Mei Lin McDermott

Mei Lin McDermott is a music major with an emphasis in music education from Moline, IL

Hometown: Moline, IL

High School: Moline Senior High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2028

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is music with an emphasis in music education. I chose to study music because I've always loved music, and my high school director inspired me to go into education.

Have you completed or are you currently pursuing an internship or other career-related experience? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes. I got my internship by asking the School of Music admissions coordinator if he had an open student worker position.

What have you learned or experienced through your internship that you couldn't have gotten in a classroom?
I've learned more about marketing a music program and creating promotional material for a music program.

What advice would you give to a student who is trying to land their first internship?
Ask questions. You never know what opportunities might be available unless you ask.

What do you believe an NIU degree will make possible for you that might not have been possible otherwise?
I believe obtaining your degree opens up more job opportunities. It shows you took extensive time to study how to do something to the best of your ability.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
I’ve been surprised by how much there is to do on and around campus. NIU is in the middle of DeKalb, and there's a surprising variety of restaurants and small stores around the downtown area that have been interesting to discover.

Are you involved in student organizations, mentoring programs or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones, and how have they shaped your experience as a Huskie?
I'm in the NIU Philharmonic and the NIU University Chorus, and I'm a Study Abroad Ambassador and a Northern Ambassador. Each of these opportunities has helped me get involved, make friends and gain skills that will help me toward my future goals.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
My academic advisor has been one of my greatest resources on campus. She has helped me every step of the way to make sure I can get all of my classes in my preferred format and on my preferred timeline while still keeping me on track to graduate.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
My favorite professor has been Dr. Lucia Matos. I had her for music theory 1 and 2, and now I have her for conducting. She's so animated and engaging as a professor, and her excitement is infectious. It makes me want to go to her class.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is Einstein Bros. Bagels. I go there every morning to start my day off with a good bagel for breakfast.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU helped me find my community by giving me opportunities such as the Northern Ambassadors. The staff has been amazing since I joined, and I found some of my good friends amongst my coworkers.

Why is a college education important to you?
An education is the key to getting more job opportunities. Having a degree can help set you apart from the crowd and help employers want to hire you.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
Apply and visit the campuses. Even if you don't know what you want to do, just apply. The worst thing they can say is no. Also, visit the campuses so you can try to picture yourself at each place you've applied. You never know where you'll find your home away from home.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
I have an extensive planning system that involves a lot of color-coding and whiteboards.

What made you choose NIU over other colleges you were considering?
The financial aid offer was the main factor. NIU has helped me get the cost of university down low enough that I don't have to worry as much about how I'm going to pay for my education. It allows me to focus more on my classes and trying to be successful at different opportunities around campus.

What was the most important thing NIU did to help you make a successful transition into college life?
The honors mentoring program was beneficial. The honors fellows are great at helping new honors students get acclimated to campus.

How has living on campus (or commuting) shaped your experience as a Huskie? What support or resources have made that work well for you?
Living on campus is nice because I got to pick exactly which room I wanted, and I'm not too far from the dining hall. The meal plan that comes with living on campus has also helped me to not worry about a food bill while attending university.

What Honors Program opportunities have helped you move closer to your academic or career goals?
The opportunity to live in the Honors House at Patterson. I have heard a lot of stories regarding roommates, but the Honors House at Patterson gives me my own room and bathroom. I also appreciate living with other honors students because it's a quieter living arrangement that allows me to focus and study.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I received the Presidential Scholarship.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
Yes. I was going to attend whichever university gave me the most financial aid.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
It's made it so I don't have to worry about money while I'm attending classes.