Chloe Steffel

Chloe Steffel is a human development and family sciences major from Frankfort, IL

Hometown: Frankfort, IL

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 have received the NIU merit scholarship, the Helen Gum Westlake and Donald G. Westlake Scholarship for Family Life Studies, the Forward, Together Forward Scholarship, and lastly, I am a University Honors Fellow receiving the honors program tuition waiver. My financial support is the reason I am able to attend NIU. It is the reason I am determined to keep pushing myself and take in every moment of my academic career. I would not have the possibility to receive a further education if it wasn't for the financial support I am receiving. I am forever grateful to NIU and to those who have allowed me to have this opportunity. I will continue to strive for greatness and make the most of my education.

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 was always bouncing between options when I was growing up. I never knew what I wanted to do, or I was never satisfied with what I was thinking of doing. In no way, shape or form am I currently majoring in what I thought I would be doing when I was younger. I don't think that younger me would even know what a clinical social worker is, but here I am working toward becoming one.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in human development and family sciences, with an emphasis in family social services and a sub-emphasis in prevention and intervention with family. I am minoring in counseling and considering a minor in psychology, as well. I decided to pursue this course of study because I have always wanted to help people. I am a people person. I want to do the most I can to help others and provide security to those who may not have it in their day-to-day lives. That is why I am pursuing this course of study in hope of one day becoming a clinical social worker.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have found my classes to be a nice surprise here at NIU. I come from an honors and AP background. I was so nervous that I would not be able to handle college as I was always told in high school that college is very hard. I find the classes I’m currently taking to be more entertaining, more educational and less stressful than the classes I took in high school. My professors have all been amazing, and they are the reason I have found a new love for school!

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
It is always super-scary trying to make new friends and get comfortable in a new environment. I had a very hard time trying to make friends and get myself out there; it was something I found uncomfortable. The biggest tip I can give to those trying to find friends is to get involved. Once I got involved in clubs and organizations at NIU, I made so many friends I am grateful to have. Additionally, talk to your classmates! It sounds easier said than done but trust me — once the ball is rolling, it doesn't stop. I started talking to my classmates and strangers I thought were cool. I put myself out there, and in return I made friends.

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 a University Honors Fellow. As it is my first year as a fellow, I still have a lot to learn and do. I am extremely excited for the plans the University Honors Program has, and I am already seeing myself being impacted in a positive way. I am getting more connected with fellow Huskies, and I am helping my community more!

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
I believe that the honors program has helped me the most. I was scared when I first started honors as there are a lot of requirements to meet, but they seem scarier than they are. With the help of the honors department and meetings we have had, I feel confident in what I need to do to fulfill my responsibilities. The communication has been phenomenal, and I have been allowed to grow as a student because of the NIU honors program.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
So far, having the opportunity to be an honors fellow has helped me get closer to my academic and career goals. I still have a lot to do, so I am positive there will be more that helps me further, but I feel closer to achieving my goals thanks to the honors program.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the people and opportunities the most. Everyone in the program is so kind and nice. They support you and build you up. It is so fun to connect with fellow honors students! Additionally, the engaged experiences are so much fun! It's great to be able to go to an event and meet other honors student and relax or have fun. They give you credit toward completion of the program, and you get to enjoy yourself while you do it!

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
This is a tricky question to answer. I have loved all of my professors and enjoyed my time in all of their courses. If I had to choose one professor, I believe I would have to choose Dr. Brittany Price. She taught Geology 103, Planetary and Space Science. I originally took this course as a gen ed as it met the requirements I needed, but I fell in love with it. I was fascinated by all the new knowledge I was gaining about space, and I can honestly say that it was so fun to take this course. I also want to acknowledge Dr. Kevin Ervin as another favorite professor of mine. Dr. Ervin taught my SOCI 170 course, and I loved it. You can truly tell that Dr. Ervin loves his job, and I loved listening to his lectures and learning about sociology. He encouraged us to go outside of our comfort zones in order to see sociology in real time. I was so excited to go to his class every day and learn. Dr. Ervin and Dr. Price are truthfully some of the best professors I have ever had.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have benefitted immensely from regularly attending my classes. I learn new skills that I would not learn if I did not attend class. I was more prepared for my exams and better understood the material in each class because of attending regularly.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I think my favorite spot on campus or in the community has to be the East Lagoon. I love walking around the lagoon and taking time to sit and relax there when I can. It's so peaceful to be out in nature, and the East Lagoon is the perfect place to do so!

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
I would say to leave your options open. You don't know until you try! I always encourage others to not sell themselves short and to keep their mind open to every opportunity that presents itself.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it’s my way of helping others. In order for me to give back to my community and provide for my loved ones, I need a college education. It's important for me to better myself and educate myself so I can better do my part of giving back.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I always write down my responsibilities for the day, month and week. I have a white board hanging on my bedroom door, and every night before I go to bed, I write down my agenda for the next day. When I wake up, I see my schedule and what I must get done, and cross off what I have completed as I go. I also use a planner to keep track of when I am working and when my assignments are due for my courses. I also work ahead. I tend to work about a week ahead in my classes if I am able to. I like to get my work done as soon as it is assigned as it allows me to be on top of what is expected of me, and it allows me to make corrections in my work before it is too late. I always give 110% in everything I do, and I find that when I work ahead, I tend to feel less stressed while doing my work and enjoy doing it more. I allow myself to have free time after I finish what I have planned for the day. I find it super-important to keep a healthy balance between time for yourself and time for everything else. It is so important to take time throughout your day to take care of yourself! This could be taking an hour before bed for skin care, or it could be reading before bed. It is so important to take care of yourself first and take time to decompress at the end of your day.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I stay informed by looking at the NIU events calendar. I also look on the activities board in the Holmes Student Center for any new activities or events that are coming up.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
There are many things I do when I need to relax or recharge. My two favorite things to do are read a good book and play my Nintendo Switch. I garden to relax or even cook sometimes as well. All of these things allow me to take a second and enjoy myself, while unwinding from the day I have had.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work at the Holmes Student Center Starbucks. I love working there! I play many instruments in my downtime and crochet. I find myself playing guitar a lot in my free time. I paint, go for walks and read a lot for fun, too. I find joy in the little things.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
NIU has been an amazing experience so far. I no longer live in a world of black and white. I instead see a world full of beautiful, vibrant colors.