Courtney James

Courtney James is a special education major from Fishers, IN

Hometown: Fishers, IN

Class of: 2024

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received support from the Go Teach Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway program, as well as a merit scholarship and Pell Grant.

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 wanted to become a teacher, and I am fulfilling that by majoring in special education.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is special education with an ESL endorsement.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
I am studying how students who have autism initiate communication using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
I have been able to experience education in a different manner, in addition to working within the field to become a better educator.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
This research is going to help me become a better educator of students who use AAC devices.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Natalie Andzik, because she believed I could be successful with this research and trusted me to put all my effort into bettering students.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
I think that when going into research, you should embrace all the good, the bad and the ugly. It will all work out in the end, and the research will help you grow professionally and as a person.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I think something that surprised me is how much of a family culture the university has. Everyone is tied together and wants the best for each person who walks onto campus.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with other students to study for classes by working in different locations on campus, as well as reaching out to classmates after class.

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 the student-athlete mentor program through Huntley Middle School in DeKalb. Working with the youth of Huntley has helped me learn and apply my knowledge. I’ve been growing as a person and working on skills for my future classroom.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I have benefitted from the support of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services (SAASS), the College of Education and the athletic department.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Natalie Andzik (SESE 462) and Dr. Brandon Perez (SESE 417). Both professors helped me become successful in the classroom and shaped me into the educator I am right now and will be in the future.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I’ve learned so much valuable information and continue to become the best version of myself.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The Holmes Student Center or the athletic facilities. The student center is one of the best places to study and hang out with friends, and the athletic facilities are where I spend time every day with my teammates.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
When looking at a college, visit the campus. If it feels like home, then it is!

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is so important to me because it’s shaping me into who I am and allowing me to challenge myself academically.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I think keeping a calendar and taking time for yourself are extremely important.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed by looking at the flyers around campus and checking my email.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I have a lot of self-care routines and love to read. I also enjoy a good movie to end the day!

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
In the summer I am a head lifeguard and nanny, and I also give youth softball players hitting lessons. I enjoy hanging out with my family and my two dogs, Peaches and Finley. I love to read and spend time on self-care.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I love NIU and wouldn’t have gone anywhere else. I love this Huskie home!