Angelica Navarrete

Angelica Navarrete is a transfer psychology alumna from Schaumburg, IL

Hometown: Schaumburg, IL

Class of: 2023

Transfer from: Harper College

What is/was your profession? And, if applicable, what is your current title and employer?
I work at the University Center at Harper College, and I am a University Center assistant.

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
When it came time for me to leave Harper College and transfer to a university, I knew I wanted a school that had a good psychology program and was close to home. I had heard great things about NIU’s psychology program, and when I learned about NIU at University Center at Harper College, I knew this would be a perfect match. Through the University Center, I got to experience NIU’s psychology program and learn from NIU’s amazing, accomplished professors, all while utilizing Harper College’s campus to attend my classes.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you currently doing it? If not, what changed your path?
Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher and help students learn and grow. However, that is not what I am doing now. Ultimately, what changed my path was realizing I wanted to help students on a smaller scale. I have been so lucky to have amazing academic advisors both at Harper and NIU, and after going to so many appointments over the years, I knew this was the way I wanted to help students. I want to help students create an academic path to success that works for them and give back to the next generation of students.

How did NIU prepare you for your current profession?
I did some online classes at NIU that really taught me how to stay organized and ask for help when I need it. I also found a lot of confidence every time I would do well on a difficult assignment. Now, when I talk to students, I have to be confident because they are coming to me for help and guidance for their next academic steps. I am also highly organized when it comes to information about the University Center, since we work with four universities total.

Describe what a typical day at your job looks like.
A large part of my day is working with students who are interested in completing their bachelor’s or master’s degree through the University Center. I get to help students who call, email or walk in figure out the next steps in their academic journey. I also love to do information tables, since it helps us spread the word about how one can complete their bachelor’s or master’s degree at Harper.

What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I would say I am most proud of the feedback I get from the students I help. Whenever I hear things like, “thank you, I greatly appreciate all of your help” or “thank you so much for clarifying,” it just makes my day. It makes me realize that I am helping and making a difference, no matter how small.

In a few sentences, please share the impact NIU has had on your life. How would your life be different if you hadn’t attended NIU?
I would say the biggest impact has been from the psychology department. They all made sure I was included in things that were happening around campus, even though I wasn’t an on-campus student. I also enjoyed all of the creative writing assignments I got to do, which has helped to strengthen my writing. If I hadn’t attended NIU, I wouldn’t have been awarded some of the scholarships I received, and I wouldn’t have met their great faculty and staff.

Who at NIU had a significant impact on you? What valuable lesson did you learn from them?
Steven Estes was a wonderful advisor during my time at NIU, and I am so grateful that he always had answers to my questions; he is a big reason why I want to be an advisor myself. Dr. Phil was also a great psych professor, and I learned so much in his classes; I feel that my writing is better because of his classes. So much so, that now I also write for a Cincinnati Bengals online news outlet.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at NIU?
As a football fan, I loved going to the NIU football games! Personally though, one of my favorite memories was going to campus to officially receive the Fierce Gamer Scholarship back in 2022. It was so great to see the Esports Arena, meet other gamers and enjoy Super Mario Bros. cupcakes!

What advice would you give to a student who is considering attending NIU?
Do your research and ask questions. Choosing a college or transferring to one is a big decision, so research and reach out to the school!

What advice would you give to a student who is currently attending NIU?
Whether or not you are an on-campus student, NIU offers lots of clubs and sports, so find something that interests you. Also, reach out to your professors if you need help in your classes, they are there to help!

What made you decide to complete this survey and share your NIU story with other Huskies?
I decided to share my NIU story because it is different than an on-campus student’s. Even though I transferred here and rarely came to campus, I had an amazing experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.