Jozi Dever

Jozi Dever is a speech-language pathology graduate student from Dixon, IL, with an NIU undergraduate degree in communicative disorders

Hometown: Dixon, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

Undergraduate program: Communicative disorders major, NIU 2023 graduate

Transfer from: Sauk Valley Community College

Why did you choose to attend NIU?
NIU has an outstanding communicative disorders program and tons of campus involvement opportunities.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Initially, I wanted to be a radiologic technologist. I took an introductory course and shadowed at a hospital, an experience I am thankful for because it showed me what I liked and didn’t like about the field. Additionally, I always had education in the back of my mind. I enjoyed the creativity of the population of students I could work with in a school setting, but I also loved the science aspect of becoming a rad tech. Becoming a speech-language pathologist (SLP) has been the perfect combination of those two ideas. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?

My major was communicative disorders, with a minor in family and child studies. I am now completing the graduate program in speech-language pathology. I decided to pursue this course of study after I spent a year helping in the life skills classroom at my high school. I saw the impact that the speech-language pathologist (SLP) had on the students and decided to reach out to a family friend who is also an SLP. I spent many hours observing and working alongside her. Her guidance has had a huge impact on my decision to become an SLP.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The amount of campus involvement opportunities has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me. I had no intention of being as involved as I have been because I did not understand there was an opportunity to do so, especially coming from a smaller community college. I am so thankful that NIU encourages these kinds of experiences. I think everyone should get involved as it has heightened my experience significantly. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I think taking the initiative to ask someone to study outside of class has led to most of my new relationships. I also think keeping it as simple as introducing yourself to someone you don't know can go a long way. Use campus activities such as Week of Welcome to your advantage and branch out.

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 involved in the Communicative Disorders Student Association (COMDSA) every semester I have been on campus at NIU. It has provided me with closer relationships with my classmates, who I can now say are genuine friends. I have also been involved with Music and Memory, the Autism Caregiver Group and Signing Huskies, which are amazing organizations to get involved with as well. 

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
Everyone in the College of Health and Human Sciences and School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders offices has been more than supportive and willing to help whenever it has been needed. I am also thankful for the University Writing Center and their help with resumes, personal statements and papers for class.

Are there transfer-specific resources, offices or services that you use to help you succeed at NIU?
I think one thing that has helped me immediately feel like a Huskie is my academic advisor, Liz Yee. She has kept my courses on track, encouraged my involvement and made me feel like I belong here from our first meeting. Along with that, I owe a lot of thanks to some of my classmates who offered themselves as a resource right away to answer any questions had. I also encourage transfer students to introduce themselves to professors right away, attend office hours and ask them anything. Everyone I have been in contact with at NIU has been outstanding and supportive, and I am so thankful for the feeling of inclusion it has resulted in. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors is Dr. Janet Olson. She has taught three of the courses I've taken: COMD 305: Language Development, COMD 421: Aural Rehabilitation and COMD 435: Clinical Procedures and Professional Issues. She is a great instructor and supporter. Her dedication to the field and to students is admirable. However, all of the professors in our department have been amazing, and I am so thankful for each of them and the unique qualities they add.

Why was NIU’s speech-language pathology (SLP) program the right fit for you?
The NIU SLP program has been great for me in multiple aspects. One of the best things about the program is the clinic. I love being able to apply what I am learning in my classes to my clinical skills, and the clinical supervisors are knowledgeable and encouraging. I also appreciate the unique multicultural certificate NIU’s program offers. The other students pursuing the certificate and I take extra courses to build our knowledge surrounding best practices when working in our community. This certificate is offered to all of the students in the program. Our current cohort consists of 22 students. I have found an unimaginable amount of support within this group and feel that NIU creates an environment for building personal and professional relationships, preparing us for success.

How did the communicative disorders (COMD) undergrad program prepare you for graduate school?
Since being in the graduate program, I have felt prepared from my undergraduate experience. My undergrad coursework provided a foundation that has since been built upon in the graduate courses. Many of the professors from undergrad also teach at the graduate level, which means there are connections and references between the lectures at both levels. Outside of courses, I feel that the extracurricular activities that I was involved in provided me with experiences that prepared me for this program. Being on the executive board of the Communicative Disorders Student Association (COMDSA) strengthened my public speaking skills, and chatting with residents at Aperion Care through Music and Memory’s Zoom Pals group strengthened my client interaction skills. Seeing the success of my classmates who did not attend undergrad at NIU has shown me that all students can thrive in the SLP program, but NIU was the perfect undergraduate experience for me.

What would you tell other students who are thinking about COMD as a major?
If you are the slightest bit interested, I suggest taking a class, like an intro course (COMD 220) to see how you like it! This is one of the most rewarding fields there is. It takes determination and a positive outlook throughout the intense learning experience. But showing yourself that you are capable and suited for the journey brings that first rewarding feeling. Applying your skills, educating and advocating, building relationships with clients, and seeing outcomes that provide the community with a means of communication is a fulfilling experience. 

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly is really important for academics and shows professors that you care. Also, showing up for class is good, but being vocal, asking questions and participating will create a rich learning environment and give professors the opportunity to get to know you.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the East Lagoon. I love to be outside and go for walks, and it is the perfect place to do that. It is also great for a picnic, setting up a hammock or reading a book.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Look at the student-to-faculty ratio and explore what opportunities the college offers outside of class. Look at tuition cost and the cost of living in the surrounding area.

Why is a college education important to you?
It is important to me to feel prepared before beginning my career. However, I also feel like college has given me so many more skills than just knowledge in my specific academic area. I have learned leadership, time management, organization and a sense of community. All of these add so much more to my skill set, in addition to my expertise in communicative disorders. 

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
My planner is my lifeline. Find something that works well for you and your organizational style. I put everything in there so I can see it all at once. Outside of school and work, it is important to prioritize family, friends and time for me. Without doing these "fun" things I am not going to be able to apply myself in other "important" areas. Making time for it all is hard, but it is possible and asking for help is okay.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I make sure I am up to date on emails and follow many accounts associated with NIU on social media. For example, the Campus Activities Board does a great job promoting fun events on Instagram. There are also bulletin boards all around campus that other student organizations will promote events on, which is a great way to get involved.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to go for a walk or take a group fitness class at the Recreation Center. I also love a good night in with pizza and my roommates.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
All throughout my college career, I have had a part-time job. I worked at Cast Iron Coffee on Lucinda for just over a year, and now I work at Open Door Coffee in Genoa. Aside from work, I spend my extra time hanging out with friends and visiting my family.