Vanessa Gatza

Vanessa Gatza is a mechanical engineering major from Lake Zurich, IL

Hometown: Lake Zurich, IL

High School: Lake Zurich High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2026

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 go into a STEM field. I am now pursuing mechanical engineering.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is mechanical engineering, and I decided to pick this major because I enjoy being creative and constructing new things.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I got my internship at Schleifring Medical Systems, LLC through the NIU CEET Spring Career Fair.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My internship has helped me experience real-world scenarios where engineering is used, as well as understand how much engineering can differ from just doing problems in class.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I found that a lot of my professors are really passionate about their career path/research.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have met a few people in my grade and major that I consistently study/work with when doing homework or preparing for an exam.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The University Honors Program has helped me connect with a lot of people outside my major and expand my connections throughout NIU.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
Last semester I had the opportunity to take the honors COMS 100 class. The professor helped me improve my presenting skills immensely, and the class benefited me in the long run.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy meeting new people at the honors events.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite professor so far has been Professor Madelyn Anderson for COMS 100. She is a very welcoming and kind person who helped me gain confidence in my presenting skills.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I benefit from attending class regularly by not falling behind, as I do not really miss any information that is presented in class.

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. I find it to be a relaxing place to study and focus during the week.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would recommend not just looking at the campus, but also at the program you would be entering, because the professors and the people around you can make all the difference in college.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it will allow me to significantly further my knowledge and skills in engineering and give me the opportunity to seek a job in the engineering field.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I try to prioritize school over everything, but I also remind myself to take breaks when needed.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow a lot of social media accounts for organizations whose events I typically go to.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I will watch a movie with friends, go out to get food with my friends or just relax and have a good time.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently do not have a job, and my main hobby is music.