Wendy Lozano

Wendy Lozano is a first-generation, transfer medical laboratory sciences major from Posen, IL

Hometown: Posen, IL

High School: Bremen High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

Transfer from: South Suburban College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I chose NIU because of its medical laboratory sciences program, affordability and diverse campus community.

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 transfer scholarship and the AIM High Transfer Achievement Award. The NIU transfer scholarship was granted to me for obtaining a cumulative 4.0 GPA at the time of my transfer, and the AIM High Transfer Achievement Award for meeting the specific criteria set by the state of Illinois. By receiving this financial support, I have been able to dedicate more time to my studies and take advantage of all the opportunities NIU has to offer. I have had the freedom to explore extracurricular activities and engage with the campus community. This financial support has relieved the stress of accumulating debt and empowered me to make the most of my time 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?
Growing up, I always imagined myself as a doctor or nurse, improving the well-being of others. As I navigated high school and college, I still felt that I wanted to contribute to health care in some way, but I could not find the exact career path I was envisioning for myself. After extensive research, I discovered medical laboratory sciences, a field that perfectly aligned with my vision and aspirations.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in medical laboratory sciences. I selected this major because it perfectly aligns with how I envision my future career. Pursuing a career as a medical laboratory scientist will allow me to play a crucial role in health care and have a meaningful impact on individuals' lives. This profession offers so many opportunities for personal and professional growth, which will enable me to expand my knowledge as I progress in my career.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was pleasantly surprised by the number of cultural events that happen year-round at NIU. Before coming to NIU, I had not realized the diversity within this community. As a first-generation Mexican American, this made me feel welcomed and included in this new environment.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have built connections with other students through casual conversations with classmates, attending events and becoming involved in clubs. I have met so many people and formed new friendships. Attending events and club meetings has allowed me to meet people who share similar interests, making it easier to connect with them.

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 first clubs I joined at NIU were the Medical Laboratory Sciences Club and the Latino Student Alliance. These clubs were the first to introduce me to new people and help me discover other clubs that interest me. They have helped me learn so much more about NIU and feel more connected to a community of students. They were both so welcoming and inclusive of everyone.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
As a transfer student, I initially did not know about the database resources available at NIU. It was through the Writing Center that I discovered these resources. They guided me in utilizing effective search strategies within databases, saving me time and helping me find articles more closely related to what I was looking for.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Out of all the professors I have had during my time here in the medical laboratory sciences program at NIU, it is impossible to single out a single professor. Each one has shown exceptional expertise and dedication. Their dedication to our learning is evident as they go above and beyond to ensure we understand the material thoroughly. They genuinely care about our success and offer the resources necessary for us to thrive.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has facilitated a deeper understanding of the material and encouraged active class participation, which has enhanced my understanding of the material. It has also reduced the stress associated with staying on pace with course materials.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Founders Memorial Library is my favorite spot on campus. I enjoy having a spacious environment when doing my work. Additionally, I like having the option to select a floor based on the noise level I prefer, which allows me to find a quieter space when necessary.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would suggest starting by creating a list of attributes you definitely want in potential schools. If you have a specific major in mind, research the resources each school provides for that major. However, the most crucial advice I would give is to tour the schools that truly interest you. This will provide valuable insights into campus life and allow you to ask questions about aspects important to you, ultimately helping you determine if the school is a good fit for you.

Why is a college education important to you?
As a first-generation student, a college education will open doors to a wider range of career opportunities and will break generational cycles, creating positive change for future generations.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
A planner and a reminder app have been the best tools I have used to manage all the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family. These tools have helped me maintain organization, ensured I meet deadlines and reminded me of upcoming events. It is very easy to get caught up with schoolwork, but I think that it is really important to take breaks and enjoy quality time with friends and family without feeling school-related guilt.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I rely on the Navigate app and Huskie Hub app to stay informed about campus events and services. The Navigate app offers a list of resources that makes it easy to schedule appointments with specific services or individuals. The Huskie Hub app provides an events calendar that allows students to view daily and upcoming events on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to take walks to clear my mind when I am feeling stressed. It helps to disconnect for a moment and recharge my mind. I enjoy listening to music or watching my favorite shows to help me unwind and relax.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Some of my hobbies include running and crocheting. I like to spend time outdoors in nature and improve my running skills. It is always fun to challenge myself and feel strong. Crocheting allows my creativity to shine through. I enjoy making pieces for myself and others.