Emma Walsh

Emma Walsh is a finance major from St. Charles, IL

Hometown: St. Charles, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

Minor: Economics

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received an academic merit scholarship based off of my high school grades and GPA. I also received a scholarship for serving as an Honors Fellow for the University Honors Program. Additionally, I have received the Huskie Marching Band scholarship for being a member of the Huskie Marching Band. This financial support has allowed me to save money and has enriched my NIU experience. 

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 bounced back and forth debating on my dream career. Once I got to high school, I decided to take a few business classes to see if I would enjoy them. I ended up doing well in the classes and looked forward to going to them every day. When applying to college, I knew that I wanted to study business and become a successful businesswoman someday. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am a finance major with a minor in economics. I decided to major in finance because of the job market and because I really like working with numbers. One of my favorite aspects of finance is the importance of organization. I enjoy analyzing data and discovering trends and financial risks. I chose economics as my minor because it has given me new insight I can use alongside my major. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something I have found pleasantly surprising about my experience at NIU is all the activities and organizations students can get involved in. I have been able to be a part of the Huskie Marching Band and University Honors Program, and I have taken part in several clubs. I even worked a semester as a Northern Ambassador. There is something for everyone to be a part of, and I believe that is important for NIU to have. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I believe the best way to meet people and connect with them is getting involved on campus. I have met a lot of my friends in several different organizations. Many of my friends come from the marching band, as it is crucial that we work together as a team to accomplish new goals and put on a show at football games. In addition, I have become close with the other Honors Fellows as we work together to better the Honors Program. Clubs have also been a great way for me to meet people and form 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 involved in the Huskie Marching Band and serve as an Honors Fellow for the Honors Program. I am also a member of the Barsema Hall Dean's List Student Advisory Board. In the spring of 2022, I worked as a Northern Ambassador doing campus tours and student panels. These organizations have added to my experience as a Huskie because they have allowed me to make the most of my time here and experience opportunities that I would not be able to do by just going to class every day. My life has been much more enriched, and I am excited to continue my organizations and see what else NIU has to offer. 

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The College of Business and University Honors Program have played a huge role in my success. They both provide resources to help students succeed and encourage students to reach out if they need help. It is very important to me that I graduate with honors, and my academic advisor has been super helpful to me in this process. 

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The biggest Honors Program opportunity that has helped me get closer to my academic and career goals so far has been the opportunity to be an Honors Fellow. By working together with other fellows and staff while assisting students and planning to better the program every day, I have gained a lot of knowledge and skills about the importance of collaboration and communication in academics and in a career. 

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I have really enjoyed being an Honors Fellow at NIU. So far, I have learned a lot and have had expectations set on me that I have been able to use professionally. I know I will be able to use these skills in a career in the future. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors has been Professor Elizabeth Grant, who teaches accounting in the College of Business. She is an excellent professor because she works to ensure that her students understand the material and will go over anything anyone seems to be having trouble with.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I have benefited by attending class regularly because I feel that I am able to more easily understand the material. By going to class, students will be able to ask questions, get clarification and will overall have an easier time throughout the semester academically by going in and actively learning the material. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is Huskie Stadium. As a member of the marching band, I love performing and practicing here, and it is so much fun to meet up with friends and attend events at the stadium. 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
My advice to students who are applying to colleges would be to do your best in school and in your extracurricular activities, while having a positive attitude. Set goals for yourself and work toward them. Ultimately, do what is best for you! 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
When coming to college, I had to learn to be on my own. Going to school while simultaneously living on my own and being involved on campus was an adjustment at first, but I was quickly able to manage my time effectively. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I really like to hang out with friends, take walks or play my instrument.