Brandon Olsen

Brandon Olsen is a nursing major from Gurnee, IL

Hometown: Gurnee, IL

High School: Warren Township High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have received many different scholarships during my time here at NIU. Like most, I received the NIU Merit Scholarship for my academic performance. I have received a scholarship from the Honors Program the last two years. I also received another scholarship from an honors donor for the Kovacevich scholarship. However, the majority of the scholarships I have received have come from the School of Nursing and our amazing donors. I have received the Ruth I. Hall, Frerichs, Finney Medical Memorial and Shirley A. Benson scholarships. I received these scholarships based on my academic performance, a personal statement and some supplemental questions on my goals in my career and life.

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 little, I wanted to be a firefighter at first. I used to visit the fire station during their open houses, and I always loved the massive jackets. I did not end up taking "firefighter" classes; didn't know if that was an option here at NIU. I decided to work toward a nursing degree instead.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is nursing. I think I was always destined to help people in some form. It just took a while for me to decide which career would make the most impact for me.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was pleasantly surprised that the nursing school moved into a new building where the AC is good, there is a lot of study space, it’s quiet most of the time and it’s very clean.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I connect with other students by talking with new people in class or going to campus events to make some great memories.

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 involved in the Student Nurses Organization as the treasurer and with the Northern Prairie Alliance. I also tutor other students in mental health nursing, mentor new nursing students and have volunteered on a local political campaign. All these activities have made an impact on seeing the world in a different perspective by meeting people in a rural community vs. suburban, which I lived in all my life. Meeting other people with the same goal as me and helping support each other through one of the most difficult college majors to study. Learning how to teach others rather than just learning the information for myself. Lastly, becoming a social butterfly involuntarily because to be on a student organization board, you have to talk to tons of people.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center was really helpful when I was having difficulties with roommates my freshman year. They helped me try to find a new room and offered me the support I needed. The School of Nursing itself is amazing at helping its students succeed in classes and working toward the real world of nursing outside of school.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program has offered me many professional opportunities with workshops and events to meet other honors students, university staff and other professionals.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
If I am being completely honest, the free printing.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite professor is Dr. Stephanie Uhr, who teaches obstetrics/gynecology at the School of Nursing. She is great at making sure all her students understand the information taught and making the learning in class a lot more fun than a general lecture.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Yes, I learn better in class rather than paying to teach myself.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love the East Lagoon on campus because it is truly beautiful to see the changes over the seasons. It's the best when the geese aren't there.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Do your research about costs. I chose NIU mostly for the cost of attendance being lower than other schools in the state. This may not be the most glamorous college in Illinois, but I have still enjoyed my experience here as much as I would at another school. Just saved thousands of dollars in the process.

Why is a college education important to you?
My college education is important to me because I want to set myself up for success in adulthood. I know college itself doesn't make you an adult, but I think it is one of the stepping stones to show you can be responsible for bills, housing and learning from mistakes.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
The strategies I use to manage time are having a planner on my phone to know where I have to be when and planning out in my mind mostly what I would like to accomplish in a given time. I can get stressed or anxious about things, but who doesn't. It’s about being responsible with your time.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about campus events and services by checking my email each day for important updates regarding my college, the nursing school and campus itself. I also look at the main NIU website and Huskie Hub for other information.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love sleep. I also love scrolling on my phone in a quiet space. Not the best thing to relax but sleeping definitely is the go-to for me since I work and go to school.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Currently, I am a CNA in the ICU at a hospital near my home. I started there a few months ago in the summer. I have loved working with nurses and other staff. I have also enjoyed getting to know patients and their stories. I also love being able to help someone on the worst day of their lives. I want to be the guiding light toward recovery. That's really why I am in nursing school right now. For hobbies, I love ice skating and hockey a bunch. I am a major fan of the Chicago Wolves and Blackhawks. I love going to hockey games because nothing beats the energy of a crowd at a hockey arena.