Olivia Zapf

Olivia Zapf is a history major, political science minor from Green Bay, WI

Hometown: Green Bay, WI

High School: De Pere High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

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 a veterinarian and an author when I was growing up. I did not end up pursuing either major and am a history major and political science minor with goals of attending law school after my undergraduate degree.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is history and my minor is political science. I decided on these courses of study because of my love for storytelling and politics. America is becoming increasingly polarized, and I want to understand why it's happening and, to an extent, how to prevent it from getting worse.

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.
Currently, I'm working with Dr. Anne Hanley in the history department to learn about the rice trade between South Carolina, Portugal and Brazil in the 18th century. This research appeals to me because the trade is unassuming and has a really complex story to tell, which I think is really interesting, especially because I haven't had an extensive education in economic history.

How has conducting research strengthened your education and experience at NIU?
It's taught me more about what being a historian is in practicality. While it isn't directly the field I wish to go into, it's interesting to learn how to do research and all the different methods and topics there are to explore. Educationally, it's helped me think about topics for class-based research projects and about things that seem outside the scope of study.

How will your research experience help you in the future?
I hope to pursue a career in law, and I think that this experience has worked to teach me how to read critically and with a specific purpose in mind, which is key for attorneys. I also think that working through the challenges of research will be important when struggling with law school and learning how to work through problems that might not be easily solved.

Who at NIU has been important to your success doing research and why?
Dr. Anne Hanley from the Department of History has been key to my success in research because she has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from her for the last year, for which I am eternally grateful. I am constantly learning things about methods, communication and time management from my work with her.

What advice would you give to an incoming student as it relates to research at NIU?
I think my advice would be to interact with your professors. If you have a professor you like, go to their office hours, talk to them about their research and try and work with them (at least as a start). Professors are usually really happy to talk about their research, and many have research assistants — but if you don't ask, you won't know.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
For me, the biggest thing is how at home I feel. As an out-of-state student, I was worried about feeling at home in a place so different from what I was used to; however, this year and last year, I've made a life for myself that is really fun to see — especially when I go back to Wisconsin and am able to relay everything I'm doing to my family.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I was really fortunate my first year at NIU to meet what became a really close group of friends. But, as I've gotten more into my major and minor classes, I've been able to connect with people I have multiple classes with to study and to generally be friends. It can definitely be overwhelming at times, but everyone is thinking the same thing and wants to connect with others — so don't be afraid!

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 editor in chief of the Northern Star, the student newspaper here on campus, and that has been one of the most meaningful organizations I work with on a daily basis. I've developed lifelong friends, leadership skills and writing skills, and become more comfortable interacting with individuals I don't know very well.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The history department is definitely a place of comfort for me because they're people who are studying the same thing as me, learning the same things and going through similar experiences. Last semester, I went to counseling through NIU's Counseling and Consultation Services, which helped me process my busy schedule and develop coping skills that have helped me work through my even-busier schedule this semester.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
For me, the biggest advantage of the Honors Program has been the early course registration. It helps me get into the classes I need to keep my major on track, which is really beneficial.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I really do enjoy the priority course registration. I also enjoy the events they put on because it fosters community with other honors students, which provides me a whole different network of support and friendships.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I've been blessed with many good professors. During the spring 2024 semester, I had Dr. Eric Hall for HIST 468: America Since 1960, which was a really good class. I had never taken a 400-level course before and was really nervous about being able to excel, but Dr. Hall helped me succeed and feel more confident in my ability to work in higher-level courses.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Many of the history classes are very discussion-based, so I have the benefit of learning from my classmates constantly. Different people get significantly different types of information out of different readings, and being able to compare those is crucial for subsequent papers or assignments. Also, I think going to class has helped me build connections with classmates and professors because we're all working together to learn the content and have a positive experience.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is probably the East Lagoon. It's really pretty, and there is often wildlife in the area that is fun to watch. It's also a good spot to take a book and read on the weekends!

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Honestly, I think my advice is don't research too hard. A college could have the best major program, but if you don't see yourself as wanting to live there and be part of the community, it is not the right school. Don't get stuck in the arguments of prestige because, honestly, it isn't always important.

Why is a college education important to you?
I love learning and education, so continuing my education into college has been the best choice for me. College aligned with my career interests and learning interests, which is what has drawn me to it the most. I've enjoyed the independence and ability to build my own life, which is another reason college is important, I think.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I break everything down into time limits. I set time aside to do different things and accomplish different tasks. It is definitely tricky, but I work really hard to stay organized and know when things are due and that sort of thing.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
Because I work at the Northern Star, campus events are my life. I have a pretty good pulse on what is going on with certain groups, and I think working at the paper has been the reason for that. It can definitely be daunting to keep track of, so I'd recommend only paying attention to one or two organizations you are interested in rather than trying to know every single event on campus.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I do a lot of reading and writing and movie-watching. Because we're getting into Halloween season, I'm watching some Halloween staples and reading books about widely different topics than I'm studying, which provides me with a really good break from the history and political science topics of my academic week.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I don't work on campus outside of my job as the editor in chief, which is really nice. I do a lot of reading and writing in my spare time, along with playing board games with my friends. I'm trying to build a work-life balance that prioritizes me and my needs rather than always putting school or work first, because I should always be my first priority.