Haylie Lewis

Haylie Lewis is a psychology major from Hecker, IL

Hometown: Hecker, IL

High School: Waterloo High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2028

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have received the NIU Merit Scholarship because I met the GPA requirement. I received the Community Foundation Scholarship through working at Dollar General. I have received the Kovacevich Scholarship by being part of the honors program. The financial support has significantly impacted my experience at NIU. With these scholarships, I do not have to work full time, which gives me more time to study and be part of the community at NIU.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Throughout my life, what I wanted to be changed so many times. When I was younger, I wanted to be a cosmetologist or a makeup artist. Now, I am pursuing psychology to become a psychologist.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in psychology, and I chose this field because I want to help people. I have seen how different types of therapy can help people of all different ages, and it has really impacted my goals in life. I have gone through therapy when I was really young and more recently. I have loved every therapist I have had, and they were so helpful. My sister has also gone through therapy, and I believe play therapy, and this has helped her and my family understand the hardships she experienced before coming into my family's home.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have been pleasantly surprised by how many different classes there are. I guess in high school, there wasn't a lot of variety, and every student was learning the same thing most of the time. At NIU, I have been able to explore a variety of interests through the classes I am taking. Some of my favorite classes have been the women’s and gender studies classes. I have been able to learn more about gender and sexuality through them.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
At NIU, I have connected with other students through class and events on campus. There are so many groups and clubs to help you find people with similar interests, whether that is academically or within your hobbies.

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?
The group that I have been involved with the most is the University Honors Program. This has added to my experience by introducing me to the variety of events and activities on campus, and I have met many people through it. Every year, I find another club that I would love to be part of!

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
NIU Counseling and Consultation Services has made me feel very supported. I started going because of a class assignment, but I could see myself continuing to go. The counselors have been very helpful and listen to everything you say. The counselor I have seen has helped me make goals to better myself.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
One of the opportunities that I have gotten from the honors program has been the honors courses available. With these courses, we have honors assignments. These have driven me to work harder and connect more deeply with the course, allowing me to take more from it. I know that there are seminars, which I haven't had the opportunity to take yet, with more specific topics that I am super excited to participate in!

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I enjoy about the honors program is the sense of community. Being surrounded by peers who are all motivated and passionate about learning makes the program supportive and inspiring. It is easy to share ideas and challenge each other while celebrating everyone's successes in this space. It also motivates me to keep striving academically.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite instructors is Jordan Pennington. They taught an honors section of English 203. In their class, I felt super supported by them. For every assignment, they provided amazing feedback, and you could tell that they really cared and took the time to look and read through what you submitted. They also had small group meetings, which were great. We were able to have a face-to-face conversation about our work, and they provided us with advice and critiques in person. I am not one to enjoy an English class, and it is usually one I dread, but their class was amazing, and I enjoyed every meeting.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has helped me stay engaged with the material and better understand the concepts. I can participate in discussions, ask questions and hear different perspectives from other students. It also keeps me on top of my classwork, since deadlines and instructions are more in my face.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Honestly, my favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. There are so many places that offer a quiet atmosphere to study and do work. There are also places to talk with others and hang out. It is a place where I can be productive and feel like part of the community.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
My advice to a student researching colleges is to consider what matters to you. When finding a college, the first thing you see are statistics and what makes it “good,” usually academic statistics. When I was looking for a college to attend, I realized how important it was to find a place that felt welcoming and supportive. Visiting campus and seeing the community, or looking more into communities on campus, helped me visualize myself going to NIU. Of course, you should look into what programs they offer and how that will help you reach your goals. NIU seemed very welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, which is one of the big reasons it was on my radar.

Why is a college education important to you?
When I was younger, my family taught me the value of education. They encouraged me to work hard and be curious, which has definitely affected my life goals. College is important because it allows me to be curious and work hard while exploring my interests, like LGBTQ+ and gender studies, and developing skills I will need in my career.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I manage my time by planning. I use a calendar and a planner to keep track of assignments, work shifts and events, which helps me avoid surprises later on. It is best to set aside time for family and friends, as well as for assignments. Staying organized and being intentional with my time, at least to the best of my abilities, has been super valuable in meeting my goals and enjoying my time.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed by checking my email. NIU and the honors program send out emails with events and other things at the beginning of every week. These newsletters have a lot of information on when and where to get involved on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
When trying to relax or recharge, I do things I enjoy, like crocheting, reading, listening to music or playing video games.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
When I am not in class or working on classwork, I am usually at work. I work at Dollar General in Cortland as a lead sales associate. This year I hope to get into more clubs or volunteer more. I have gotten into the Fiber Arts Club on campus, and I hope to start volunteering at an animal shelter again.