Kaylin Lee

Kaylin Lee is a music education major from South Elgin, IL

Hometown: South Elgin, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

Major: Music education

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I came to NIU on an academic scholarship. With the financial support of this scholarship, I am able to focus on my schoolwork and not have to work a job. Additionally, I am able to give all of my focus to my major and not stress about my financial situation. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up, delivering the mail was my dream job. As time went on and I grew older, it became apparent that I wanted to follow a different path in life and pursue a different career.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am currently a music education major. I chose music education because of my past experiences in music classes. I love to teach people in addition to music, so music education seemed like the obvious choice when choosing my major. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was surprised by the amount of activities that are available despite COVID-19. There are multiple ways to get involved on campus and ways to safely have fun with friends! If you are ever bored or are looking for something to do, 99% of the time NIU is hosting an event.

How have you connected with other students virtually to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Meeting new people has been a challenge for many people on campus. However, with the virtual events NIU hosts, I am able to meet new people. In addition to NIU events, I use platforms like Teams and Zoom to connect with my peers and study for my classes. 

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 an orientation leader for the 2021 school year. This has helped me to meet new people on campus and learn more about NIU. Because I am learning about NIU and meeting new people, it feels like the “college experience” even with COVID-19 present. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Although I have had many amazing professors, my favorite has been Professor Scott Metlicka. He goes above and beyond his job title and constantly pushes me to be my best. Additionally, he helps me to understand the material I am learning by applying it to my future career and real-life situations. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the lawn outside of the Music Building. I am able to hear music play, enjoy the weather, and sit and enjoy a quiet and relaxing spot on campus. 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
When applying to colleges, make sure you try and get an on-campus tour! Having a tour in person may change your perspective of the school. Additionally, contact someone to try and shadow a student so you can learn what a typical day on campus looks like. 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
Time management! Although everyone says it, having time management skills is very important. I am in more classes that are more difficult than what I was used to in high school. College has helped me become very good at scheduling and being able to balance all of my classes with my free time. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
If I want to relax, I like to go to the Recreation Center on campus and work out for an hour. Additionally, I will go to the Holmes Student Center to play pool or bowl with friends.