Kalin Schaefer

Kalin Schaefer is a history major (with secondary educator licensure) from Volo, IL

Hometown: Volo, IL

High School: Wauconda High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received an NIU merit scholarship, the Kovacevich Scholarship, an NIU Advantage Grant, the James P. and Mary Clare Sczepaniak Scholarship and the Jeannie Hainds Scholarship. Receiving scholarships has lessened the financial burden of attending college and allowed me to focus on my education and getting the most out of my experience.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
While I was growing up, I wanted to be a teacher, and that is what I'm pursuing.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is history with a license to teach. I decided on this course of study to be able to help others and make a difference in the lives of students.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have really enjoyed my professors and have been pleasantly surprised at the close relationships I have been able to form with them.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have been able to connect with others through our mutual desire to learn and be a valuable part of our classes and the NIU community as a whole.

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 sports reporter for the Northern Star, and it has greatly enhanced my experience as a Huskie. I am able to work with others who love sports as much as I do, and it has been amazing to experience NIU sports in a different way.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
I have used the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences advisors, who have helped me feel supported in my class decisions. I am also very involved in the School of Theatre and Dance, which has been a very supportive, important part of my career at NU. The Honors Program has helped me meet so many people and has provided me with so many opportunities to experience NIU in the best way possible.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
I have used the honors advisors to help make sure I am on a path to succeed, as well as the engaged experiences to try new things I otherwise would not have attended.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the people of the Honors Program. Everyone I have met and worked with has gone out of their way to be as kind and helpful as possible, and it is a very positive community to be part of.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Madelyn Anderson was my absolute favorite. She taught my COMS 100H course and was always so kind and willing to help. She truly met students where they were at and worked with us, especially in a class that can be anxiety-inducing to many. She was always so positive and made a stressful class a very relaxed environment where we all felt supported by one another. Her dedication to volunteering at the Huskie Food Pantry and bringing students with her got me involved there, and I have continued to go back, thanks to the wonderful example she set.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Going to class regularly has not only helped me academically, but it has allowed me to connect with my professors and other students. I have had meaningful interactions and made wonderful friends, which would not have been possible without going to class. I have also been able to learn and digest material much easier when I go to class, and it makes things seem a lot less overwhelming.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the old quad and the East Lagoon. I love that it is one of the oldest spots on campus, and I love its character and peacefulness.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would advise them to truly think about how they learn and what would be a good fit for their style of learning. I knew I wanted to attend a medium-sized school, and that was influential in my decision. I would also say to picture the future and listen to your gut. When picturing yourself a year from now, if you always see yourself at a certain school, chances are it's probably a good fit and something you really want.

Why is a college education important to you?
Getting a college education means I will be able to use my education to help educate others and teach future college students about the importance of continuing their education. A college education helps open your eyes to different experiences and allows you to meet different people, which is very impactful outside of an educational perspective.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I prioritize things based on when they are due and recognize when I need to take a break from school and do something fun for myself. I also work out, make sure to spend time outdoors and remind myself what's important and why I'm here.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed about events on campus through social media! Following the NIU accounts is very helpful, as they are very good about posting when there are events and services available.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to read, exercise, watch sports, spend time outside and play with my dogs. In order to recharge, I disconnect from school and work and take time to do things that make me happy and allow my brain to take a little bit of a break.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work at the NIU Child Development and Family Center, and I love getting to work with kids. I am also a dance teacher, and dance has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Dancing is probably my biggest hobby, but I also love to read and am an avid sports fan. I love to spend time with family and friends. Some of my favorite things to do are travel, spend time exploring new places and walk my dogs.