Vicky Gonzalez

Vicky Gonzalez is a music major with an emphasis in music education from Oswego, IL

Hometown: Oswego, IL

High School: Oswego High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have received scholarships from the School of Music and the Scott A. McCullagh Baker's Dozen Scholarship. The financial support has helped me advance my education incredibly. I wouldn't be where I am today academically if it weren't for the School of Music and donors such as Scott McCullagh. I am so grateful for their support these past few years.

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 thought I would go into the engineering field just like my dad. It wasn't until around my sophomore and junior years of high school that I realized music was something I wanted to do long-term. My high school music program was a second home to me, especially during 2020 when the pandemic hit. My friends and band directors were a huge support for me during that time, and that was when it clicked for me that not only did I want to stick with music after high school, but I wanted to cultivate an environment like that for future generations.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a music major with an emphasis in music education. As I mentioned before, I valued my band experience in high school and was greatly inspired by my band directors to want to cultivate a positive and welcoming environment in my own future classroom with whatever grade levels I will be given the privilege to teach once I graduate.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I love the world music program NIU offers. World music wasn't something I ever imagined myself becoming involved with, but over the past few semesters I have found myself involved in world music ensembles such as Banda NIU and Afro-Brazilian percussion. Being in these ensembles has been an amazing learning experience and has brought me a bunch of friendships I value deeply. I also have been inspired to include all of this knowledge of world music in my future teachings, becoming a teacher who is culturally responsive.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
The NIU School of Music is wonderful community. All of the staff and other students are so amazing to be around that socializing and making friends comes very naturally. One of my favorite spots to meet and study with new people and friends is the School of Music library. It's a quiet space to focus and also has places where you can talk and hang out, play board games or rest on comfy beanbag chairs.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Huskie Closet has been a huge resource for me, especially when I needed attire for my first-ever college-level concert with the NIU Wind Ensemble.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite instructors is Professor Scott Metlicka. He is the flute instructor in the School of Music. He was one of the main reasons I chose NIU. I did a trial flute lesson with him over Zoom and his teaching style clicked with me; he is super kind and patient. Besides teaching me flute, he has helped me through some hard periods of my life these past few semesters, and he is a staff member I will never hesitate to reach out to if I ever need help.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I benefited a lot mentally; I am someone who operates best when I have a consistent schedule. I learn so much in class that it would be hard to make up for if I ever missed class, and I love sitting toward the front of all of my lectures because it is where I best focus.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love the East Lagoon, especially during the fall when the leaves turn colors. I find that sitting on the bench by the lagoon really calms me down when I'm stressed or need to take a break, especially when there is a slight wind. I also like to walk around the edges of the water and find turtles. When the weather is right, you can catch them basking on the rocks.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Don't be afraid to reach out to professors in the college you are planning to attend. Set up meetings, ask questions and make connections.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education provides me with opportunities for hands-on learning. Thanks to the NIU School of Music, I've been able to go into elementary and middle schools and get hands-on teaching experience under the guidance of really amazing educators hand-picked by the NIU music education staff.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I have my class schedule in my phone calendar. Within that schedule, I have time blocks dedicated to when I am available to work and when I have time to spend hanging out with friends. I don't necessarily follow this schedule all the time, but it helps me stay organized.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I always check the Weekly Scroll on Mondays, and I read updates posted by the Northern Star.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I go for walks outside if the weather allows, or I go hang out in the School of Music library in their comfy beanbag chairs. Sometimes, if time allows, I also let myself take a small power nap.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work as a cashier at Farm and Fleet. In my free time I enjoy playing video games, especially those that fall in the horror and RPG genres. I also have a pet turtle named Turtalini; he is 5 years old.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I love NIU. Campus has truly become my home away from home, and through NIU I have met and made so many new friends and become closer with some old ones