Yash Saini

Yash Saini is a computer science major from Karnal, India

Hometown: Karnal, India

High School: Pratap Public School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received an International Scholarship for having good grades during high school and having family supporting my education. I received the Dick Noreen Honors Scholarship for being in the Honors Program. These scholarships have massively helped my education. Without them, I would not have been able to complete my undergraduate 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?
I wanted to be a software developer. Yes, I am pursuing that as my major, which is computer science.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is computer science. I've always been fascinated by technology and how it works. I also enjoy problem-solving. Computer science allows me to combine my interests in creativity, logic and problem-solving to create innovative solutions.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Thanks to the guidance of my professor and the Huskies Get Hired program, combined with my strong computer science skills, I secured an internship in Lisle, Illinois.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My software developer internship offered a direct application of my computer science studies. It served as a stepping stone into the software industry, where I had the opportunity to delve into different roles and broaden my understanding of the field.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One thing that has pleasantly surprised me about NIU is the strong sense of community. I've found that the faculty and staff are incredibly supportive, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and meet new people. The smaller class sizes have also been a great benefit, allowing me to get to know my professors and classmates better.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I’ve connected with other students by joining clubs, attending campus events and chatting with classmates.

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'm not currently involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extracurricular activities. However, I was actively involved in the Fencing Club during the last academic year. Unfortunately, with all the coursework and studying I've been juggling lately, I haven't had much time to dedicate to extracurriculars.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Counseling and Consultation Services. The staff there have been incredibly helpful and supportive, and I feel comfortable going to them for help when I need it.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program has provided me with several opportunities to get closer to my academic and career goals. The smaller class sizes and access to faculty mentorship have allowed me to delve deeper into my coursework and explore my interests.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The Honors Program has been instrumental in helping me achieve my academic and career goals. The smaller honors class sizes and access to faculty mentorship have allowed me to delve deeper into my coursework and explore my interests. I've attended numerous honors events, where I've had the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and learn from accomplished faculty members.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
While I hesitate to name a favorite professor, I have had several exceptional experiences with faculty members at NIU. Professor Decker and Professor Rahimi, in particular, have made a significant impact on my academic journey. They taught some of my core computer science courses, including CSCI 360, CSCI 340 and CSCI 465.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has been crucial for my academic success. It allows me to stay on top of the material, ask questions, engage in discussions, build relationships and prepare for exams.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Recreation Center. It’s got everything from a gym to chill areas, and it’s always a good vibe. I love going there to work out or just hang out with friends.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
When researching colleges, consider your interests, explore schools that align with your goals, visit campuses as possible, factor in affordability and ask questions. The best college for you is one where you feel comfortable and supported.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important for career opportunities, personal growth, networking, and acquiring knowledge and skills. It is a valuable investment in both personal and professional development.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?

• Prioritize tasks
• Make a schedule
• Set deadlines (break down big tasks into smaller ones with due dates)
• Minimize distractions

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about campus events and services by attending events listed on the campus calendar, reading student news emails and paying attention to announcements.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to relax and recharge by taking naps, playing games and going to the gym.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work as a software developer intern, where I develop software applications. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, digital drawing and playing games.