Milan Moore

Milan Moore is a transfer communicative disorders major from Pingree Grove, IL

Hometown: Pingree Grove, IL

High School: Hampshire High school

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

Transfer from: College of DuPage

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
NIU is close to home, and they also offer ASL courses.

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 never really had a chosen career path, but I knew that it would involve caring for others in some way. Now my career path is speech-language pathology.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is communicative disorders with a minor in deaf studies. While taking ASL in high school, I began to grow an interest in learning about the deaf community. During my time at the College of DuPage, I learned about the role of speech-language pathologists and how they are able to incorporate ASL into their work. I decided that majoring in communicative disorders with a minor in deaf studies would be a perfect fit for me.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
At NIU there are many ways to get involved. As a transfer student I was a little worried about getting to know others, but at NIU there are many different ways to do that.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
In my first semester at NIU, I decided to attend a COMDSA (Communicative Disorders Student Association) meeting. During these meetings I was able to meet other students who shared the same interests and classes.

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?
Yes, I am! I am the vice president of NIU's Music and Memory organization, historian of COMDSA (Communicative Disorders Student Association) and an active member of Signing Huskies ASL Club. Joining these organizations has given me the opportunity to explore new interests and make an impact during my time at NIU.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I haven't had the need to reach out to any; the professors I've had so far do a great at supporting their students.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Dr. Allison Gladfelter made a lasting impression on me. In fall 2023, I took her phonetics course. Even though phonetics is a challenging course, she tries her best to make sure that her students succeed in learning. She also inspired me to pursue an executive board position for COMDSA. 

Dr. Jamie Mayer is also one of my favorite professors. She teaches neuroscience of communicative and associated behaviors. She is the faculty member of Music and Memory. Dr. Mayer is very passionate about what she teaches. This course is what led to my interest in working with people with communicative and cognitive impairments.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By attending class regularly, I am able to understand concepts better since I am not missing anything. When attending class I also feel a better connection to my peers and instructors.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I like to go to the Founders Memorial Library and find a study room. I usually practice active recall while studying, so the secluded space and white boards available are perfect.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would tell them that patience is key and to find things that are of importance to them to help guide their decision.

Why is a college education important to you?
My grandmother pushed for me to attend college because she did not have the opportunity to do so. I want to pursue my education further so that I will have the ability to help others and make my family proud.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I love using the calendar app to organize my time. I usually have a designated day for homework/studying. Maintaining a balance between school, work and relationships can be challenging, but it is essential to find balance within them.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I usually stop in the Holmes Student Center at least once a week. While I am there, I make sure to check the flyers for new events. I also follow various social media pages to keep updated.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax I usually put on my favorite show like “The Sopranos” or “ER,” but taking a nap after a long day is always a great option.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am currently a server; I have always worked in customer service. I truly do love being around others and getting to meet new people every day. Collecting plants is one of my hobbies. I love houseplants and watching them grow. Later in life, I would like to have my own greenhouse or sunroom and grow my own fruits and vegetables.