Lydia Zirk

Lydia Zirk is a transfer management major from Streamwood, IL

Hometown: Streamwood, IL

Class of: Spring 2024

Transfer from: Elgin Community College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
I chose NIU because I met an NIU recruiter, and it sounded like NIU was the perfect school for me. I also had professors at Elgin Community College (ECC) who were NIU alumni, and they recommended it to me as well.

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the Alesandrini Scholarship in spring 2022. It has helped immensely. Knowing that someone believes in me has given me motivation to continue, even when there are days that are tough. It has allowed me to experience all that NIU has to offer, such as joining student organizations and attending events.

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 nurse. I did take all the requirements to get into nursing at ECC, but when COVID-19 happened, I decided to make a change and take the path into business. I had human resources in the back of my mind but was not totally convinced I wanted to pursue it. When I transferred to NIU I had decided on business administration, but when I took BADM 295, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in human resources. Thanks to Steph Horgan and Professor Michel, the idea I had in the back of my mind years ago is now the path I have chosen to take.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is management with an emphasis in human resources, and I’m minoring in business analytics. I decided this is the path where I could fulfill my passion for meeting new people and creating positive relationships. I feel that human resources are where positive relationships between employees and an organization are created, and this makes the organization successful. I decided to minor in business analytics because it is a growing market. I enjoy statistics and looking at data to discover information from it.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
On my first day of class at NIU, I was really nervous because I was an older adult, and the other students were the same age as my children. I did not know what to expect. I was surprised by the diversity on campus and how nice and friendly everyone was. I have been able to form friendships with many peers who have supported me through my journey. I was also surprised by how the professors genuinely cared about the success of their students. I can honestly say coming to NIU was the best decision I ever made.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I am a social butterfly to begin with, and sitting in the front of the classroom helped me meet my first friend. Through that friend I met another friend, and from that friend I met more of my peers and formed more friendships. Most of the friendships I have made have been from classes we had together or just from being in Barsema Hall or going to different organization events.

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 secretary of the Business Administration Student Association (BASA), treasurer of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and vice president of Finance for Women In Business Professions (WIBP). Engaging in these business student organizations has helped me grow professionally and given me opportunities for leadership roles, which improves my skills and prepares me for the future. Connecting with other students who have the same goals and learning from them has helped me through this experience.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
The management department has been a wonderful support system. They supported me when I transferred from a community college to NIU and have continued supporting me in my goal of graduating. The operations management and information systems department has also supported me through my journey. Even when it was about life and not related to class, they were there to support me and help me through it.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
I have enjoyed learning from so many professors in the College of Business. My favorite professor is Dr. Charles Petersen. He always took the time to ensure I understood the material in his OMIS 327 class. I struggled in the beginning of the semester and went to his office several times to seek help. He was always willing to answer all my questions and reassured me I was doing well in the class. He genuinely cares for his students’ academic success, and because of that I was able to give it my all in his class and really enjoyed taking the course.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly is important. I did not want to miss out on any important information. By being in class regularly, I was able to build relationships with my professors and ask questions if I did not understand something.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I spent most of my time in Barsema Hall. I liked that I was able to find a quiet place to study, and if I wanted to socialize or needed help with homework, I could always go to the atrium and find someone I knew or who was in my class. Being in the same building I had classes in helped, just in case I needed to ask a professor a question about class.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Find a college that meets your needs and makes you feel welcomed. When you're in an environment that makes you feel like you belong, you will be able to succeed in whatever you do.

Why is a college education important to you?
Growing up, I was always told education was important. I made it a goal that no matter how hard it was going to be, I was going to finish with a bachelor’s degree. I have conquered many obstacles and sacrificed many things in life to be able to be in school and accomplish my long-term goal. I want to be a role model to my children and show them that anything is possible. Education is not only important for a career, but also shapes you as a person and helps you navigate through life.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
My strategy to manage school, organizations and family is my planner. I sit down and plan in advance all the important things I need to do the following month. I make sure I leave room for unexpected outcomes. With a family, you never know what’s going to happen. I make sure my family knows my schedule, so they know what's going on with me. I try my best to make sure all my homework is done before I leave school, so I can spend time with my family. If not, I make sure I have it on my list as high priority for the following day.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I make sure to look at my email every morning, and if I am interested in an event, I see if I can attend and put it on my calendar. If I need to know about a service NIU offers, I usually look on the website or ask someone.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I usually listen to music to relax. To recharge, I like to close my eyes and meditate or walk around Barsema Hall.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I have worked in health care for over 15 years and love helping people. I have worked in many different health care settings and have taken care of people in all stages of life. I’ve enjoyed getting to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. One of my hobbies is gardening. I enjoy planting annuals every spring and maintaining my perennials. It helps me relax to be in the garden cleaning up leaves or making sure weeds are not growing.