MacKenzie Gutierrez

MacKenzie Gutierrez is a transfer special education major from Elburn, IL

Hometown: Elburn, IL

Class of: Spring 2024

Transfer from: Waubonsee Community College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
As a lifelong area resident, I have always been aware of NIU. As I got older and spent time looking into universities, I started hearing about how remarkable the NIU College of Education was. With it being so close, it felt meant to be.

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 have always known I wanted to be a teacher. I used to play school with my friends, and I loved tutoring and my time as a TA in high school. My passion has only gotten stronger, and I am pursuing it as my intended major. I love every second of it.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a special education major. My brother, who is nine years younger than me, and my sister, who is 10 years younger than me, both have varying levels of disabilities. I feel very fortunate to have relationships with them that allowed me to work closely with them and their teams as their education journeys progressed. I was able to see their development, growth and passions change and evolve as they got older. It formed the way I view education and emphasized the importance for accessibility across all levels of learning.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have been so inspired by my fellow classmates. Their ambition and drive push me to be better as a student and future educator. My classmates and the faculty who have rallied to support us foster an environment that pushes us to succeed, and for that I am forever grateful.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
My classmates and I have created group chats and study sessions for us to lean on each other. This has been especially helpful during the busier times of semesters.

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 not a part of extracurricular activities on campus. I am a commuter student and I have a job, so my time is limited to my class schedule. But I feel Huskie pride when I share my on-campus experiences with people in my community.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Department of Special and Early Education (SEED) has been a massive support for me during my time at NIU. My advisor, my professors and other faculty members have answered all of my questions with compassion and understanding, and it feels like a department that values me as a student. I feel comfortable and welcomed, whether I stop by unannounced or have a meeting scheduled with someone specific. I have really enjoyed my time working with them to further my education.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors was Dr. Brandon Perez. He was my professor for a class pertaining to behavior support and classroom management (SESE 417). He instructed us on how to use ABA supports as future educators and the importance of data-based decision-making. His class was exceptionally challenging, and he was aware of that. He made himself available to us via email or office hours whenever we needed it. I found myself often seeking his guidance on assignments and with behaviors I witnessed during my practicum experience. Dr. Perez inspired me to trust my ability to identify and treat problem behaviors in order to teach students with disabilities holistically. He was a fun professor and he has a great personality. His outlook on student behavior is something I hope to emulate as an educator.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when I attend my classes. I also feel as though I am getting the most out of my education and preparing myself as best as I can for experiences I will have as an educator. The professors I have had the opportunity to work with are fountains of knowledge I did not want to take for granted. I was able to stay on track and reach success by following my schedule to a T.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I enjoy being in the Holmes Student Center. It offers a sense of community among students and gives me a place to each lunch while I study. It’s also a great place to meet friends for coffee during shared breaks in our schedules. Admittedly, the Starbucks in the student center will always be my favorite.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would encourage all future college students to research every school they are interested in and find a community and program they feel drawn to. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of a university that I feel so connected to.

Why is a college education important to you?
I believe in the importance of higher education if it is something you are able to reach for. I understand that not everyone is in a position to attend or finish college, but for those of us who are, I feel it is incredibly important to seize the opportunity to do so. People are lifelong learners, and there is not a better place to focus on that than at a university you feel supported by.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I live and breathe by my color-coded planner. I make sure I have enough time for schoolwork, my job, a social life and spending time with my family. I also make sure I have time to sit and watch Netflix on the days I need a reset. Sometimes that means more sacrifice one week to have that availability the following week. It was a give and take, and finding a method to balance everything was a life-saver.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I check my email often and look around at the flyers on campus. I have friends who are part of sports and extracurricular activities who keep my informed about events or services I should check out or spread the word about.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I read and spend time with my friends. It sounds like a cliche, but I can’t stress it enough. You have to make time to see your friends, but you need time to be alone, too.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at a slot parlor, which is like a small casino. I work in my hometown, which is very small. It is an intimate environment and allows me to be present in my community. In my free time I like to crochet, and I have been learning how to embroider. I also like to visit state parks on road trips.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
As an incoming student during 2020, my beginning at the university was rocky and left me worried about the unknown. Four short years later, I don’t have a single regret about joining this school or my program. I am so thankful for everyone who has supported me on my journey, and I hope incoming students receive the same level of care. I feel proud to be a Huskie.