Nathaniel Metzinger

Nathaniel Metzinger is a special education visual disabilities program graduate student from Arkansas City, KS

Hometown: Arkansas City, KS

High School: Arkansas City High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I did not know what I wanted to be when I was growing up, not until my senior year in high school, when the school counselor asked me what I wanted to do after high school. I did not know, so I thought about the people who helped me in my life and said I wanted to go into education. Now here I am, getting my master's degree in education.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing an M.S.Ed. in special education. My specializations are TVI (teacher of students with visual impairments) and O&M (orientation and mobility).

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I appreciated the unexpected opportunities to see more of this country, to interact with different people in my field and to learn how everything I have learned in classroom 233 will help me become a better TVI and O&M expert.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
When I came here from Kansas, I did not know anyone. I was alone and scared. As classes started up, I was thrown into a room with six other strangers, and now I can't bear the thought of not being able to see these crazy people again. To my NIU family! Gretchen Ivers, Kathleen Mackenzie, Grace Townsend, Tani Vincent, Maggie Teirney, Jared Zilic and yes, even you, Gabby Vargas. Without you guys in my life I would never have made it this far. You have helped me through the dark times and made every day a blessing in my life. From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul, I love you all with everything in my being. You will always have a place in my heart, and if you are ever in my hometown in Kansas, "Y'all come by now, you hear!" Love you guys.

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?
Sadly, I never had the time to be involved with any student organization, but I would often get together with some of my friends/classmates to work out or do lessons together, or even just hang out. Those times together have made my time as a Huskie truly meaningful.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
That would be the vision department in Graham Hall! For me it has become a second home, and It has given me a space to work and decompress.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
To me fair, every one of my instructors/professors at NU has helped me grow, and I am truly indebted to them for that. But I have to give it to Gianna Guskey, aka our mom! One time we were on a trip, and I did not bring a lunch, because I was not planning to eat, but Gianna was not having it and gave me her lunch. I felt really grateful she did that for me. So, to me she will always be mom. And queen Anna.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I wouldn't be able to learn the skills I need if I didn't attend class, and I never want to disappoint my instructors.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus would have to be the East Lagoon, because during springtime you will start to see all the little goslings walking around with their geese parents, and it just puts a smile on my face every time I see them.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Look into the cost of housing and only get a single living space if you know you can't handle having a roommate.

Why is a college education important to you?
Because I won't be able to do the job I want to do without it.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
School has to come first. I'm sorry, but it's true. Make sure all of your schoolwork is done or halfway done, then focus on your work. If you want to do fun things with your friends and family, you will need to work to make some money. Then, go out and spend time with your friends and family.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Gretchen Ivers. But for real, ask around, go to the NIU website or look up NIU groups and see what they are doing.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I spend time with my friends, play games, read books, etc. I try to look up from the grindstone sometimes, because if you don't, you will miss out on a lot of fun things. You will burn yourself out, and it will not be pretty. Take breaks. Go look at the geese. Spend time with your friends, they miss you.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Well for jobs, I will be a CA for Patterson Hall West, and I'm truly looking forward to it. As for my hobbies, well...where's the fun in just telling you about them here? I have so many hobbies, and if you see this and want to know more, come find me. We can talk for a little bit. The point here is to go out and meet new people. Sadly, there are some bad ones out there, but there are lots of good people who would love to get to know you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
When I decided to come to NIU I was taking a big risk, and I did not know if it would pay off. To tell you the truth, I'm still taking a big risk being here. But it’s a risk I'm glad I took, and looking back on everything, I truly feel like I gained a lot by just being here.