Sarah Vallee

Sarah Vallee is a special education major from Sandwich, IL

Hometown: Sandwich, 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 received the Special Education Teacher Tuition Wavier (SETTW) from ISAC. This tuition waiver provides full tuition assistance to students who are going into the field of special education. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a teacher, and when I was exposed to the world of special education, I fell in love. I applied for the scholarship in my senior year of high school, and it has provided me with tremendous financial support. This scholarship has helped me focus on my education, without having to worry about debt when I get into the field of education. Because of this scholarship, I can graduate and begin to pursue my dream career debt-free.

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 was always conflicted about exactly what I wanted to be. I knew I wanted to help people but wasn’t sure what approach I wanted to take. During eighth grade, I was introduced to the world of special education, and I immediately fell in love. Throughout high school, I continued down this path, eventually taking it to the college level. Now, I’m a sophomore studying special education, the career of my dreams and passions.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
Currently, I’m majoring in special education. I decided on this major because when I found the world of special education, I absolutely fell in love. Even prior to going into the field, I’ve made so many impactful memories and done so many different things that have impacted both me and the individuals I work with. I don’t think there has ever been a day where I have doubted this as a career and feel that I will continue to be led down this path of passion and fulfillment with my career.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
One of the things I found pleasantly surprising about NIU was the amount of diversity present within the university. The rural area I grew up in was very limited in terms of diversity. To me, NIU is like a mixing pot of so many different cultures, religions, etc. It’s really nice to see all the different types of cultures I have never been exposed to before.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I can be very focused and reserved within my classes, but in the outside world, I’m the most outgoing person you’ll ever meet. When it comes to meeting new people, I tend to go up to others and say something like, “I like your shirt,” which sparks a conversation. These small interactions have helped me develop so many different relationships.

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 not, simply because a lot of the programs I want to get involved with are not running this semester. But I plan on finding different things to get involved with throughout the academic year.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
One of the resources that has helped me succeed throughout my time at NIU is Counseling and Consultation Services. This office has helped me organize all the thoughts that have felt unorganizable and guided me down the right path. Every single person I have talked to within that office has helped me in so many remarkable ways.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program has helped me get closer to my career goals by introducing me to so many different individuals. In the world of education, connections are so important. Through the Honors Program, I’ve been given the opportunity to meet so many different people who are supportive of me and my career goals. These individuals are people I truly believe are my forever connections and friends.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
My favorite part of the Honors Program is all the connections I have gotten to make throughout my time in the program. I’ve met individuals from so many different backgrounds and stories, and all of those individuals have become lifelong friends. Without these people and support in my life, I don’t think I would be in the same place socially or emotionally.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructor was my high school Spanish teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I had her for all four years I was in high school. She always pushed me to strive for greatness (a really big piece of what my high school enforced) and made sure I was always supported. She constantly checked up on me when it came to academics and my mental health. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By attending class regularly, I have gotten the chance to connect with and understand so many of my professors on a personal level. Additionally, attending class early helps students succeed and understand the content material much better. When attending class regularly, academic information is better learned and understood by the student.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. They always have all sorts of events going on to keep students entertained and provide a safe place to be. The student center is also a really popular area on campus, so it allows me to meet and connect with many people I wouldn’t meet otherwise. And there's Starbucks (obviously the best place on all of campus)!

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Some advice I would give a student who is researching colleges to apply to is to never limit yourself. Just because a college has a certain threshold they hold their students to does not mean they won’t understand your success story. Also, take every interaction as a way to make connections. Regardless of how small or meaningless you deem that connection to be, it could always come back to support you in the future.

Why is a college education important to you?
College is extremely important to me because I value being educated. As a first-generation college student, it is a really big honor and accomplishment for me to have gotten as far as I have, and I don’t want to let anything stop me from achieving my goals. Without a college education, I feel that I would live my life unfulfilled and miss out on a world of opportunities.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Due to living on such a busy and tight schedule, I find ways to incorporate a mix of all of them together at once. For example, I study and do homework with my friends, which allows me to stay academically focused while making connections and memories with my friends. Additionally, some of my best friends are my coworkers. They have always been supportive of me and push me to strive for my goals. Without these individuals in my life, I don’t think I would be as motivated to strive for my goals as I am today.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
The way I stay informed about events and services that are available on campus is by following things I’m interested in on social media and by checking Huskie Hub. These sources help inform students about what’s happening on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
To relax and recharge, I go to work early on Saturdays. I currently work at a roller rink in Rockford, a place I’ve been going since I was a little kid. I go in early so I can skate before my shift starts. Being able to get that physical activity and doing something I truly enjoy helps me relax and recharge. I get to see some of my best friends while I’m there, too. I’ve met so many different people at that roller rink, so instead of just being a place for one of my hobbies, I get to be surrounded by some of my best friends. The other way I relax and recharge is by simply talking to my dad. He’s one of my biggest support systems and the reason I am where I am today. He never fails to give me the best advice he possibly can and is always there for me when I need him the most.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently have three part-time jobs, all of which align with either my life goals or hobbies. My first job is at Skateland, a roller rink in Rockford. I’ve made so many different connections and friendships there, while focusing on one of my biggest hobbies, roller skating. I also work as a sales associate at Bath and Body Works. I absolutely love the environment the store creates for its employees and customers (not to mention the crazy discount!). My third job is at the Child Development and Family Center (CDFC) on campus, as a student worker. There, I primarily work with preschoolers, who are honestly the light of my life. Although I plan on going into high school special education, getting to work with such a young and energetic group is such a good experience. Honestly, even if you don’t like working with children, I would recommend the CDFC as a place to work.