Tatiana Reeves

Tatiana Reeves is a nursing major from Bolingbrook, IL

Hometown: Bolingbrook, IL

High School: Jones College Prep

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have been fortunate to receive several scholarships, including the Ari and Ruth Kovacevich Fund and the Harold W. Finney and Janet P. Finney Medical Memorial Scholarship, along with other financial aid and merit-based support. I was selected for these scholarships because of my strong academic performance, demonstrated leadership and commitment to pursuing a career in nursing. Maintaining a high GPA, being involved in campus programs such as AHEC Scholars and the University Honors Program, and showing resilience despite financial and personal challenges all played a role in why I was chosen. This financial support has greatly impacted my experience at NIU. It has allowed me to focus more on my studies and clinical training rather than constantly worrying about how to cover tuition. The scholarships helped reduce the financial burden on my family, especially my dad, who is helping support my education out of pocket. Without them, I would have had to take on more jobs and possibly sacrifice valuable study and clinical preparation time. Because of this support, I’ve been able to maintain my 3.87 GPA, actively participate in nursing opportunities and continue progressing toward my goal of becoming a nurse without being overwhelmed by financial stress.

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 a kid, I wanted to be in a career where I knew I could help people. At first, I wanted to be a doctor, but over time I realized that nursing was the path that aligned best with my values. I wanted the kind of career where I could spend more time at the bedside, have hands-on involvement in patient care, and build meaningful relationships with individuals and their families. Nursing allows me to do exactly that: be present during some of the most vulnerable moments of a person’s life, advocate for their needs and provide comfort as well as clinical care. Choosing nursing wasn’t just about having a stable career in health care, it was about finding a profession where compassion, critical thinking and human connection all come together.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
The major I’m pursuing right now is nursing. I chose this course of study because I’ve always been inspired by my parents, who work in health care. My dad is a respiratory therapist and my mom is a nurse. Watching their dedication to helping others showed me the impact that compassionate and skilled health care professionals can have on patients’ lives. Nursing stood out to me because it provides a strong foundation in hands-on care, critical thinking and patient advocacy. I also see nursing as a versatile career path — it gives me the opportunity to start working directly with patients while keeping the door open for pursuing higher education or specialization in the future. Ultimately, I decided on nursing because it combines my desire to serve others with the chance to grow professionally in a field that is always evolving.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The thing that has surprised me the most about NIU is the strong sense of community I’ve found here. I didn’t expect to feel so supported, both academically and personally, but I quickly found a close-knit group of friends who have become like family to me. Without them, I know I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today. They’ve made the challenges of nursing school easier to navigate, and they’ve been a constant source of encouragement and motivation. I’m truly grateful that NIU not only gave me an education but also introduced me to people who have shaped my experience in such a meaningful way.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I’ve met my closest friends through nursing school, and we study together regularly at the library or the student center. We quiz each other, share notes and help keep one another accountable, which makes studying less overwhelming and a lot more productive. Beyond academics, we also make time to go to campus events and activities together, which has helped me meet even more people and feel connected to the NIU community. These friendships have given me both a strong support system for my classes and people I can genuinely rely on outside of school.

