Eli Wetter

Eli Wetter is a computer science major from Lake Villa, IL

Hometown: Lake Villa, IL

High School: Grayslake North High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2027

Minor: General math

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received a merit scholarship for my high school GPA. I also received a scholarship through the Honors Program based off of my freshman year GPA. It has allowed me to not get a job and focus my attention on my studies.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
I wanted to be an engineer; however, after taking AP computer science my senior year of high school, I ended up pursuing computer science.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is computer science with a general math minor. I chose this course of study because I was fascinated by programming and realized it will be a growing field in the future.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have found that the professors are not as bad as people make them out to be. If you attend your classes and pay attention, you will learn what the professor is trying to teach you.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
While going about my life, I meet new people and connect with them over shared interests. I have met people in my classes who I study with and have even met people at the gym who I formed bonds with over lifting weights.

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 University Honors Program and the Lambda Sigma Honors Society. These two organizations have allowed to me to get involved on campus and make new friends.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Mathematics Assistance Center has been a huge help to me with my classes for my math minor. After taking Calculus I in high school and then taking a year off of it, I had forgotten certain aspects of the course that I needed for Calculus II. The people at the math center helped me cover the topics I forgot, which helped me stay on top of things so I didn't fall behind.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
The Honors Program allows me to take classes that dive deeper into course material. In the honors classes I have taken so far, we have taken a deeper dive into the material, which allows me to have a better understanding of the material and also helps me learn the processes one can use to examine text, data and research. This has helped me further my progress to becoming a well-educated and informed academic.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I enjoy the opportunities that come with being in the Honors Program. They offer many chances to get involved through community service and also offer activities that allow you to bond with your fellow honors peers.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite instructor was my Calculus II professor, Markjoe O. Uba. He was a great professor who connected with his students to make sure they didn’t fall behind. If he noticed that a student was struggling, he would talk to that student and try to help them with what they were specifically struggling with.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
You can interact with the professor by asking questions; for example, asking your professor to elaborate on a topic you may be confused on. Moreover, while you may have a textbook, you can make sure you get the material your professor wants to elaborate on and emphasize.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
The Rec Center because it helps me relieve stress and anxiety while allowing me to better myself physically and mentally.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Look at the facilities at the college. Mainly, you will have a lot of studying to do, and you need to make sure you have good locations to do it in. It is important to change your surroundings while studying, so make sure there is more than one location you think you can effectively study at. Also, make sure that there is good scenery around campus, like a nice pond or park to walk around.

Why is a college education important to you?
It is important because it paves the way for your future. While some think college is a scam, it is beneficial to have a college degree so you can try and get a job to support you for the future. Everything you do should help set up the next stage in your life; at least that is what I believe.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I try to set up a constant schedule that doesn't change, and make sure to put a healthy mix of everything into it. If I spend two to three hours on homework, I make sure to spend 30 minutes to an hour hanging out with friends.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I hear about a lot of events that are happening around campus through social media.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to play video games and read.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I like to work out four to five times a week and play video games.