these events. Throughout the week, my friend group goes to the library to complete homework together, and it has been very beneficial to us so far.

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?
Coming into NIU I knew I wanted to be involved in some sort of choir program. At the beginning of the year, I auditioned for choir and was placed as an alto in the Concert Choir. This class meets for about an hour four days a week, and we learn about seven songs for each concert. I am always excited to attend this class and sing with 40 other individuals with a passion for music. We have three concerts throughout the school year, so we have many opportunities to learn a diverse amount of music, which is incredibly enjoyable.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Disability Resource Center has helped me feel safe, supported and successful throughout my time here at NIU. As a student who wears hearing aids, I was able to be in touch with the DRC regarding accommodations for my classes. Everyone there has been so incredibly kind, helpful and understanding of my needs to succeed as a student.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
While being a part of the Honors Program, NIU has provided support and helped me get closer to my academic goals. The Honors Program offers advanced coursework for honors classes. I feel this provides opportunities to be pushed during these certain classes.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I enjoy most about the Honors Program are the unique research opportunities. While I am not there yet, I look forward to the capstone project during my senior year, which allows me to have a goal to work toward.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors thus far is Dr. Eric Johnson. He is the director of the NIU Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. He not only cares about students' academic success, but also their professional success. He wants to see all of us grow in our musical abilities, and that is something I admire.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By attending class regularly, I have a better understanding of the course material being taught. There is a lot that could be missed if you don't attend regularly, which can put your academics in jeopardy.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is Founders Memorial Library. When studying and/or doing homework in the library I have a higher drive to get assignments done. I always sit on the third floor while working, and I always find time moving so fast because I get so much done.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
When researching colleges to apply to, I would recommend putting academics first. Think about which university will help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. It is also important to look past academics and into the extracurricular side of things. If you want to continue an extracurricular from high school, make sure the university has it. It's also important to listen to your instincts. While visiting campus, you may feel at home right away, and that is a great sign!

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it is the key steppingstone to reaching my career. Unlike high school, college is where you can take a variety of courses of your choosing and focus on what you love to do. I think having a college education is important because of the career opportunities down the road.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
In order to manage the time between responsibilities of school, work, friends and family, I create a structured schedule. With my schedule, I strive to get work done ahead of time so that I am not drowning in work later down the line. I don't go home often because of how far away I live, but getting work done early also takes the stress off of visits.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
In order to stay informed about events and services available on campus, I follow as many NIU social media platforms as possible. The account owners of these platforms do an awesome job of informing, which means I always know the opportunities NIU has to offer.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
In order to relax and recharge, I take time to myself throughout the day. I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, and in doing so, I can relax in my dorm room.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
When I am not attending school, I work as a barista at Starbucks. I love the environment of working with customers and making their custom drink orders. Some other hobbies of mine include singing in choir and recreationally, performing in musicals and plays, and working with children with special needs. My favorite role I performed was Janis in the musical Mean Girls.