Paxton Kennedy

Paxton Kennedy

Paxton Kennedy is an economics major, with minors in business administration and marketing, from Mendota, IL

Hometown: Mendota, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2022

Major: Economics

Transfer from: Illinois Valley Community College

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 be a financial advisor. I went on to pursue my degree in economics. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is economics with a minor in business administration and a minor in marketing. I’m also getting my professional sales certificate. I chose econ because I was fascinated by supply and demand and how our economy prices everything. I followed that with the minors because I felt they were nice complements to my major. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The engagement from the staff. I’ve felt welcomed and embraced by the faculty here at NIU, and I feel like it’s an experience you wouldn’t be able to have at a lot of larger universities. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
One of the major ways I’ve connected with students is through group texts. I found that this is the best way to communicate outside the classroom, especially with COVID. 

Paxton Kennedy on field playing baseball

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 baseball player here at NIU, so that consumes most of my times outside of the classroom. I think being a student-athlete has given me the full college experience and helped round me out as a person. 

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The sales program has really helped me improve my communication skills and interactions with people I don’t know. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors is Chuck Howlett. He brings a personal approach to teaching and doesn’t just do the “sit in your seat and look at my PowerPoint” type class.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Going to class regularly keeps me in check mentally with the different tasks I need to complete each week and how I’m going to accomplish them. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot is the Barsema Hall food court area. I just love the environment and social aspect it brings to college. 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
It is worth it. Whatever doubts you’re having, just flush them. College is a great long-term investment and will give you so many experiences that you won’t ever regret. 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
I’ve had to learn how to manage my time differently. Balancing a full school schedule with a full baseball schedule and a part-time job has given a me different outlook on time management skills. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I need my seven or eight hours of sleep every night. If I don’t get those, I don’t feel fully recharged for the day ahead. 

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