Stephanie Smelser

Stephanie Smelser is a transfer rehabilitation counseling graduate student from Carol Stream, IL

Hometown: Carol Stream, IL

High School: Glenbard North High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2025

Transfer from: College of DuPage

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
For the rehabilitation counseling accelerated bachelor’s/master’s program and the distance from home.

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 thought I wanted to be a teacher. As I got older, I wasn’t so sure teaching was for me, but I knew I wanted to work in social services. Now, I’m pursuing a different career in rehabilitation counseling, but having the foundations of human services has helped prepare me for this field.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am currently in the rehabilitation counseling program. As an undergraduate student, I started off as a human services student at my local community college with the goal of working with people with disabilities. I was also interested in academic advising but didn’t think I could pursue both paths. I came to NIU for a preview day and stopped at my academic department’s table. I told them about my two interests, and they recommended rehabilitation counseling. I had never heard of this field, but instantly knew it was the perfect match for me!

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
I am currently working on research as part of my graduate assistantship with Amanda McCarthy. We recently just worked on a Delphi study with the goal of establishing distinct definitions of vocational assessment and evaluation so that there is more consistency in research and practice. Working on research interests me because I feel that it is important that professionals in the field provide consistent care for our clients, and having consistent terminology is the key to doing so.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
Conducting research has pushed me to grow in my knowledge beyond the classroom. I have been able to apply many concepts I’ve learned in my classes to the research, which has really emphasized the importance of the work rehabilitation counselors do.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
Having some published works as a graduate student has helped me to make connections and learn from distinguished professionals in the field. It has also helped to strengthen my resume. I hope to continue with research after I graduate, and having an understanding of the process gives me a good foundation to start with.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Amanda McCarthy has been incredibly important to my success, not only in research, but professionally as well. Dr. McCarthy has been so generous to include me in projects she is working on and guide me through the research process. Her passion and enthusiasm for contributing to our field in this way has inspired me to contribute to the profession as well. She has set such a positive example of what leadership in research looks like.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
Take every opportunity that you can as it relates to research! The professor I am currently working with, Amanda McCarthy, once told me something along the lines of, “somebody has to these things, so why not you?” This put a lot into perspective for me as I contemplated involvement with research and other opportunities. You might face some self-doubt in your abilities to do research or take on something new, but somebody needs to do the work and take the opportunities, so why not let it be you!

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
I am currently doing an internship at Hines VA in Chicago. It is a requirement for my program, and I am learning so much! I worked with my professors to make connections with the vocational rehabilitation counselors who are currently working there. I currently work with one of the counselors, who happens to be an NIU alum, to help veterans with severe mental health conditions find and maintain employment in the community.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
This internship is helping to prepare me in so many ways! First, it is providing me with the space to practice and use all of the skills I have learned throughout the first two years in the program. I am faced with unique challenges each day that my supervisor helps me to work through to support our veterans to our fullest capacity. I have already grown so much as a counselor in the short time I have been there. This internship has also provided me with the opportunity to network with other counselors, professionals and employers in the community so that when I begin my career, I’ll have many different connections.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I was pleasantly surprised about the smaller class sizes. With such a large university, I have appreciated the effort to ensure smaller class sizes. I have noticed that this fosters more participation, peer interaction and individualized learning.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
In my graduate program, we have smaller cohorts, which has really cultivated strong relationships among us. Getting to know one another before and after class has allowed us to connect and become strong supports in each other’s journeys.

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 currently involved in the Rehabilitation Counseling Student Association (RCSA) on campus. This year I have served as vice president and treasurer, and in the past have served as president and undergrad representative. Being a part of this organization has really added to my experience, as it has provided me with the opportunity to network with community organizations and give back to the community. Last year as president I began a fundraising initiative, with the help of the others on the e-board, for an organization called Leader Dogs for the Blind. We have continued this initiative into this year and have raised over $250 to support service animals for those with disabilities.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
NIU’s Counseling and Consultation Services was a great resource for me when I transferred. Adjusting to moving away from family and starting at a new school can be a lot to handle, and seeking services at CCS helped me feel supported at that time.

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
When I transferred, I met with a faculty mentor for the first few weeks of my time at NIU. I was matched with a professor who taught in the same college my program was in, and she was able to provide me with any resources I needed and was just a friendly face to see around campus.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Nahal Salimi had been one of my favorite professors. Dr. Salimi teaches multiple classes, but my favorite class she taught was Medical Aspects of Disabilities II. This class focused on disabilities in the DSM-5-TR. Dr. Salimi has an incredible wealth of knowledge on this subject and was able to provide a lot of insight and context into the mental health conditions we were learning about. She cares a lot about her students and truly wants us to succeed. Throughout this class a lot of sensitive subjects came up, and she made sure to provide support and check in with us on these days. She has been a great support to my classmates and I, especially with helping to build our confidence.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has helped me to build relationships with my classmates and professors. Going to class regularly also ensured that I was getting all of the information necessary to be successful.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot near campus is Cast Iron Coffee. They have the best coffee, and it’s always the perfect stop before, after or between classes. The people who work there are always so kind and go above and beyond!

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would recommend really looking into the specific program you are interested in and talking with the advising staff or even the faculty of that program, if possible, to make sure that it aligns with your goals. Talking with professionals who are currently working in the field you want to pursue is also a great strategy to get some insight and ensure the college/ program will provide you with everything necessary to be successful after graduation.

Why is a college education important to you?
Pursuing a college education has been important to me because it has equipped me with the skills to help individuals navigate their careers, make informed decisions and find fulfillment in their professional lives. Receiving my education from NIU’s rehabilitation counseling program was specifically important to me because of their CACREP accreditation, which ensures that I have all the necessary skills to be a successful and ethical rehabilitation counselor.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I actually still use a physical planner! I write everything from assignments, errands and plans with friends/family out each week. I also use an online calendar for classes, work and plans so I can always have that with me. Including time for fun and self-care into my planner has also made it easier to manage my time. Since those activities are already scheduled into my week, I don’t feel overwhelmed when I choose to do those activities.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I find reading the Northern Star’s daily email to be the best way to stay informed about what’s going on around campus and in the nearby communities. The Weekly Scroll of Things to Know emails are also really helpful to stay informed about specific events and services, as well as deadlines.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
My favorite things to do are hang out with my friends or have a night in where I can watch a movie, have some good food and go to bed early! My fiancé is my biggest supporter, so he is always checking in with me to make sure I am taking time for self-care. If he notices I may not be keeping up with that, he makes sure to plan something fun or get me out of the house, even if it is just for a walk, so I can recharge. Usually that will recharge me and give me motivation for the week ahead.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work for Western DuPage Special Recreation Association. They provide a lot of services there, but I specifically work in the areas of inclusion and special events, and sometimes I fill in for the day program when needed. I absolutely love my job! Getting to work with the participants with disabilities is a big passion of mine and always puts a smile on my face. My coworkers and supervisors are some of the most supportive and encouraging people I have met. I truly have never worked somewhere that values their employees as much as WDSRA does. As for my hobbies, I love to bake! My friends are always requesting cake pops, cookies or cupcakes, and I love to share the treats with them. I also really enjoy spending time with animals, especially my cat, Luna. In my free time, I like to go to the animal shelter and play with the animals waiting to be adopted.