Genesis Miranda

Genesis Miranda

Genesis Miranda is a first-generation special education major from Sycamore, IL

Hometown: Sycamore, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

Major: Special education, emphasis in visual impairments

Minor: Latino and Latin American Studies

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received a wide range of scholarships, including the Huskie Excellence Merit Scholarship, the Huskie Marching Band Scholarship, the DREAM Action Scholarship and many scholarships offered by the College of Education. I have been relying heavily on the financial support of generous donors to complete the past two years. Regardless of how many hours my parents work, their income is barely enough to make ends meet, let alone finance a college education. The scholarships I have been granted have covered all of my educational expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies rather than worry about paying off loans or outstanding balances. 

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
My passion for education and desire for teaching developed as a young and curious girl. Every time my younger cousins would come over to my house, I would have them play school with me, and of course, I was the teacher. In high school, I did gain interest in other areas of study, including astronomy and meteorology, but my calling was to be a teacher. Now that I am well into this career path, I know I made the best decision and am eager to teach in the very near future!

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am pursuing a major in special education with an emphasis in visual impairments. My decision to become a teacher of students with visual impairments began my junior year of high school. During a school trip to NIU, I sat in a mock braille class led by my now assistive technology professor. I was captivated by how one can communicate through an array of raised dots and not have to rely on sight. Later that year, my track team was introduced to a new teammate; she had a visual impairment. Because we were in the same events, I offered to guide her during practice. I was in awe every time I observed her navigate her environment so efficiently despite her visual impairment. Not only did she advocate for her own needs, but she also listened to her peers’ needs after she was elected class officer. This irrepressible, intelligent and uplifting individual influenced me to become a teacher for students with visual impairments. 

My ethnic background and culture are aspects of my identity that I highly value. While I am fluent in my native language, the knowledge I have regarding the history of my culture is lacking, simply because I was not exposed to it at a young age. To rewrite this narrative, empower myself and inform those around me, I decided to take on a minor in Latino and Latin American Studies

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Being the first person in my family to attend college, I was not aware of the amount of independence college students gain. I am no longer running on a standardized class schedule or waiting on my mom to pick me up from school. It is up to me to seek the assistance I need and organize a schedule I can keep up with. This independence is doubtlessly preparing me for "the real world."

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Because my major is strategically organized by professional blocks, I have several classes with a specific cohort. I have grown fond of a lot of my classmates. During breaks between our long classes, we will get coffee to keep us awake for our next class or simply relax. I try to find something in common with someone and go from there; I always hope it leads to a friendship. 

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 in a handful of student organizations and extracurricular activities, such as the Huskie Marching Band and DREAM Action NIU. I also serve as a peer mentor for the Huskie Service Scholars program. Being a member of these groups has allowed me to gain leadership skills, establish a community on campus and create long-lasting bonds with not only the members, but also the advisors/directors. 

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
If I am not at the student center, I am most likely at the Undocumented Student Support office. Dr. Sandy Lopez and the rest of the staff have exposed me to unique experiences that helped develop my professional effectiveness and sense of community. This resource was created by "unafraid [and] unapologetic" undocumented NIU students, which encourages me to continue their efforts and advocate for all undocumented students. 

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The competitive scholarships accessible to me through the Honors Program motivate me to perform my best at all times and strive for a high academic standing. Now that I am starting to work on my capstone project, I know that the workshops will guide me throughout the process and present effective strategies to ensure I successfully complete the project. 

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I really enjoy meeting with the advisors for the Honors Program. They always ensure I am staying on track to fulfill the requirements for the program and give me guidance on new opportunities on campus. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
This is a very difficult question to answer. Throughout my years at NIU, I have been surrounded by the most influential and supportive professors. Dr. Lydia Gerzel-Short, who teaches Math/Science Instructional Methods for Elementary Students with Mild Disabilities (SESE 416), has truly gone above and beyond. She always finds a way to make class fun and interactive. The three hours I am in her class seem to fly by. Dr. G provides us with essential content and several opportunities to practice the skills necessary for our career. She has also supported me outside of the classroom and assures me whenever I am not at ease. Dr. G is an educator I hope to emulate in the future. 

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I learn best through interaction. My professors do a great job of delivering critical content, but it is through discussions with my professors and classmates that I truly retain the information and even gain new insights. Attending class regularly ensures that I am immersing myself in my education. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
You can always find me at the Holmes Student Center. The location of the building is convenient, which means I do not have to stress about hurrying from one place to another. There are numerous great study spots in the center where I can get my work done before going home. It is also a great place to socialize, destress and meet new people.

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
Go with your gut. When I started applying to colleges, I felt a bit apprehensive after my friends told me about all of the schools they applied to, since NIU was the only school I applied to. I felt as if I was limiting myself and the opportunities available to me. But I went with my gut. I committed to NIU and it was the best decision I could have made for myself and my future. 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
Managing my time was something I had to adjust to. High school differs dramatically from college since there is a specific time learning takes place in the day. Now, I have to take into consideration my in-person and online class sessions, any asynchronous classes I may be enrolled in, academic and extracurricular activities, and my commitments outside of school. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I use working out to escape from reality. I have been weightlifting for the past two years and have become very absorbed in this pastime. It allows me to not only improve my physical and mental well-being, but also motivates me to explore and push my limits. 

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