Mia Yelich

Mia Yelich is a political science major with educator licensure from Rosemont, IL

Hometown: Rosemont, IL

High School: East Leyden High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2028

What is your major (and/or minor), and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m majoring in political science with educator licensure. I chose this path because I grew up with a father who loved history and shared that passion with me. He taught me to see the past as something alive, something that shapes who we are and the choices we make. As I got older, I realized I wanted to take that same spark and bring it into the classroom, especially for students who may not have had teachers who made learning feel meaningful. I didn’t always have the strongest or most supportive teachers myself, and that pushed me to become the kind of educator I wish I’d had: someone who shows up, listens and helps students connect what they’re learning to their own lives. Teaching social science lets me combine everything I care about: history, civic understanding and creating a classroom where students feel seen and capable. My goal is to give them the tools to think critically, participate confidently and understand the world they’re inheriting.

Tell us about the research you are conducting at NIU: what it involves, why it interests you and who has been important to your success along the way.
This semester I worked with Scott Schraufnagel on a research project examining local governments across the United States. We looked at how many people serve in these governments and, more importantly, how many of them are women or come from culturally diverse backgrounds. I was drawn to this project because representation in government directly affects whose voices are heard and whose experiences shape policy. Being able to study that up close made the political process feel more real and more human. Next semester, I’ll be doing an independent study with Aaron Fogleman as part of the Meeting of Minds program, along with six other students. I’m excited to take on a project that pushes me to think more deeply and contribute to a collaborative academic space. Both professors have been incredibly supportive. They challenge me, trust me with meaningful work and make research feel accessible.

How has conducting research strengthened your experience at NIU, and how do you expect it to help you in the future?
Research has made my NIU experience more hands‑on and intellectually grounded. It taught me how to ask better questions, analyze data with purpose and communicate findings clearly, which are skills that matter whether I’m in a classroom teaching or working in a civic space. As a future educator, understanding how to evaluate information and guide students through complex topics is essential. Research has given me the confidence to do that well.

Have you completed or are you currently pursuing an internship or other career-related experience? How did you get your internship, and where was it?
Yes. I applied for an internship with a congressional campaign. I connected with the campaign through NIU’s Department of Political Science and submitted my application along with my availability for interviews. It was a professional, fast‑paced environment that aligned with my interest in civic engagement and public service.

What have you learned or experienced through your internship that you couldn't have gotten in a classroom?
Working on a campaign showed me how much coordination, communication and community outreach goes into the political process. I learned how to talk with voters, manage fast‑moving information and adapt to unexpected challenges, which are all things you can’t fully simulate in a classroom. It also gave me a clearer sense of how policy ideas translate into real‑world action.

What advice would you give to a student who is trying to land their first internship?
Apply even if you’re not sure you’re qualified enough. Most opportunities are built for students who are still learning. Be clear, professional and responsive when you communicate, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Use your professors and campus networks; they genuinely want to help you succeed.

What do you believe an NIU degree will make possible for you that might not have been possible otherwise?
An NIU degree gives me both the academic foundation and the practical experience to become the kind of educator I want to be. NIU has opened doors to research, leadership and real‑world political work that I wouldn’t have accessed on my own. It’s helped me grow into someone who can step into a classroom with confidence, support students with intention and contribute meaningfully to my community.

What has genuinely surprised you about your experience at NIU?
I’ve been genuinely surprised by how quickly NIU became a place where I felt both challenged and supported. I expected college to be academically demanding, but I didn’t expect to find professors, staff and peers who were so invested in my growth. NIU has a way of meeting you where you are and then pushing you to become someone more confident, capable and connected than you thought you could be.

Are you involved in student organizations, mentoring programs or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones, and how have they shaped your experience as a Huskie?
I’ve been involved in a wide range of organizations at NIU, and each one has shaped my experience in a different way. I started in the Fiber Arts Club and volunteered with the Huskie Food Pantry, which helped me connect with students outside my major and reminded me how much I value community service. I’m currently involved with Refuge at NIU, Kappa Kappa Psi (the band fraternity) and the NIU Swim Club, and I’ve participated in the Wind Symphony, Huskie Marching Band and Pep Band. I also served as a Huskies Vote ambassador under the direction of Michaela Holtz, which strengthened my commitment to civic engagement. Next semester, I’ll be working as a desk assistant (DA) for Gilbert Hall, and I’m always looking for more ways to get involved. These organizations have helped me grow as a leader, a musician and a community‑minded student. They’ve given me spaces where I can show up authentically, support others and be part of something bigger than myself.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel supported and successful, and how?
The political science department has been one of my strongest sources of support. Faculty members have encouraged my academic interests, connected me with research opportunities and treated me like someone capable of contributing meaningful work. NIU’s advising and student support services have also helped me stay grounded and organized as I balance leadership roles, research and the educator licensure track.

