Alannis Muñoz

Alannis Muñoz is a transfer political science major with an emphasis in governance, and minor in Latino and Latin American Studies from Elgin, IL

Hometown: Elgin, IL

High School: South Elgin High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

Minor: Latino and Latin American Studies

Transfer from: Elgin Community College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
Affordability, closeness to home and programs offered.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a doctor or an engineer. I thought by being a doctor or an engineer, I would be able to help people in all aspects of life. Though I have taken a different path in my major, I am still doing it for the same reason: to help others.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is political science with an emphasis in governance, along with a minor in Latino and Latin American studies. Choosing my major was heavily influenced by my family's immigration story. My parents and older brother were born in the country of Chile, and my older sister was born in Mexico. I was later introduced as the first American-born in my family. Seeing my siblings and I growing up differently, all I wanted to do was help. Once I transferred to NIU, I knew I wanted to be the resource my family did not have.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes.

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I have held three internships from the start of my undergraduate degree. My first internship was with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi as a legislative intern in Schaumburg, Illinois, in 2018. My second internship was with Senator Tammy Duckworth as a constituents intern in 2020 in downtown Chicago. I learned about my first two internships at club meetings at my community college. Workers from the offices came to my school, presented what they did for work and offered internships. I did not know if politics was going to be my route, but I took a leap of faith and applied! My last internship was with the Lauren Underwood for Congress campaign from 2021-2022 as a campus intern. I actually found that listing on Huskies Get Hired. I traveled all through the state’s 14th Congressional District, knocking on doors and helping host public events.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My internships have prepared me for my career by conducting research, mediating conversations with different opinions and delegating tasks. It has only helped me grow as a leader.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something I found pleasantly surprising about my NIU experience are the communities on campus. Whether it is participating in cultural affairs or receiving mental health assistance, I found that everyone at NIU has a place to belong.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I met one of my best friends while studying together for classes and have been able to form new friendships through other extracurricular activities.

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 very involved in organizations and extracurricular activities on campus. I started my first semester as a dance member of the Latin dance team Tumbao. I was captain the next semester, and the following year I was appointed co-director. When I am not dancing, I am involved in political groups on campus. I’m a founder of the YDSA: Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter, a member of NIU College Democrats and a member of Model Illinois Government, where I am currently the acting governor for the state executive board. These activities have added to my experience as a Huskie by promoting professionalism and learning every day. I am constantly learning how to be a better version of myself.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
There are a few NIU offices, departments and resources that have helped me feel so safe, supported and successful: 

• Disability Resource Center (DRC): Before transferring to NIU, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and it took a toll on my academics. The DRC was able to help me communicate with my professors and give me the extra time I may need on exams.
• Latino Resource Center (LRC): My second home. Luis, the director, cares so much for the Latin community on campus, and he shows it by supporting students like me. Having someone like Luis who is so welcoming brings so much hope and safeness when you're in a new place, and I thank Luis for always providing that space.
• Community Counseling Training Center (CCTC): When I was in a time of need of counseling and needed to speak to somebody, the CCTC helped take care of me. I learned many things about myself and how to navigate campus with the anxiety I felt.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite professor while attending NIU would be Professor Scot Schraufnagel. I took his State and Local Government and Political Science Career classes in the same semester and got to know him very well. Professor Schraufnagel was a professor who understood me but also pushed me to be a better student. He was straight with me but gave me a foundation and discipline I was missing. If it weren't for Professor Schraufnagel, I would not have been the lieutenant governor for Model Illinois Government in 2023-2024 and governor for 2024-2025.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly is a must in order to succeed.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. The space is so cozy and full of people who have the same goals you do.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would tell students who are researching colleges to make sure the education is worth the cost. Students should be aware of the financial decision they are about to make.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because many people do not realize the value a degree can provide when you enter the workforce.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I make sure I get all my homework done before I hang out with friends and family in my free time. I have learned that creating boundaries is important in becoming a better version of myself.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Instagram! Every day there are new posts about what is happening on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I relax by watching a reality show with a nice meal in front of me.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
My hobbies include dancing, walking my dogs and playing on my Nintendo Switch. I find joy in all of these hobbies, and they mostly keep my body moving.