Lauren Hair

Lauren Hair is a communicative disorders major from Round Lake, IL

Hometown: Round Lake, IL

High School: Round Lake High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2028

Minor: Deaf studies

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was going up, I wanted to be a marine biologist or a veterinarian. As I got older, I discovered my major that I am pursuing now, and I grew a curiosity for it that turned into passion.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in communicative disorders and minoring in Deaf studies. When I was in school when I was younger, I saw the impact speech pathologists have on students, and I want to be part of that positive impact.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The amount of school spirit and pride students and staff have for NIU was pleasantly surprising. Everyone cares about the university and wants to see everyone succeed, which creates such a welcoming and uniting environment.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
When I started classes, I challenged myself to at least make one friend in every class. I invite my new friends to hang out or study after class to help these friendships flourish.

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 in the Huskie Marching Band. It gave me a family away from home and helped me never feel lonely because I always had people to lean on. It also taught me responsibility and what it means to be focused as a team to achieve a goal. It makes me feel like I am a part of something important, and it makes me feel like a Huskie.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The NIU Center for Student Assistance has made my transition into college much easier than I anticipated. They are always there to support me with academics and my emotional well-being.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
As a freshman I haven't been able to experience much yet, but many of the events that the Honors Program has hosted have been an amazing experience to help push me out of my shell and be able to talk to others easier. I'm a very shy person, and working on speaking easier to people was a major goal for me going into college because I know it will be important as I continue in my future career.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the connections I get to make with my peers. It offered so many new friendships and opportunities to meet new people, which helped my transition into college feel a lot less lonely.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite professor is Dr. Virginia Naples, who teaches my Intro to Human Biology class. She made learning the content of the course interesting and always had funny puns to keep the class engaged.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has ensured that I get all the content for the class and make the most of my time in the course. I also get to make great connections with my peers and see the friends I'm making in these classes.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. I love going there to study or just to hang out with friends. It has such a comfortable feel to it, and I find myself going there at least twice a week.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Make sure you can see yourself living there. Yes, there are other important factors, but you will be living there for most of a year, and you want to make sure you will be comfortable there. Going to school in a place where you love living makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it allows me to follow the career path of my choice. Without it, I wouldn't be able to follow my goals.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I make sure to really utilize my time between classes for schoolwork, which helps me make sure I make the most of my time during the day. This leaves time in my evenings to call and reach out to my family and friends at home.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I make sure I follow a lot of student organizations on social media. I also check my email regularly to make sure I don't miss out on any events that may have been sent to me.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax, I watch movies and have a night to myself. I find that sometimes the constant rush of college can make me feel a little overwhelmed, so it's nice to have a little time to myself to recharge.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
My hobbies include dance and color guard. I love performing and being able to be creative. I have been dancing since before I can remember, and my love for it has never faded. Now, I am in the Huskie Band Color Guard, and I am having so much fun being able to mix my hobbies with college.