Landon Lapore

Landon Lapore is a transfer human development and family sciences major from Belvidere, IL

Hometown: Belvidere, IL

High School: Belvidere High School

Year: Expected graduation: Fall 2025

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
Because of the great program and it's close to home.

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 growing up, I wanted to be a physical education teacher. After pursuing the physical education program at NIU, I realized that teaching wasn't for me. I still wanted to help children and families, so I decided to pursue human development and family sciences with an emphasis in family social services instead.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is human development and family sciences (HDFS) with an emphasis in family social services and an area of study in child welfare services. The reason I pursued this course of study is because I wanted to help children and families in need. Growing up life wasn't always easy. My home life wasn't always an acceptable place for a child to grow up. It's my goal to help children and families understand what is acceptable and give children the life they deserve.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I completed my internship at the Rockford Department of Children and Family Services agency. I was able to get my internship with the help of NIU's College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS).

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
Considering I'll be working with children and families in my future career, I believe my internship benefited me in multiple ways. First, it helped me understand how to assess high-stress situations in a respectful and efficient manner. Second, I now know what is expected of a professional in that field. Lastly, it confirmed my goals and beliefs.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something that I have found pleasantly surprising about my NIU experience is that all my professors are so caring and accommodating. There have been a few times when I needed a mental break or someone to talk to, and my professors didn't hesitate to take time and talk to me or accommodate me. It's important to note that they weren't just listening, I could tell they actually cared.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Most of the friendships I have made with my peers have been due to working together in courses or having similar interests and mindsets about courses. Although the friendships I have made were unexpected, I truly do appreciate them all, and I am grateful to have met them along the way.

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 have been selected as the CHHS undergraduate student marshal for the December 2025 commencement ceremony.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The human development and family sciences program has made me feel safe, supported and successful. They have made me feel safe by allowing me to engage in emotional conversations without feeling judged. They have made me feel supported by always telling me that I am capable of excellence. Lastly, they have made me feel successful by not letting me give up even when things got hard. The professors in the HDFS program are very genuine and caring, and I am so honored to have worked with them all.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Deborah Koons-Beauchamp has been one of my favorite professors. She is the most genuine professor. She truly cares about her students and supports them in any way possible. She understands that life can be stressful, and when it is, she's not only there to talk to you about it, but to help you through it in any way possible. I truly believe she is the most genuine professor within the HDFS program. Not only that but she's organized, non-judgmental, friendly and well-educated. I trust her as not only a professor, but as a friend.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly is crucial for academic success. Not only did it allow me to soak in as much knowledge as possible, but it taught me that being on time or attending when expected is key to success in all aspects of life. Also, it allowed me to form relationships with my professors and feel as if I wasn't just in a class, but rather in a meeting.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is probably the HDFS student center. I feel welcome here, I see familiar faces and it's close to all my classes. Everyone within this building is friendly, respectful and judgement-free.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
The advice I would give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to is to look no further than NIU. It’s a great school with genuine professors who are well educated in the courses they teach. The school overall isn't too expensive, and it has plenty of opportunities for all students.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because I am the first in my immediate family to receive a degree. It's a true accomplishment within my family, and I’m excited to be the role model for my brothers, sister, nieces and nephews. Also, I feel as if college really does benefit a person. It gives them more opportunities and more insight and helps them question their beliefs and values. It's not just about earning a degree, it's also about learning how to respect others’ opinions and values, and that is especially evident within the HDFS program.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Managing time can be stressful. Strategies I used to manage my time were to take frequent breaks, create an agenda and remain focused on my overall goal. Taking breaks is crucial, because if you don't, you'll become burnt out. Creating an agenda of what is due each week is crucial because it creates a visual representation of what needs to be done. Remembering what my future goals are pushed me to stay on top of everything. Also, understanding when to say no. It was important that I spent time with friends and family, but knowing when I should or shouldn't was crucial to my success.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Through my NIU email or from the NIU website.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
In order to recharge, I tend to relax at home with a movie. Sometimes I may go out with friends or family, but normally I like to recharge alone.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Currently I work at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois. I have been working there part time for a few years now as I complete my program at NIU. Some of my hobbies are working out, attending car meets and watching football on Sundays.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I have received an Academic Excellence Award from CHHS during the 2025 Achievers Reception. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA during my time at NIU. I received an Outstanding Volunteer Award in April 2025 for my time spent volunteering at NIU's Huskie Food Pantry.