Carley Pederson

Carley Pederson is a mathematical sciences major from Chicago, IL

Hometown: Chicago, IL

High School: Taft High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2028

Minor: Spanish

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the NIU Merit Scholarship because of my GPA, the Chicago Public School Scholars scholarship because of my high school and my academic performance, and the Hardgrove Mathematics Scholarship because of my grades in my college math classes. Having these as financial support has allowed me to be more fully present for my experience at NIU. I don't have to worry so much about having to pay for college, because part of the cost has been covered, and having that big weight off means I can focus more on learning and socializing while at NIU.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I want to be an author. Before that, I wanted to be a baker, and before that I wanted to be a fashion designer. I am not necessarily pursuing writing as my major, but I am getting a certificate in creative writing to keep me on the author path.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is mathematical sciences with an emphasis in computational math, and my minor is Spanish. I chose to study math because I love the subject so much and because it is applicable to so many different fields. I chose to study Spanish because I have a passion for language learning and because it is such a useful language in day-to-day life when interacting with other people.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Everyone at NIU is exceptionally nice. No matter where I am, people hold the doors open for others, smile at passersby and hand out compliments like candy. It makes experiencing life on campus such a joy!

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I became friends with the girls in my cluster in Patterson our freshman year. We would have movie nights and study nights together, which helped us all to get very close. I've made friends in my classes just by being bold enough to strike up a conversation with someone I don't know. Sometimes we don't hit it off, but when we do, it makes going to class all the more fun.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
NIU's Counseling and Consultation Services supported me during my first year here by helping me to reframe my mind in a more positive way, and I saw myself become more successful because of it.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
As of yet, I'm not sure. I will have to seize more of the opportunities when they come my way.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I've enjoyed most the unique honors seminars given each semester. Last semester, I took a Tai Chi seminar, and it was such an incredible and holistic experience. It was really cool that a bunch of us from different majors could come and connect in this class, and that wouldn't have happened if not for the honors program.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Gleb Sirotkin, whom I had for Calculus 2 and 3, has been one of my favorite professors. He is really meant for teaching, because he explains the content well, goes at a reasonable pace, delves into the why and how of what we learn rather than just the what, makes it very clear what we will be tested on and is clearly passionate about the subject.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By going to class regularly, I can learn what a professor is expecting of me, so when I am completing assignments or tests, I can have greater confidence in the work I am submitting.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love the forest preserves in the community, because I love to see the beauty of nature in every season.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
You don't have to strive for the biggest name in colleges. Transitioning to college is difficult, so choose somewhere you feel you will be able to thrive the most.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education helps you to become more globally minded through the classes you take and the experiences you have. That is an important mindset to have, because we do not live in this world all by ourselves, and we can live better with each other when we understand each other more.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I always block out my assignments for the week in list and calendar form, that way the tasks do not feel so overwhelming. When I have that schedule, I can easily say that I have time to hang out with friends and family, because I have a specific plan to get my work done or have already done it. I also never stay up late doing work, because if I do, my brain just doesn't function as well the next day.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I get emails from the Northern Star and different campus departments about events.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
My go-to option is journaling, but I also exercise, read and paint.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, and I love it there. I love to read, write, cook, draw, paint and be active.