Sarah Roy

Sarah Roy is a mechanical engineering major from Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Canada

Hometown: Sainte-Julie, Quebec, Canada

High School: College de Montreal

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 received an athletic scholarship through the school's athletic program since I am a part of the women's soccer team. I also have an NIU Merit Scholarship. This financial support has given me the opportunity to move from Canada to the United States to compete at a higher level while simultaneously pursuing my studies.

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 would visit friends and family growing up, I remember bringing some pens and paper to draw their neighboring houses. Because I loved drawing houses, I used to dream of becoming an architect so I could design some of my own. I have now taken another path and decided to study mechanical engineering.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
As mentioned above, I am a mechanical engineering major. My mom, an industrial engineer, played a big role in this choice. When I got to high school I thought that her job was the coolest thing ever. However, I thought that the mechanical branch of engineering would be a better fit for me because of how versatile it can be.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Through family contact, I got a production and research internship at Anatis Bioprotection, a company that produces biopesticides. The company specializes in mites, small insects and fungi that are added to plants and crops to protect them against predatory insects.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
Although the internship was not directly related to my major, it gave me the chance to see what a career in science might look like. Working in a research environment allowed me to see the discipline and rigor that comes with it. Additionally, I believe the hands-on experience I gained on the production line will be valuable as I advance my curriculum.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how lively the campus can be, especially on Food Truck Wednesdays. When the weather is nice, the quad in front of the library is always full of life!

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I was lucky enough to join NIU already a part of the team. It made it much easier for me when I started classes, because I already had a bunch of girls willing to help me when needed.

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 a part of the NIU women's soccer team. Being on the team has been a core aspect of my experience at NIU. Not only has it allowed me to travel across the Midwest and visit many universities, but it also pushes me to grow as a person because of the challenges I face every day.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I believe there isn’t a single place on campus where I haven’t felt welcomed. Everyone has shown me support and helped me to the best of their abilities.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructor so far has been Donald Peterson for Engineering Mechanics I. Not only did I think he was a great instructor, but as a student-athlete myself, I thought it was nice to see a former student-athlete being successful after their sport.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
The main benefit from attending class regularly is the connections I make with my peers. I love meeting new people and discovering new perspectives on a topic.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus would be the library. I love how quiet it is, which allows me to focus on schoolwork when I need to. I also love how I can have access to different textbooks on the same subjects in an instant. I truly believe it makes me more successful in class.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
One thing I didn’t think much about when researching colleges, but wish I had, was the kind of lifestyle I wanted during my college years. Every institution offers a unique lifestyle and choosing one that fits your preferences and expectations can increase the quality of your experience.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it encourages me to explore diverse perspectives and ideas. I have learned so much from meeting people with different backgrounds, and I believe these experiences will be valuable for my future.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
To manage my responsibilities, I keep track of my schedule and stay ahead on my schoolwork, allowing me to spend quality time with family and friends. However, keeping up with school while being a student-athlete does come with making a few sacrifices.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I usually stay informed by reading the email the school sends. The university and the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology often send email about events and services that are offered.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Whenever I feel like I need to recharge, I usually call family and friends. I also go on walks when the weather is nice.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I've recently gotten into bouldering. I enjoy visiting the Recreation Center's bouldering room whenever I don't feel like making the drive to the climbing gyms near Chicago.