Joshua Henderson

Joshua Henderson is an industrial and systems engineering major from Hazel Crest, IL

Hometown: Hazel Crest, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

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 was interested in computer science when I was younger and am pursuing a different path now.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is industrial and systems engineering. I decided on this course of study because I want to use my creative skills to create blueprints of different objects.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I found the school events pleasantly surprising at NIU because they have a great way of bringing everyone together, creating an atmosphere where we can take pride in being NIU Huskies. I enjoy the football games and Night at Holmes events. 

How did the CHANCE Program help with your transition into NIU?
The CHANCE Program helped me transition into NIU in such a good way. It gave me the opportunity to show who I was and what I can accomplish. Even though my GPA wasn't as high as I wanted to be, the CHANCE Program saw the potential in me and gave me a chance to prove it. If it wasn't for CHANCE, I don’t know where I would be.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
The way I made friends here at NIU was simply introducing myself and exchanging numbers. There were times in class when I didn't understand a particular assignment, so I would ask the person sitting next to me for help, and from there we formed a friendship.

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 involved in three organizations at NIU: NIU NAACP, where I served as treasurer from 2021-2022; NIU Campus Advance; and NIU NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). They have added to my experience at NIU because they helped me make friends and gain connections to other organizations on campus.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
Office hours have helped me succeed because sometimes I would understand some but not all of the information in a lecture. So, in office hours I could get clarification and a better understanding of an assignment.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructor at NIU is Johnathon Merritt (TECH 311) because I learn so much from him about AutoCad. I go to his office hours every week so I can finish assignments and ask questions if I am stuck on something on a particular drawing. We have such a great connection that when I go to his class, he greets me on a first-name basis.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I benefit from attending class regularly by not missing out on what's being taught. I am the type of person who never misses a day of class. I don't want to miss the lecture, because what's being taught could help me prepare for a quiz.

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 because it’s the perfect quiet place to study and get homework done without any distractions. Also, they have a good cafe called Einstein Bros. Bagels where I go to get my coffee and breakfast sandwich.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
The advice that I would give to students researching colleges would be to not go to a college or university just because everyone you know goes there. Go to a school that benefits you, where you can find yourself, make new friends and pursue your passion. 

Why is a college education important to you?
College is important to me because it’s the place where you find yourself, gain connections and learn that education prepares you for the future. For me, college has opened the door for connections with engineering majors, as well as knowing what steps to take to get where I want to go in the future.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
The way that I manage my schedule is simple. Monday through Thursday, I have either one or two classes every day, and I use the time I’m not in class to complete every assignment and get ahead. Since I don't have classes on Friday, I use that day to write notes, study for quizzes and review the notes I took that week. That way, I have time to myself on the weekends.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about events and services available around campus through Instagram because I follow NIU and many different organizations on campus. That way, I’m informed when they post upcoming events.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
After a long week of homework and quizzes, what I like to do to relax and recharge is watch Netflix, hang out with friends and sleep.