Alea Akers

Alea Akers is a higher education and student affairs graduate student from DeKalb, IL

Hometown: DeKalb, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

What other schools have you attended?
Judson University and Kishwaukee college (earned my B.A.)

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 always wanted to be a teacher. As a kid, I'd play school with my friends and siblings, and I was always the teacher! I didn't stray too far from this path, but I did figure out that I want to work with college students in a different capacity. I hope to become an academic advisor after graduation. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing my M.S.Ed. in higher education and student affairs. I always enjoyed working with students. As an undergraduate student, I worked in many different offices and served students in many different capacities. After graduation, I tried different fields, but what I kept coming back to was my desire to work with college students again. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have begun to develop friendship with members of my cohort — it feels like we are all here to support and uplift each other. 

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'm a graduate assistant in Student Involvement. Being involved with Week of Welcome, Homecoming and other events on campus has been so fun, and I've learned so much. 

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
My program advisor helped me so much during the application and admissions process. She was really there supporting me and advocating for me throughout the process. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
So far, all my instructors and professors have been phenomenal, but I'd say Katy Jaekel is my favorite. History has never been my favorite, but Katy has been supportive in helping me understand why learning the details of the history of higher education is so important. 

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
The professors and instructors are so helpful. Being able to ask questions and listen to other students’ questions has been so beneficial. Coming to class helps build the relationships and networks with the professors and my peers that will help me be successful in my program.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Definitely Cast Iron Coffee or Founders Memorial Library. They are my favorite places to study, and I can always count on finding people I know. 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
Look at what the campus and community have to offer! It's so important to find a sense of community 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
Manage my time better and identify what my priorities are. Sometimes it's not possible to do everything I want as perfectly as I'd like, and that's OK.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I love to hang out with friends, play card games or just watch TV.