Jason Keith

Jason Keith is a transfer rehabilitation and disability services major from Billings, MT

Hometown: Billings, MT

High School: Broomfield High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2026

Transfer From: Coastline Community College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I liked the available programs and flexibility.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Honestly, I didn't have a specific path when I was younger. I joined the military in my early 20s, and it turned out that was the path I was looking for. Once I retired from the military, I wanted to pursue a degree in disability services so I could work with the VA to help other veterans work through their struggles — essentially, to pay it forward.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in rehabilitation and disability services and hope to add a psychology minor. I chose this major because I found that I have a large amount of personal life experience with it, and I wanted to better understand challenges experienced by people with disabilities and avenues I can use to better assist them.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
When I began college here, I was a 45-year-old retired veteran. I had a hard time convincing myself that I could make it through college, but rather quickly I found myself really enjoying my time here. My professors and the people I work with have been a great help to keep my motivation up, and that makes the work so much easier.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have definitely connected with others. It's been a little strange as I am older than most in my classes, but I have had numerous amazing conversations with people about their interest in whichever program they are in. I have a wonderful friend base, and I really appreciate everything they have done with and for me.

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 with Military and Veteran Services, and I work in the Disability Resource Center. Both of these organizations have an amazing group of people that work there, and they are more than willing to help to the best of their ability. I am very fortunate to know them all!

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
To be honest, I don't want to say that just one professor has been the reason for my success. So far, everyone I have learned from has been important. I really appreciate the work they put in to make students like me successful in our endeavors.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Personally, I am a big fan of in-person classes, so I really try to maximize those in my workload. I like being able to have face-to-face conversations about different topics. Continually attending class gives me the opportunity to build friendships with other students and also a good rapport with the professors. They put a lot of work in to make our learning experience work. The least we can do is show them the respect they deserve by showing up for class.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The Peters Campus Life Building. I am drawn to it because there are so many options there that can help people become successful in their school career, even with disabilities, and that is important to me.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
NIU has so much to offer! From sports to dance, to all the different activities located in the Holmes Student Center. There is never a shortage of something to do. The classes aren't overcrowded, so you really get the chance to speak one on one with your professors, and overall, it's been a great experience!

Why is a college education important to you?
After my military service, I knew that what I did while active duty wouldn't translate into a profession outside of the military. So, I decided to pursue my degree, albeit a little later than most, but I am really on a path I enjoy.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I just make sure that I look through all of my requirements on Mondays and divide it out throughout the week, so I don't have to knock it all out on the weekend. It's worked for me so far.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I use the “Things to Know” email, and I will go over to the Holmes Student Center and check it out. There is never a shortage of information there!

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I am an older student with my own family, so I usually just hang out with them and my little beagle as well!

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently am a student worker at the Disability Resource Center in the Campus Life Building, and I absolutely love it! Being able to assist other students is a big deal for me, and I am proud to do it any way I can.