Imani Smith

Imani Smith is a communicative disorders major from Lombard, IL

Hometown: Lombard, IL

High School: Willowbrook High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2026

Minors: Deafness

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 was growing up, I wanted to be a pediatrician. I have taken another path and am now pursuing a major in communicative disorders.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is communicative disorders, and I also have a minor in deafness. I decided on this path because I've always known I wanted to help others, and I found a strong interest in addressing communication challenges. I believe that by focusing on these areas, I can make a positive impact on people's lives, especially those who face difficulties in communication. The minor in deafness allows me to deepen my understanding and skills in helping individuals within the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I’ve found it pleasantly surprising how supportive the community is at NIU. Everyone is super friendly, and there are so many resources available to help students succeed!

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 study groups and attending events on campus. It's a great way to meet new people and form friendships while helping each other out with classes. Plus, I love grabbing coffee with classmates to chat about school and life.

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?
Yeah, I’m involved in the Muslim Student Association and the Communicative Disorders Student Association. Being part of those groups has really enhanced my experience as a Huskie. I've met some great people and learned a lot about different cultures and communication strategies. It’s been an awesome way to connect and grow!

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Center for Black Studies has helped me feel supported at NIU. It advances cultural understanding and promotes leadership development, which has been invaluable for personal growth. Additionally, the Honors House Living-Learning Community has provided a fantastic environment for collaboration and connection with other motivated students. Together, these resources have contributed significantly to my sense of safety and success on campus.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The University Honors Program has offered some amazing opportunities! The specialized courses have really challenged me and pushed me to think critically. Plus, the networking events and workshops have been super helpful for making connections in my field. The support from faculty has also been great; they really take the time to help us with our academic and career goals. Additionally, the Honors Program scholarships have been a huge help! They ease the financial burden and allow me to focus more on my studies and opportunities. Overall, these resources have brought me closer to my academic and career goals.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
What I enjoy the most about the Honors Program is the sense of community it creates. Being surrounded by motivated and like-minded students really inspires me to push myself further. The small class sizes also allow for more engaging discussions and personalized attention from professors. Plus, the unique extracurricular opportunities, like research projects and special events, make it all the more enriching.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite instructors has been Jamie Mayer, who taught neuroscience. She was incredibly supportive and encouraging, which made a huge difference in my learning experience. Her passion for the subject really shone through, and she had a way of making complex topics easier to understand. I appreciated how she always took the time to help us grasp difficult concepts and fostered a positive learning environment.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly has really helped me stay on top of the material. I’ve noticed that being there in person makes it easier to engage with the content and participate in discussions. Plus, I get to hear different perspectives from my classmates, which deepens my understanding. It also keeps me accountable and motivated to keep up with assignments.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
One of my favorite spots on campus has to be the library. It's such a cozy place to study, and I love being surrounded by all those books! Plus, there are some great study nooks where I can really focus. I’m drawn to it because it feels peaceful, and I always leave feeling inspired and ready to tackle my assignments.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I’d say, first off, make a list of what’s important to you. Think about things like location, size, programs offered and campus culture. Visit the campuses if you can; it really helps to get a feel for the vibe. Also, talk to current students and ask them about their experiences. And don’t forget to check out financial aid options. Just keep an open mind and trust your gut.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is super important to me because it opens up so many opportunities. It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about gaining knowledge, meeting new people and developing skills that will help me in my career. Plus, it’s a chance to explore my interests and figure out what I really want to do in life.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I stay organized by using a planner to keep track of all my commitments. I break my tasks into smaller, manageable pieces and prioritize them based on deadlines. Setting specific times for studying, work and hanging out with friends helps me stay focused. I also make sure to carve out some time for myself to recharge. Balancing everything can be tough, but having a plan really helps!

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I usually keep an eye on the NIU website and social media pages for updates on events and services. Joining student organizations or clubs is also a great way to stay in the loop since they often share information about what's happening. Plus, talking to friends and classmates can help. They might know about things I haven't heard of yet.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to binge-watch a good show or watch a new movie. Sometimes I’ll go for a walk or just chill with a good book. It helps me clear my mind and feel refreshed!

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a registered behavior technician, and it’s such a fulfilling job. I help children with behavioral challenges in a clinic setting, which allows me to make a positive impact on their lives. It’s really rewarding to see their progress over time! For hobbies, I’m passionate about photography and modeling. Photography lets me capture special moments and express my unique perspective. I love trying out different styles and subjects. Modeling is also fun and exciting, as I get to showcase various modest looks and styles.