Kyla Reisenbichler

Kyla Reisenbichler is a music major with an emphasis in music education from Freeport, IL

Hometown: Freeport, IL

High School: Freeport High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2028

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have received an NIU Merit Scholarship, a Huskie Legacy Award and the Wadeland School of Music Fund, along with financial aid from the FAFSA and a Golden Apple Scholarship. I rely heavily on financial aid because I have a big family. As the oldest of seven kids in my household, I have been paying for college with funds I have earned myself through part-time jobs. The scholarships have helped me immensely. I am very grateful for the music scholarships because they show that my talents can have a high reward and that there are people who appreciate the value of music and the arts on campus.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up I was involved in music in many ways. My junior year of high school I was actually doing clinicals at nursing homes and received my CNA with hopes to go into nursing. After going to state for choral singing for the Illinois Music Education Association, my whole perspective changed, and I realized I might want to study music.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is music with an emphasis in music education, and my main instrument is voice. I always loved music growing up and would play the piano while singing songs with my siblings in the living room. I have also been involved in musical theater productions since I was in elementary/middle school. As mentioned earlier, I auditioned and was accepted to attend the ILMEA All-State conference for choir during my junior year of high school, which is where my thoughts changed about my major. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Eric Johnson, the director of choral activities at NIU, and was captivated by his way of teaching students and capturing the emotion behind each song. Singing with other students from across the state was an experience I will never forget and inspired me to take the path I am on now.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was pleasantly surprised by all the resources provided for students and the friendliness of the staff on campus. Everyone I have been in contact with, such as housing and the Disability Resource Center, has been very kind and has tried to provide the best experience for every student on campus.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
My first year at college it actually took me a while to find a group of friends, but going into my sophomore year, I have felt like I have formed such an amazing sense of community with my peers in the music building and around campus. Most of my close friends and I share the same major, met during classes on campus and have stayed connected, or met at FSL events or campus-held events throughout the semester. My roommate is one of my friends from freshman year. We have the same major and same type of schedule and plan study dates from time to time. It is amazing finding friendships through classes and your interests that help you thrive, and I am so grateful for the classes that brought us together.

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?
As a vocal major I am involved in choir and an organization on campus called SNATS (Student National Organization for Teachers of Singing). Choir has introduced me to so many amazing people, not only music majors, but people who just enjoy singing and making music with others. Each fall semester we have a choir retreat where we get to know each other better, eat yummy food and make music together. It is one of the events I look forward to the most each school year. The SNATS organization has also been a good way for me to get involved with people who have similar interests and gain leadership experience.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
When I think of departments that have helped me feel safe, supported and successful, I immediately think of the NIU School of Music faculty and staff. The faculty there are some of the most welcoming and kind people I have ever met. You can tell that they all genuinely care about their job and their students. I have also been supported at my on-campus job by the staff at Founders Memorial Library. Every staff member who works at the library is so kind and helpful, and they are always willing to be flexible with my schedule as a full-time student. The last resource that has helped me feel supported and successful at NIU is Counseling and Consultation Services. I was able to talk with someone and have access to free telehealth services throughout the majority of my freshman year to help deal with the stress and changes of moving to college for the first time. Although it might not have been the easiest thing I have done to admit to talking about my feelings with someone, it is one of the best decisions I made to be successful.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I can’t pick a favorite instructor/professor, but If I had to choose I would say every single professor I have had in the music building. They all play a big role in my journey to becoming a music educator and make me a better musician one way or another. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their constant support and positive attitudes.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I would say that attending class regularly has been the reason why I am so successful and motivated in all of my classes. I have attended every single one of my classes since coming to college, unless I was sick or had an important situation come up. Attending class regularly not only helps me understand the material better, but it makes me motivated to get up each day and be as productive as I can. Attending class regularly also helps to get my questions answered. Asking questions in class to gain a better understanding is something I would 100% recommend. Going to class also helps me solidify my knowledge on a subject and what I can work on to do better before an exam.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus would have to be Founders Memorial Library. There are so many resources for students all in one place, with lots of different places to study. I personally like finding a window spot that looks over the quad area between the library and student center. I am also drawn to the library because they have an Einstein Bros. Bagels shop in the lower level. Every Friday my roommate and I go there right when they open to use the meal swipe option and maybe even get a coffee or smoothie, depending on the day. It is something nice to look forward to each week or to take advantage of during a study break.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
The advice I would give to a student researching colleges to apply to is to find opinions and ratings from people who have actually gone to the school you are interested in to see if it would be a good fit. You could also consider the price and what your budget is, different scholarships you can apply for and the population of the school. Everyone is different, so for one person a small school might be better than a larger school. I would also look into the programs the school has for your specific major and the outcomes of those programs.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because I want to have the highest level of knowledge and skills to teach my future students in the classroom. Every single class I have taken while pursuing higher education has impacted me in some way and left me with something I can take with me in the future. I am passionate about music, and getting a degree in music education will allow me to show my future students just how powerful and amazing music can be.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
The best strategy I have for managing my time and responsibilities has been planning and tracking my assignments. I use an app called Notion that links to my phone, computer and iPad, which makes it convenient to see all of my tasks at any given moment. I have found that keeping track of my responsibilities and planning out tasks each day helps me balance everything. I also use Google calendar to write down important dates like exams, required events, etc. I also call my boyfriend at 9:30 almost every night and prioritize going to sleep at a decent time. I will say that it takes time and discipline to figure out your schedule and what works for you, and sometimes you have to prioritize some things over others depending on your workload. It can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
One way I stay informed about events and services is social media. There are so many different clubs on campus, and I find it is helpful to follow the main NIU clubs, plus any others that might catch my interest. NIU’s main Instagram page is also very good at posting different events on their story, so you know the different options available throughout the semester. I would also recommend checking your email every Monday morning and reading the “Weekly Scroll of Things to Know” because it gives updates from the previous week and events happening soon.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
My favorite thing I have implemented this school year to relax and recharge is my reset day. I pick a day toward the end of the week or over the weekend depending on my schedule to do a “reset” of my life. I do my laundry, wipe off all my surfaces, vacuum, etc. Tidying up my room makes me feel so refreshed and helps me to feel recharged after a long week. After my reset is done I take a nice warm shower, cuddle up in my pj’s with some tea or hot chocolate, and take some time to be alone in my room to relax. I find that allowing myself to be alone and take time to relax with a good show is just what I need at the end of a long week

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently have two part-time jobs. I work at Culver’s in my hometown over the summer and during breaks throughout the school year. I also work at Founders Memorial Library part time throughout the school year. Some hobbies I have are singing, reading books, journaling, doing puzzles, making Pinterest boards and going on walks. I also taught myself how to play the ukulele and the guitar but am still very much a beginner.