Maggie Tierney

Maggie Tierney is a special education graduate student from Barrington, IL

Hometown: Barrington, IL

High School: Barrington High School

Year: Expected graduation: spring 2025

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 wanted to be an artist. I received my undergraduate degree in art business, but I'm on quite a different path now, studying vision!

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am studying to become a certified visual rehabilitation therapist (CVRT) and certified assistive technology instructional specialist (CATIS). I wanted to do something new in life that I knew would be impactful in the lives of others.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I've enjoyed being a student again and gathering new knowledge. Coming from an art background, everything I'm learning is brand new information, but I'm so grateful that I'm learning things that will impact others.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I absolutely love my cohort! I'm so grateful that I am with a group of people who are supportive of each other. We always have lots of laughs but can get to work when needed.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
Since I'm a grad student who stays in my vision bubble, I haven't had much experience with outside departments or offices.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I really enjoyed being taught by Anne Stephens for my class on the anatomy of the eye. Anne was always looking to support us in any way she could. She wanted to make sure we walked away with the right knowledge but also allowed us to have time to goof around. It is always helpful to have a healthy balance.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I graduated in 2020 with my bachelor’s, so it has been a while since I was in school. However, getting back into school has encouraged me to keep learning even outside of the classroom. I've continued creating art and learning about new subjects from podcasts and other resources.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Room 233 in Graham Hall will always have a special place in my heart. That is where the majority of our classes for the vision program take place. I will always have fond memories of that room.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Don't stress about it! I was so worried about where I was going to go to school. I've learned it's important to find a school that fits your academic desires, but also how important it is to adapt along the way. Your hopes and desires may change as you start to learn new things, so pick what you think is best for you at the moment and see how you learn and grow with time. And don't discount community colleges!

Why is a college education important to you?
I'm super grateful that I have the opportunity to not only receive an undergraduate degree, but a master’s degree as well. I've learned so much about the world through my classes and by being exposed to people of different backgrounds. College allows you to have access to so much information and so many new people. Through school, I have found passions and things I don't really like and have been able to grow as a person.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I can't say I'm the best person to answer this question. I just try to take it day by day. It is obviously super important to finish your schoolwork, but it is also important to spend time with your loved ones. Take initiative and do what you can, but don't be so hard on yourself if things don't go perfectly.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax, I love spending time with my friends and family. Just being around loved ones (maybe with a glass of wine) helps me decompress. I also love to paint and watch cheesy rom-com movies.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
My current job is being a student, but like I've said I love art. I have the horrible habit of picking up a new art medium and then losing interest after a few months. I've recently been into embroidery, beading, drawing and painting.