Dara Vancea

Dara Vancea is a speech-language pathology graduate student from Wheaton, IL

Hometown: Wheaton, IL

High School: Wheaton North High School

Year: Expected graduation: 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 always knew I wanted to help people and make a difference across various communities. I went through several career choices before solidifying my decision to become a speech-language pathologist due to my own personal experience of receiving speech therapy, as well as my family’s background in health care. I have been attending NIU as a proud Huskie for six years and am graduating with my master’s in May.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m getting my master’s in communicative disorders with a specialization in speech-language pathology. I completed my undergraduate career at NIU with a major in communicative disorders. I pursued further education by enrolling in graduate school for speech-language pathology. I have loved helping individuals and making a positive difference in their lives, and this program has allowed me to expand my passion for not only advocating, raising awareness and helping others in their respective communities, but also devoting a lifetime to learning and growing in my cultural humility.

Have you conducted your own research through Research Rookies, Honors capstones or theses or any other faculty-guided research opportunity?
Yes

Tell us about the research you are doing and why it interests you.
In December, I attended the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association conference in Seattle for my research on brain activity in individuals with dementia. I have a long history of dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) in my family, and it is an honor to participate in research that continues to provide support, awareness and treatment to help individuals with dementia live a better life in this difficult journey. I have also conducted research on the implementation of music therapy in speech and language services to better support autistic individuals.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
It has expanded my passion for advocating for several communities to raise awareness on the treatments that exist, as well as to continue researching how we can change the future for the better in the speech and language pathology field.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
It will allow me to pursue research across various populations, use the knowledge I’ve obtained in my research to support my learning and educate others on the topics studied. It will also move us in the direction of better supporting the individuals and populations studied to provide the most efficient and appropriate care available.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
My professors and graduate assistant supervisors. My professors have provided so much support, education and confidence in me and my work that I feel I can continue to expand on my research through their unwavering encouragement.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
My advice would be to make the most out of your research. It will not be perfect, but any step toward dedicating yourself to a cause and researching it is a step in the right direction. The outcome may not be the one desired, but any research is a giant leap forward into the future and endless possibilities for helping others.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The connections. I went into my time here at NIU headstrong, determined to make the most of my time. I have found lifelong friends, met amazing professors who have allowed me to grow and expand my knowledge, and a community that embraces diversity and uniqueness.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I love to approach others in class and around the community. It is an honor to get to know others and the journey that has brought them here, and simply approaching someone or saying hello has brought me an abundance of wealth in friendships.

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?
In my undergraduate career, I was in Alpha Phi and the Communicative Disorders Student Association (COMDSA). In graduate school, I am part of various leadership communities and mentoring programs. All the activities I have participated in have helped me meet new individuals, build connections, expand my knowledge and grow as a Huskie.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The student support resources provided on NIU’s website. I have used multiple resources when I have felt the need.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Milijana Buac, Allison Gladfelter and Stephen Vilaseca. I have had all these professors in my undergraduate career and Dr. Buac and Dr. Gladfelter in my graduate career. They have supported my learning and helped me build the confidence I needed to become the person I am today.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I am a visual learner, and it is important for me to be within the environment to obtain knowledge and skills to become the learner I am today. It’s helped me succeed and make the progress I have thus far.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love the library. It is a quiet place to study and collect my thoughts. I love the thought of being in an environment with individuals who are also supporting their learning and growth here at NIU.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
When I first began my college search, I had NIU somewhere on my list. Come May 1, I decided NIU would be the place for me. After six strong years of attending NIU, I can confidently say that NIU provides an enlightening education, lifelong friends and an environment that allows you to grow. It is fun, safe and supportive.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because I desire to use my degrees to pursue the career of my dreams, where I am sure I will make a difference in the world and become the person I was always meant to be. I have grown my knowledge extensively through pursuing a college education, and it is forever rewarding.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Self-care! It may be harder than it seems, but something as simple as enjoying a sweet treat, going to bed early, reading a book or going on a walk will do wonders for your mental health and help ease the anxiety of life, making it easier to balance responsibilities.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Social media and word of mouth.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I read a book, go on a walk, see friends, eat something delicious and, especially, go to bed early.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I currently work as a graduate and teaching assistant for Janna Woodard in the School of Nursing. While I am not a nursing major, it helps expand my experience working with multidisciplinary fields and helps me learn more about the wonderful things nurses bring to the health care community. My hobbies include watching movies, hanging out with friends, hiking, going on walks and enjoying a good book.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
While I am excited to graduate in May, I will miss the wonderful memories I have made at NIU. I highly recommend NIU to any incoming freshman!