Jared Zilic

Jared Zilic is a special education visual disabilities graduate student from Plainfield, IL

Hometown: Plainfield, IL

High School: Plainfield North High School

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the JEDI grant to help cover the entirety of my graduate degree. This grant has made it significantly easier to make it through my education without having to worry about the impact it will have on my savings.

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 always wanted to be an engineer. But the offerings of both the undergraduate and graduate programs I went through took me down a very different path, into the realm of education.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My master’s program is in teaching students with visual impairments. It mostly came as a continuation of my undergraduate work as a high school English teacher, but after getting into the program I have loved it ever since.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The graduate program is full of wonderfully engaging teachers, and there are many events and clubs on campus to get involved in.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I made four lifelong friends when I first joined NIU as an undergrad, and I've only made more in my graduate classes.

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 have been a part of the NIU Tabletop Gaming Club and Creative Writers’ Club. Both of these have helped with my writing ability, group management and cooperation.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The Department of Special and Early Education has been great with helping me navigate my career path and areas of study.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite teachers by far have been those in my vision program, though they have all been so fun it's hard to choose just one! They all make each class engaging and entertaining, always promoting my ability to grow and learn.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
I feel like I am actually doing something productive with my time.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Definitely the fourth floor of Founders Memorial Library at one of the west-side armchairs. It's my favorite spot to study and has an incredible view of campus.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
There is more value in offering a variety of classes than only having those that are highly specialized. The most valuable information you might get could come from a class completely outside your major, or you might find that the path you originally chose wasn't for you. Having that lateral movement can be incredibly useful while you take the time to figure out your place in the world and the road you want to take.

Why is a college education important to you?
Higher education gives access to a much broader worldview and opportunities to learn about experiences other than your own.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
Make time to call your family on weekends, and schedule small, fun events with your friends. If you give more structure to the free time you have, it can help reduce the stress you might feel about your courses and workload.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I wander into the Homes Student Center every so often and check out the campus board for events.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
Read, write my own stories, exercise in the Rec Center, and hang out and play games with friends.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
In my free time I am a writer, hopping between a variety of short stories and some full books I have been working on for a few years. I also enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons and a variety of other board games with my friends.