Naya Haller

Naya Haller is an honors English major from Forreston, IL

Hometown: Forreston, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the Honors Excellence Award because of my active engagement in the Honors Program and my academic performance. This supported me financially because it allowed me to worry less about my financial situation and focus more on becoming a future educator.

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 growing up, I wanted so badly to be a lawyer so I could help people. I still want to help people, but I have taken the path of majoring in English to become a high school English teacher.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is English and my minor is psychology. I chose English as my major with the intention of becoming a high school English teacher. I chose psychology as my minor with the intention of better understanding my students on a cognitive and emotional level.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
There is always something to do here at NIU. If I ever find myself bored, which is rare, I know that there is something I can do on campus to cure said boredom.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with people through the University Honors Program! I live on the honors floor in Patterson East and have found my very best friends through the program.

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 a part of Golden Apple Scholars and the Honors Program here at NIU. Through both of these programs, I have been able to have access to plenty of resources to help me reach my goals. Also, there is always something going on in both programs, which helps me connect with people constantly.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The English and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences advising staff. I have never met a group of people more willing to help me anywhere. They are some of the kindest people you will ever meet and will always be there for you in every way they can.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I have had the opportunity to be an Honors Ambassador and an Honors Rising Scholar. Both opportunities helped me connect with other people and provided resources to help me reach my academic and career goals.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I love the most about the Honors Program are the wonderful faculty members behind it. They are always very dedicated to honors students and are always open to questions and comments. It's a very welcoming environment, and I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Teresa Wasonga will forever be one of my favorite professors here at NIU. She taught EPFE 201 (Education as an Agent for Change) during my first semester as a freshman. She was extremely thoughtful of her students and gave us such diverse materials to learn from. She also came with her own experiences and knowledge to teach us firsthand what it's like to really be an agent for change in the educational system.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
In attending class regularly, I find myself being able to easily understand material and stay on track of class schedules. I am also able to create connections with my professors that I wouldn't have if I didn't go to class regularly.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus has to be the Holmes Student Center. I am always there to either study, get a pick-me-up from Starbucks, chat with a friend or grab a quick bite to eat. The environment is always busy, which keeps me busy as well.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
For students who are researching colleges to apply to, some advice I would have is to really evaluate yourself to know what you want in a college. If you know who you are as a person, the perfect college will come across your search in no time.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because I know not everyone gets the opportunity to go to college. I am lucky enough to get the chance to go to college and work toward my future goals. Not everyone gets that opportunity, so I don't take what I have for granted, ever.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I have a planner that goes with me everywhere on campus. In my planner, I plan the week out the week before by looking at class schedules to understand what I need to get done. When I do this a week in advance, I don't have to worry about it during the week, I can just focus on what is already going on.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I am constantly looking at the NIU Student Involvement Instagram page to see what is happening on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I relax by either going to the gym, meditating or taking a nap. If one doesn't work, then I probably need the other one.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a sales associate and textiles processor here at the DeKalb Goodwill. I love working at Goodwill because of the environment and also because I love to thrift. My hobbies, other than thrifting, include reading romance, hanging out with loved ones, going to the gym, going on coffee runs and listening to music.