Alyssa Fulton

Alyssa Fulton is a political science major from Machesney Park, IL

Hometown: Machesney Park, IL

High School: Harlem High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

Minor: Sociology

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I had no idea what I wanted to be for the majority of my childhood. I had some ideas, such as a nurse or a teacher, but those did not characterize me. I have taken another path and am going with political science as my major and sociology as my minor.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is political science with a public law emphasis, and my minor is sociology. I chose this course of study because I have a deep passion for wanting to help others, and I am most interested in doing that through the law. When I took an AP U.S. History class in high school, we did lots of political discussions and debates, and that really stood out to me and interested me.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One thing that I found pleasantly surprising about my experience at NIU has been how much I love the campus. It is relatively small compared to other state schools, but there are so many beautiful spots to sit, walk or study. This makes NIU feel like my home and gives me something exciting to come back to.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
The best friends I have here at NIU I met at fun school events and through clubs. I am in Model Illinois Government and the tennis club, and those two groups contain the majority of my close friendships. I also met my group of girlfriends at the Welcome Back Bonfire and Block Party, because it is a fun space to meet and connect with 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 am involved in Model Illinois Government (secretary), the tennis club (vice president), Pre-Law Honors Society and the Political Science Student Advisory Committee. These clubs are honestly so key to my positive experience here at NIU, as they give me useful resources and provide me with great friendships.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The University Honors Program has been a great resource for me because everyone is so helpful and kind. They give resources and support. The political science department has also been so good to me. They make sure their students are right where they need to be and are willing to go the extra mile to help us be successful.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program events have allowed me to meet many new people and become close with them, as I also see them in classes. It gives me study buddies to help hold myself accountable.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
One of favorite things about the Honors Program is the room for students in their office. It is a calm space with lots of things for us to do and use to be successful. Also, I like their diverse event opportunities, whether through Connect 10 or arts involvement.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors at NIU is Michael Clark. He is in the political science department, and I had him for Comparative Politics and Political Analysis. He is my favorite professor because he made learning very fun and taught in an interesting way. He also made sure to take lots of extra time to further explain things if you were confused, which I appreciated very much.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has kept me accountable. It makes me listen and understand on a deeper level and reminds me that there is work to do. Attending class also allows me to build a more personal connection with my professor.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Zen garden by DuSable and Watson Hall. I am drawn to this spot because there is Wi-Fi available there and it is close to all of my classes. It is also just a beautiful and calming space to get work done between classes.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
One piece of advice I would give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to would be to go with your heart. Not everything is about money. Go to the place you truly connect with and where you can see yourself living for the next four years.

Why is a college education important to you?
Having a college education is very important to me because my mother always told me that knowledge is power. No one can take your knowledge from you, and I think that is very important.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I keep a weekly calendar to stay on track and manage my time. I include what my plans are along with times. I get my schoolwork and club stuff done first, then I devote what time is left to spending time with friends and visiting family. It is all about organization and effort. There is always enough time if it is important enough to you.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow all of the organizations I am interested in on Instagram to stay updated about events. Mainly the NIU official site and the SGA site. I have post notifications on.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax or recharge, I either take a rest break or get active, depending on the day and situation. Some days, it is most fitting for me to read my book and take a nap between assignments, and other days, it is best for me to go for a walk or play tennis.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
During the summertime, I work at an adventure park that has miniature golf, go-karts, laser tag and an arcade. Outside of work, I love to read, play tennis, hang out with friends, take naps, bake and go for walks, depending on my time availability and mood.