Gretchen Sprinkle

Gretchen Sprinkle is an early childhood education graduate student from Malta, IL

Hometown: Malta, IL

High School: DeKalb High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

Undergraduate major: Nonprofit and NGO 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?
Most of my life I wanted to be a teacher. First it was a fourth grade teacher, because I loved my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Mullins. When I got to high school, I wanted to teach history. When I got to NIU for my undergraduate degree, I was suddenly so unsure of what I wanted to do. I ended up in an interdisciplinary major (community leadership and civic engagement, now nonprofit and NGO studies). I'm so grateful for my undergraduate experience, my first degree and my first career.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education with a professional educator license and both special education and English as a second language endorsements. As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to work at Campus Child Care (now the Child Development and Family Center or CDFC), and fell in love with early childhood. Once I had my own children and they began attending the CDFC, I made the decision that the classroom is where I belong.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
From the time I started my undergrad, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to find community at NIU and how connected I felt across campus. Overwhelmingly, staff and faculty are always ready to help you and have numerous resources up their sleeves.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
As a graduate student, I have found community in my teaching cohort as well as through the Department of Special and Early Education. Moving through my degree with other students has helped me form friendships and support networks.

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 serve on the Pyramid Model Leadership Team at the Child Development and Family Center as a parent and student perspective. I've found connection through my faculty mentor and served as a judge for the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) in April.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Department of Special and Early Education (SEED) and Disability Resource Center (DRC) have helped me be successful and feel supported throughout my graduate education. SEED has invested time and resources in me and showed that they care about me as a person and my success as a student. The DRC has helped me better access my course content and accommodations for my hearing loss. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Child Development and Family Center helping me access the CCAMPIS grant, which has allowed me to focus on finishing my degree by providing financial assistance for child care.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I love all of the faculty in SEED! Dr. Michelle Sands has been a particular favorite, though. The care she has for her students and her passion for special education is palpable. She is always willing to reassess and adjust her teaching and coursework. Dr. Sands really works to connect with her students on a personal and professional level. I've taken SESE 523 and 524 with her and wish there was another course I could take!

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Relationships are built in class, and relationships are the key to success. Accountability, support and community come from being in class with other students.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The East Lagoon is one of my favorite spots on campus. It's quiet and relaxing and so beautiful in the fall and spring. It also happens to be where my husband (another Huskie) proposed. It's a great spot to reset.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Beyond your degree program, think about what values or experiences are important to you. Diversity was important to me when selecting a school as an undergraduate, because I wanted more and different ideas than those I grew up with. NIU was the right place for that diversity in culture and thought.

Why is a college education important to you?
I am a first-generation college student and never really thought it was possible to get a bachelor's degree, let alone pursue a graduate degree. My college education has not only supported my career, but shaped who I am as a community member, friend, parent and engaged citizen.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I use routine and scheduling to manage my time. With three young children, full-time school and (up until recently) full-time work, I needed to use my time wisely. I have a two-hour time carved out each day to work on coursework, and that's been sufficient to get everything done and be present with my family in the evenings and most of the weekend.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
The announcement emails and College of Education newsletter keep me in the loop. Having friends on campus also makes sure I know what's going on, because there's always so much!

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I make sure to find time to exercise each day, whether that's walking my dog or hitting the Rec Center. I find joy in baking or relax by listening to a favorite podcast like “Maintenance Phase,” “5-4” or “You're Wrong About.” If bedtime goes smoothly with my kids, you could find my husband and I watching reruns of “Brooklyn 99” or “Parks and Recreation” after a long day.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
My most recent full-time job was with Birth to Five Illinois as a regional council manager. Now that I'm focusing more heavily on my degree, I substitute teach for the DeKalb School District. I love to spend time with friends and play board games, bake or knit in my free time.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
NIU has changed the course of my life in ways I cannot begin to count. My closest friends were made here. My husband, my best friend, and I met here. I have gained education here. My children attended child care here. It's hard to find a part of my life not touched by being a Huskie!