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 AHEC Scholars program, which has been a great opportunity for me as a nursing student. It has exposed me to the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities in both rural and urban areas and helped me think critically about how I can make a difference as a future nurse. Through AHEC, I was also able to complete training such as mental health first aid and Narcan administration, which not only expanded my skills but also came with a stipend that supported me financially. In addition, I am a member of the Student Nurses Organization. Being part of this group has allowed me to connect with students across different tracks in the nursing program, learn from their experiences, share advice and support one another along the way. Both organizations have added so much value to my experience at NIU by giving me professional development opportunities and helping me feel connected to the broader nursing community.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I would say the NIU tutoring program has been the most beneficial resource for me. The tutors are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely caring and invested in helping students succeed. They take the time to answer all of my questions, explain difficult concepts in different ways and give me the confidence to approach challenging material, especially in nursing school. Having access to this kind of support has made me feel less overwhelmed, more prepared for exams and reassured that I have people rooting for me to succeed.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I know the scholarship from the Honors Program has definitely helped me, as it eased some of the financial stress and allowed me to focus more on my classes. I’ve also benefited from speaking with different advisors who guided me in forming my education plan and making sure I stay on track toward graduation. In addition, the Honors Program has opened doors to unique opportunities, such as participating in service events, attending workshops and connecting with other motivated students with similar goals. These experiences have pushed me to grow academically, develop leadership skills and think about how I can make a bigger impact in the nursing field. Altogether, the support and resources from the Honors Program have brought me closer to both my academic and career goals.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The thing I enjoy most about the Honors Program is being connected to other like-minded individuals who are driven and want to succeed in life. Being surrounded by people with similar motivation and high standards is really encouraging. It pushes me to work harder and stay focused on my own goals. I feel like I’m constantly learning from others, almost like a sponge, absorbing their advice, study habits and perspectives. That environment of support and ambition has made my experience in the program especially meaningful.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite professor so far has been Dr. Stephanie Uhr. She taught my Professional Nursing course, although she is best known for teaching OB in the nursing program. I really enjoyed her class because she emphasized not just the technical side of nursing, but also the importance of respect, compassion and professionalism in how we treat patients. What stood out to me most was how much she understood her students. She knew that the first semester of nursing school can feel overwhelming, intimidating and like a huge adjustment. She did her best to make the transition manageable while still challenging us and making sure we learned a lot. On top of that, she was very relatable and approachable, which made it easier to feel supported during a stressful time.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By attending class regularly, I’ve been able to fully understand the material covered in lectures and make sure I don’t miss any important notes or details that might appear on exams. It also helps me stay engaged and keep up with the fast pace of nursing school. Beyond academics, being present in class has allowed me to get to know my classmates, build study groups and support one another in understanding the content. Overall, going to class consistently has kept me accountable, strengthened my learning and helped me feel more connected to both the course and my peers.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the third floor of the Holmes Student Center, near the private study rooms. I’ve spent countless hours there studying, laughing and even crying — it’s a space that holds so many memories for me. Some of my closest friendships were strengthened in those study rooms, where we would stay up late into the night helping each other prepare for exams. It’s more than just a study spot for me; it’s a place that represents hard work, support and the bond I share with my friends.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would tell a student researching colleges to make sure they stay focused on their grades, even during senior year, because those grades definitely count when it comes to admissions and scholarships. I’d also encourage them to visit the campus in person, if possible. Since that’s where you’ll be spending the next four years, you want to be sure it feels like the right fit for you. Once you get there, remember that it takes time to adjust and feel comfortable. Everyone has their own timeline for making friends, finding their study habits and figuring out classes, so don’t compare yourself too much to others. Be patient with yourself, stay open to new experiences and trust that you’ll find your place.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it represents both a personal and family milestone. Not many people in my family have graduated from college, and if I do, I will be the first out of my five siblings to earn a degree. That makes this journey feel even more meaningful, because there are a lot of expectations placed on me, along with the sacrifices my parents have made financially and emotionally to help me get here. For me, graduating isn’t just about receiving a diploma, it’s about fulfilling a promise to myself and to my family, proving that their sacrifices were worth it, and creating opportunities to succeed in life and build a future that makes them proud.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Honestly, sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to balance school, work, friends and family. What helps me most is keeping everything organized with a calendar or planner so I can see my deadlines and responsibilities in one place. I try to get things done early instead of waiting until the last minute, because procrastination just adds extra stress. I’ve also learned the importance of making time for myself, whether that’s relaxing, hanging out with friends or doing something I enjoy. If I burn out, it’s much harder to stay motivated and focused. Finding that balance has been key to managing my responsibilities while taking care of my well-being.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about events and services on campus in a few different ways. The posters and flyers around campus are really helpful for keeping up with upcoming activities, and I also check Huskie Hub regularly since it has so many postings about what’s happening each day. Between those two sources, I’m always able to find opportunities to get involved, whether it’s academic support, student organization events or social activities. It makes it easy to stay connected to campus life and take advantage of everything NIU has to offer.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax and recharge, I like to watch TV shows — especially long series that I can binge and finish in just a couple of months. It’s a fun way to escape from the stress of school for a little while. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends, whether that’s going out to eat, shopping together or just spending time with each other. On top of that, playing video games is another way I unwind and give myself a mental break. Altogether, these activities help me de-stress, recharge and come back to my schoolwork feeling refreshed.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
Right now, I work at Whole Foods, and it has been a really fun and rewarding job. I chose to work there because I know I’ll spend my career working with patients, so I wanted to take some time to build skills in other areas first, like customer service, teamwork and communication, before focusing fully on clinical care. Some hobbies I enjoy include playing video games, watching long TV series, and shopping or going out to eat with friends. I also like creative projects such as writing, reading and drawing. These hobbies give me a good balance between relaxing, being social and exercising my creativity.