Alanna Weems

Alanna Weems is a rehabilitation counseling graduate student from Joliet, IL

Hometown: Joliet, IL

High School: Joliet Central 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?
While growing up, I've always wanted to be some sort of counselor. Currently, I am pursuing that career.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am currently completing the master’s program in rehabilitation counseling. I decided to take this path because I have a passion for helping others. In this field, I will be able to help individuals with all kinds of disabilities, whether physical or mental.

Have you conducted an internship?
Yes

How did you get your internship, and where was it?
My internship is at Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center. I currently work with their addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders team. I applied to their internship job posting and was called for an interview. After the interview, I was offered a position to intern with them.

How did your internship help prepare you for your career?
My internship is helping me prepare for my career because my main career choice is working with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders. I struggle with big groups and public speaking. My internship is helping me practice and prepare by having me co-facilitate group therapy sessions. Also, I am learning how to complete assessments and facilitate individual sessions.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Something I have found pleasantly surprising at NIU is Einstein Bros. Bagels in the library. The old university I attended was pretty small, so I was fascinated by the food place inside the NIU library.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have met with my classmates from my cohort to study. We have created such a tight bond, and I honestly do not think my NIU journey would be as great as it was without them.

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 a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and a member of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society. Both organizations have added to my experience as an NIU Huskie.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The College of Health and Human Sciences has been very helpful on my journey here at NIU.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
All the faculty in the rehabilitation counseling master’s program are my favorite. They have all been supportive and helped me in different ways throughout my time here. If I had to choose just one professor, it would be Dr. Amanda McCarthy because she is so passionate about her students and their learning. She is supportive and understanding, and she listens! Dr. McCarthy was my professor for REHB 690: Practicum.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
By attending class regularly, the material we learn has stuck with me.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is Founders Memorial Library. I like to go find a study room and do my homework or study while listening to some music.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Make sure to do research on the programs and professors of those programs and not just the school.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it expands your knowledge and helps move you closer to your professional career. College gets you ready for that next big step.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I use my planners very heavily. I use Google and Apple calendars so I can see if anything is overlapping in my schedule. On my days off, I balance schoolwork and family time.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I am usually informed about events happening on campus through social media.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I relax and recharge by coloring, listening to music, binge-watching shows and going to the gym.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am a teaching assistant for the School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions. My hobbies consist of kickboxing, yoga, Pilates and binge-watching TV shows.