Ella McKinney

Ella McKinney is a communicative disorders major from Rochelle, IL

Hometown: Rochelle, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I was awarded the Leonard D. Carmichael community service scholarship, William E. Eickman scholarship, Rock River Valley Blood Drive scholarship and Huskie Legacy Award. Financial support definitely persuaded my college choice, as NIU was very accessible and reasonable. I have been able to go a lot farther in my education than I thought possible.

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 wanted to have a career like my parents. My dad is a fourth-grade teacher, and my mom is a registered nurse, so I would go back and forth between the two when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. When I got to high school, I realized that I really didn't want to do either of those careers, so I searched for careers tailored to my strengths that would still make a difference in people's lives. When I was introduced to speech-language pathology, I was instantly intrigued by its unique combination of science and language skills — two of my favorite subjects. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in communicative disorders and minoring in deafness. I feel called to help give a voice to those who cannot communicate. I am fascinated by language, the brain and the functioning of speech mechanisms. Speech-language pathology allows me to study those elements and apply them in a way that significantly improves people's lives.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I love how well NIU balances individual and group work for students. I appreciate that my education plan here is very individualized, but I also have the support and teamwork from classmates and professors to complement my studies.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have gotten involved in both Cru and the Communicative Disorders Student Association (COMDSA), which has allowed me to meet so many people who are passionate about the same things that I am. The honors program has also introduced me to a group of high-achieving students in my classes who are working toward similar goals.

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 involved in Cru and COMDSA, and I played intramural volleyball. Cru has given me a place to live out my faith in Jesus Christ and connect with other believers. COMDSA has opened the door to several educational opportunities and allowed me to meet people who are passionate about communicative disorders like I am.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders and the University Honors Program have been the main supporters because of the endless resources, advice and support they offer me as an honors student studying communicative disorders.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
By being in the honors program, I have the opportunity to be directly admitted to NIU's speech-language pathology graduate program. This has jump-started my academic career and motivated me to take on the challenges of the honors program. I am also grateful for the honors advisors and mentors who support me and help me navigate classes.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy being a part of the small group of like-minded individuals in several of my classes who help each other succeed through healthy competition and support.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I took a phonetics class with Dr. Allison Gladfelter (COMD 221), and I absolutely loved it! Not only was it interesting, but I knew everything I was learning applied directly to my future career and daily life. Dr. Gladfelter gave great insight into what different careers in speech pathology or audiology could look like and prepared us to be informed professionals in our field. I am grateful for her expertise and the strategic content of her class. That class confirmed for me that I was in the right place. 

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I understand the material better when I attend class and can ask the professor or my peers questions. There have also been times when professors give extra credit just for showing up to class.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Whenever the weather is nice enough, I love being outside. Whether it's to study or have lunch with a friend, I think being outdoors is so peaceful. Otherwise, the library is my go-to for a cozy study spot.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Be mindful of your priorities before searching for the college that aligns with your goals. Also, apply for more scholarships than you think you need or qualify for. Most of the time you do qualify, and organizations are looking for great students to support financially.

Why is a college education important to you?
With this college education, I will be able to become a speech-language pathologist and make an impact on the lives of people in my community. I know a college education is a foundational building block to career success in my future, so I'm taking full advantage of it.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I am grateful to have a good balance of school, work, extracurriculars, and family and friend time. I prioritize my education and relationships and schedule my weeks accordingly. For anything else that is not as important, I have given myself the grace to not meet every expectation.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I check my email every day to stay caught up on assignments and news about campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I find peace and energy when I spend time with the Lord in prayer, worship, reading the Bible and journaling. I also love talking with a good friend or listening to music to clear my head.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Currently, I am a running coach for Girls on the Run, which is an organization that empowers girls and encourages them to be considerate of others and themselves, while staying active. I am also leading and organizing two Christian retreat weekends this summer for high school and college-age students. I love playing any sport, especially volleyball, on intramural teams or for fun. I enjoy playing the piano for my church's worship team and attending an occasional ballet class at the studio I used to dance at.