Sherwin Thomas

Sherwin Thomas is a management and hospitality and tourism management major from DeKalb, IL

Hometown: DeKalb, IL

Class Of: 2022

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
In my junior year, I decided I wanted to open up a restaurant that focuses on fitness and nutritional needs. I declared my second major in hospitality and tourism management along with my major in management (emphasis in entrepreneurship) to focus on this goal.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a business management major with a double major in hospitality and tourism management, because I wanted to focus on setting up and opening my own business.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I am pleased to say that I have enjoyed my experience at NIU because of the diversity and openness of our community. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I absolutely did. I met new people and instantly connected with them and formed hangout groups as well as study sessions.

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 the president of Student Hospitality Association as well as the vice president of the Business Administration Student Association. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructors so far have to be Chef Bryan, who taught the hospitality courses at one point, and Dr. Nick, who used to teach Hospitality 316 and 319. I have also enjoyed the academic advisors who taught my career compass courses such as Steph Horgan, who taught 395, and Meredith Eskoff, who taught the original career compass, because of how much I learned from them and how their work motivated me to succeed. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is of course Barsema Hall! Throughout the years, I realized that Barsema is a big building; however, it is such a small world because everyone seems to know each other, and the community is very open. 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
To apply to the schools that best fit their academic and career goals. 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
I have had to learn and force myself to use new time management strategies in order to stay on top of assignments and tasks. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to work out at the Recreation Center. I look at the rec center as my second home on campus and the weight room as my living room.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
Overall, I enjoyed my time at NIU, and I am glad I made the decision to come straight to the university after graduating high school. I always knew NIU was a great school for the College of Business, and I enjoyed being a part of the community and gaining new skills and leadership opportunities.