Who has been a favorite instructor or professor, and what did they teach? What made them memorable?
I don’t have one single favorite professor or instructor. What stands out to me is the collective experience of being taught by people who genuinely care about their students. Across departments, I’ve had professors who challenge me, support me and make me feel like I belong here. That consistency is what makes NIU memorable for me.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community, and why are you drawn to it?
I don’t have one specific favorite spot on campus. What I appreciate most is the variety, because different spaces meet different needs. Sometimes I want a quiet place to study, sometimes I want a lively environment with friends, and sometimes I just want somewhere to breathe between classes. NIU gives me the flexibility to find what I need in the moment.

How has NIU helped you find your community or your sense of belonging here?
NIU helped me find my community by giving me spaces where I could show up as myself: a leader, a learner and someone who cares about service. Through organizations, research and supportive faculty, I’ve found people who value the same things I do: integrity, curiosity and making a difference. NIU didn’t just give me a place to belong; it gave me a place to grow.

Why is a college education important to you?
A college education is important to me because it gives me the chance to grow into the person I want to become, not just academically, but personally and professionally. It opens doors that wouldn’t be available otherwise, and it gives me the skills, confidence and perspective I need to make a real impact as a future educator. College has helped me understand the world more deeply and given me the tools to help others understand it too.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges right now?
Look for a place where you can see yourself growing, not just attending. Visit campuses, talk to students and pay attention to how you feel when you’re there. Don’t choose a school just because it looks good on paper. Choose the one that feels like it will support you, challenge you and give you room to explore who you want to be. And remember it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet. College is where you learn, change and discover what matters to you.

How do you manage your responsibilities like school, work, family and everything else while still making the most of your time at NIU?
I manage everything by staying organized, being honest with myself about my limits and leaning on the support systems NIU offers. Balancing school, work, family and involvement isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned to prioritize what matters most in the moment and give myself grace when things get overwhelming. I also make sure to stay connected to the communities I’m part of. They keep me grounded and remind me why I’m here. Making the most of my time at NIU isn’t about doing everything; it’s about being intentional with what I choose to do.

What made you choose NIU over other colleges you were considering?
I chose NIU because it felt like a place where I could grow, get involved and actually see myself belonging. Other schools looked good on paper, but NIU offered a balance of strong academics, supportive faculty and a community that felt genuine. I wanted a university where I wouldn’t just be another student in a lecture hall. I wanted a place where I could build connections, take on leadership roles and shape my own path. NIU gave me that opportunity.

What was the most important thing NIU did to help you make a successful transition into college life?
The most important thing NIU did was surround me with people and programs that made the transition feel manageable instead of overwhelming. Between supportive faculty, helpful advisors and the welcoming student organizations I joined early on, I never felt like I had to figure everything out alone. NIU gave me the space to adjust at my own pace while still encouraging me to get involved, ask questions and take advantage of the resources around me. That support made all the difference.

How has living on campus (or commuting) shaped your experience as a Huskie? What support or resources have made that work well for you?
Living on campus has made NIU feel like a true home. Being surrounded by other students, organizations and campus events has helped me stay connected and involved. It’s easier to build friendships, join activities and take advantage of opportunities when everything is right outside your door. The support from housing staff, hall community resources and the convenience of being close to academic buildings have all made campus life work well for me. It’s given me a sense of independence while still keeping me grounded in a supportive environment.

What Honors Program opportunities have helped you move closer to your academic or career goals?
The Honors Program has pushed me to challenge myself academically and take on opportunities I might not have pursued otherwise. Through honors advising, research support and access to faculty mentors, I’ve been able to explore topics more deeply and prepare for my future as an educator. The program encourages curiosity, leadership and academic growth, which has helped me move closer to my career goals.

What scholarships or financial support have you received at NIU?
I’ve received a $100 Honors Program involvement scholarship and a $500 scholarship during my time as a history major for being one of the top‑performing honors students in the department. These awards recognized both my academic commitment and my engagement in the NIU community.

Did the availability of scholarships or financial aid factor into your decision to choose NIU? If so, how?
Yes, financial support played a meaningful role in my decision. Knowing that NIU offered scholarships and aid that made college more affordable helped me feel confident that I could pursue my education without taking on overwhelming financial stress. It showed me that NIU invests in its students and wants them to succeed.

How has that financial support shaped your ability to pursue your education and make the most of your time here?
The financial support has allowed me to focus on my academics, research and involvement instead of worrying constantly about how to afford school. It opened the door for me to participate in organizations, take on leadership roles and pursue opportunities like research and internships. Because of that support, I’ve been able to make the most of my time at NIU and grow into the student and future educator I want to be.