Zoe Hougas

Zoe Hougas is a nursing major from Seneca, IL

Hometown: Seneca, IL

High School: Seneca High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2026

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 younger, I wanted to become a teacher. Once I got to high school, I chose to complete a certified nursing assistant course and fell in love with the world of health care. Now, I am pursuing a nursing degree.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I chose a major in nursing because I want to be the one caring for people during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I want to be there when patients are scared, in pain or unsure of what’s going to happen next. I thrive in high-stress situations and feel I do my best when things are intense and fast-paced. Instead of backing away from those moments, I lean into them. I want to care for patients during some of the scariest times in their lives and be someone they can rely on.

Have you conducted an internship? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes. My internship is with the student nurse assistant program at Morris Hospital in Morris, Illinois. I applied for this position as an employed CNA for the hospital. I was able to apply once I had one semester of nursing clinical completed.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
This internship allowed me to shadow in many diverse areas of the hospital. I was able to fall in love with cardiac-specific care, getting to do skills like CPR for the first time. This was a life-changing exposure, as I know that critical care is where I am destined to be. I was able to gain so much experience and connect it to the classroom. These experiences enhanced my learning and allowed me to have a strong foundation and understanding in my education.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
When I lived in the dorms, I enjoyed the events that CAB put on. It was a nice way to get out with friends at an affordable cost. It allowed me to connect with other students and make more friends. I also enjoyed playing in the co-ed intramural leagues at the Rec Center.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
In my first semester, I really struggled with making immediate connections. I made it a goal to make at least one friend in each class and to get their phone number. I made friends going to the Rec Center to play sports like volleyball. Once I finished my prerequisite classes, nursing school brought me to my closest friends. The program is hard and rigorous, so you need to have others to lean on. Eventually, we made study groups and spent long hours together in the library and student center. Rooting for one another and getting to celebrate the wins together is what made it worth it!

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?
Serving as co-chair of the student advisory committee for the School of Nursing taught me leadership and problem-solving skills. Being a lead tutor for medical-surgical taught me time management, leadership skills and public-speaking skills. As a senior nursing representative I gained leadership, time-management, technology and planning skills. I was also selected to be the College of Health and Human Sciences student marshal for the May 2026 commencement ceremony.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The instructors at the School of Nursing have been nothing but supportive of all students. These professors facilitate a safe learning environment and are all in for the right reasons. The staff have great experience and share many stories from their years in nursing, sharing much wisdom.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
While it is quite difficult to pick just one, I would like to recognize Dr. Cristan Sabio as my favorite instructor. He is more than dedicated to the NIU School of Nursing and the students. His expertise has benefited all who have had the pleasure of being his student. Although teaching one of the hardest courses in the program, he made it feel much lighter than it really was. He makes everyone feel very supported. I believe his knowledge, especially with critical care, has set NIU nursing students above other institutions by  teaching advanced concepts to help students become more well-rounded. For that, I could not be more grateful.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Being involved in class and engaging makes for a better experience. Not only for yourself, but for others as well. Professors feed off of class participation, and it leads to a better learning environment. Attending class holds you accountable and keeps you regimented, better preparing you for your job one day. Having a routine helps keep the mind and body happy!

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The library, hands down! It has a cozy vibe and is a great place to get lost. I was so productive when I studied there and would spend countless hours in my favorite nook.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
If you know what job/major you want, look into the programs and make a list of certain things that are important to you. Look into the size of the campus, dorms, what degrees are offered, if they accept college credits, campus life, etc.

Why is a college education important to you?
My honest answer is that I am looking for job stability. I knew exactly what I wanted when I graduated high school and went for it. Luckily, I enjoy school and learning, so college was the right fit for me.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Taking breaks between study sessions is very important, but do not procrastinate! Juggling jobs and school can be a lot, so make sure you know your own limits. Setting realistic goals and breaks makes studying much more manageable. My rule is, study for one hour and then take a 10-minute break, whether to get a snack or go for a walk. It is easy to get caught up in college life, so do not forget about your family and friends. At least once a day, I call my parents and/or text my friends from back home to stay in touch.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
If you are on social media, it is pretty easy to stay informed of events. I would either see a post on Instagram or look on the NIU website for upcoming activities.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I relax by crocheting, going for walks and working out. I feel it is important to reset in ways that do not involve technology. It is nice to reconnect with the world in a way that does not involve a screen.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am fortunate to have a very diverse work history. A lot of my time has been spent in the food industry as a waitress, donut and bakery worker, barista and fast-food worker. I have also spent my fair share of time in the world of health care, working as a CNA at my local hospital. My hobbies include hunting, fishing, crocheting, walking, working out, reading, coloring and relaxing in the sun.