Morgan Hooper

Morgan Hooper is a marketing major from Lincoln, Nebraska

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Class Of: 2022

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received a full athletic scholarship. I am on the NIU gymnastics team and have loved every experience here. The financial support has helped me tremendously. Going to college with this aid has given me a wonderful college experience. The coaches and staff in the athletic department make NIU feel like home, and they truly want what’s best for you. I couldn’t imagine a better family to be a part of. 

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 never quite knew what I wanted to do; however, I knew I wanted to be in the business field. Through my time at NIU, I decided to do a marketing major with a certificate in sales. I am so happy to be on this path. I love communicating with others, and the Professional Sales Program was the perfect fit for me. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major is marketing with a sales certificate. I am also interested in getting my sport sales minor. I chose this major because NIU has a great sales and business program with multiple opportunities and connections that help jump-start your career right out of college. All of the professors in the marketing department are phenomenal and truly believe in you as a student. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
NIU is so diverse, which is not something I can say about my hometown growing up. Being biracial, it is so important for me as an individual to feel welcomed and appreciated, and this campus does just that.

How have you connected with other students virtually to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I have connected with students virtually through SAAC and the Student-Athlete Diversity Committee. These groups have allowed me to meet new student-athletes and to create friendships in these uncertain times. 

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 involved in SAAC and the Student-Athlete Diversity Committee. I'm also a junior captain on the NIU gymnastics team. Each of these groups have helped shape me as a person and made me love my experience at NIU even more. Having these groups has helped me meet some of my best friends, and I am so thankful for that. 

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
One of my favorite professors would be Mark Groza. Professor Groza taught Marketing 350 and helped me gain even more passion for having a career in sales. 

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is the Holmes Student Center. After the renovations, it is a perfect place to study and meet new people. 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
My advice to students would be to go where you feel at home. Go on multiple college visits, and when you step on the campus that is right for you, you’ll know. Also, do your research to discover possible organizations or groups that you could see yourself being a part of. 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
I have had to learn how to communicate with my professors. It’s not like high school, where you are one of few kids in your class. A professor has a lot of things to do, and you must reach out to them if you are struggling, have a question or need to talk about an absence. You can't rely on your parents anymore; you have to do things yourself to set yourself apart. 

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I usually watch movies with my roommates, hang out with my teammates or go on walks around campus when the weather is nice.