Julia Rozalowski

Julia Rozalowski is an elementary education major from Plainfield, IL

Hometown: Plainfield, IL

High School: Geneseo 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 received the Presidential Scholarship and the Henn-Moody-Simich Scholarship from NIU. I received these scholarships due to academic excellence in high school and my dedication to extracurricular activities. Seizing the opportunity to apply for these scholarships, I was fortunate enough to have received them. This financial support has substantially impacted my experience at NIU, allowing me to continue my education without a financial burden holding me back.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of becoming an elementary school teacher, which is exactly what I am pursuing while attending NIU.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is elementary education with an emphasis in English as a second language, reading and bilingual education. I decided on this course of study because it allows me to listen to my lifelong calling of becoming a teacher, while focusing on areas countless students need support in.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Throughout my time at NIU so far, I have been most surprised by how many familiar faces I see in each of my classes. As a first-generation college student, being able to recognize my peers and make connections in my classes allows me to form study groups and have a friendly face to turn to for anything.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have found that connecting with others has been super easy due to the community NIU fosters from the moment you step onto campus. In my first week on campus, I attended several Week of Welcome events, which connected me with other students I keep in touch with to this day. In addition to attending events on campus, I enjoy sparking conversations with new and familiar faces in class or on campus.

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 the secretary of the student organization Aspiring Educators. This organization has added to my experience as a Huskie by fostering a community of education majors, allowing me to feel supported and grow as a student and an individual.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
As a student at NIU, I have access to endless resources. I have regularly felt supported due to the guidance and support of the University Honors Program, Student Wellness, Student Involvement, the Campus Activity Board, Founder's Learning Commons and the College of Education. I have been able to feel safe, supported and successful due to these departments because when I reach out to them, I am listened to and helped directly or guided to the resources I need to thrive.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I have received a tremendous amount of academic and financial support from the Honors Program, which has allowed me to progress toward my academic and career goals. Academically, the Honors Program allows me to push myself further in my education, allowing me to become the best student I can be and the best teacher I can be in the future. In addition, the honors advising ensures I can succeed in the classroom while having the guidance I need along the way. Financially, I receive support from an Honors Program scholarship, which makes attaining my degree possible.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
As a member of the Honors Program, I have access to an infinite number of resources, setting me up for success in my education. Personally, my favorite part of the Honors Program is the honors area in the Peters Campus Life Building where honors students have access to free printing, an honors classroom for tight-knit classes, and honors fellows and honors staff who are always willing to help students in any way that they need.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors up to this point has been Teresa Wasonga, who I had for EPFE 201: Education as an Agent for Change. Professor Wasonga became one of my favorite professors instantly due to her passion for teaching and how clear it was that she cared for students and their success. Throughout this course, I loved how clear she made her expectations and how she shared stories with the class that enriched our learning. Additionally, I always looked forward to the start of each of her classes, as she would open the class to discussions about world events to ensure we were aware of what was going on in the world, allowing me and my peers to develop not only as students but also as individuals.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have benefited by attending class regularly because it allows me to build a close relationship with my professors and peers, guaranteeing me the most success possible. By attending class I can stay on track with my work and make the most out of my education.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot in the community is The Greenhouse, which is a plant nursery and coffee shop around 15 minutes from the heart of campus. I am drawn to The Greenhouse because it is a small business that partners with other small businesses, allowing me to support various small businesses from one spot. The Greenhouse is a perfect place to study or take a break from studying (plus, when you show your OneCard, you can get a student discount). The Greenhouse also has yoga on select days, which further explains how versatile and awesome it is and makes it a go-to spot for me!

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I recommend students to look for colleges they can connect to in various ways, especially since most students will be away from their family and friends for the first time. Additionally, I recommend looking for schools that provide you with the most resources and opportunities to succeed academically and financially.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me as a first-generation student continuing my education to make both me and my family proud. Throughout my education, I have worked hard to make attending college possible, so being able to continue my studies has been my top priority and something I have valued for as long as I can remember.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I have found that making a list of the tasks I need to complete and then creating a daily schedule has allowed me to manage my time and responsibilities successfully. When creating these schedules, I ensure I am being realistic and committing to what I have laid out for myself each day to hold myself accountable. Upon the completion of these tasks, I reward myself for keeping myself motivated and for eliminating distractions.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
To stay informed about events and services available on campus, I follow NIU organizations on Instagram. I also find out about events by looking at bulletin boards around campus and check my email for information. In addition, as an honors student I receive a weekly newsletter on Mondays from the Honors Program that informs me about any honors-related events happening on campus that week.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To recharge, I enjoy going for walks while listening to podcasts, watching movies, calling my hometown friends to catch up, going to coffee shops and going to the Recreation Center on campus.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a peer health educator for Counseling and Consultation Services. In this role, I learn about wellness topics and work at programs and events that support student wellness on campus, such as the Procrastination Cafe and Chilling with Chase. My hobbies include baking, going on bike rides, shopping, being active and trying out new things.