Katie Krogman

Katie Krogman

Katie Krogman is an elementary education major from Forreston, IL

Hometown: Forreston, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2023

Major: Elementary Education

Transfer from: Clarke University

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 had always wanted to be a teacher but chose another path my first couple years in college. Ultimately, I decided to switch my major to elementary education.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is elementary education with an emphasis in special education. I switched to this because I wanted to work with children every day. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have really enjoyed the small class sizes in the College of Education. It makes creating a relationship with the professor much easier. It always has helped me to meet and connect with more of my classmates.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I met new friends in my education courses. We study and help each other with homework questions.

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 in the Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) and the Honors Program. SCEC has helped prepare me to work with children and given me tools for professional development opportunities. The Honors Program has been amazing for me. I have gotten the opportunity to work closely with my professors on various projects dealing with a range of educational topics. I just finished my capstone project this summer. I am presenting my work with Dr. Donegan at the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children at their fall convention in Naperville. I also interned with Dr. Donegan last spring researching about intensive intervention. I presented at the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) at the conclusion of the internship.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The Honors Program has given me opportunities to elevate my resume within my program. Dr. Donegan specifically has helped me in so many ways. I took a class last fall with her, then I interned under her in the spring, and she was my professor for my capstone this summer. Without her I don’t think I would have been able to complete my capstone project.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
My capstone was by far the most rewarding and difficult thing I have ever done. I would’ve never composed a piece like I did without being in the Honors Program. I will be able to not only put that on my resume, but also be able to take it and use it for the rest of my career.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I love how personal it is to you and your degree. I have been able to complete the requirements while tailoring it to the field of education. It has made it so much more beneficial for me because of it!

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Rachel Donegan has been so helpful to me. I took a class with her in the fall, then interned under her in the spring, and she was my capstone professor. I couldn’t have done it without her!

Dr. James Cohen also was awesome, and I really appreciate all the advice he’s given me. I took a class with him and made it an honors course, then took an honors seminar with him. 

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I try to not miss class for any reason. By being there not only do you learn, but you also create a relationship with your professor that you don’t get when you’re not in class. My grades have reflected my time in class.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. You can grab coffee or lunch! It’s a fun spot to meet with your friends between classes.

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
Tour campus wherever you apply and meet potential future professors. Campus really plays a part in where you are going to spend a few years of your life. It’s also nice to meet professors that you’ll be spending time with.

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
I had to relearn time management skills. Trying to juggle class, working and other activities can be overwhelming. I have a calendar, a planner and lots of lists to help me manage everything.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I really like to walk and listen to music.

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