Becca Katz

Becca Katz is a history major and theatre studies minor from Gurnee, IL

Hometown: Gurnee, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2026

Minor: Theatre studies

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I have received two major scholarships from NIU. The merit and Honors Fellow scholarships had a great impact in supporting my experience as an NIU student. I received the merit scholarship due to good grades in high school and through college. The Honors Fellow scholarship was awarded to me for participating as an Honors Fellow in the Honors Program here at NIU. By being awarded these scholarships, I was better able to focus on my education and not worry about tuition and other costs as much.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be a teacher. Both my grandmother and mother were teachers, so by going into secondary education I will be a third-generation teacher! I have always wanted to go down the path of education, so it is really exciting to finally be accomplishing that.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am going for a history major (secondary education) with a minor in theatre studies here at NIU. Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t know what content I wanted to teach. The COVID-19 pandemic hit during my second and third years of high school, and I did most of my work online. During that time, I watched a ton of movies with my dad. He always loved history, and I loved to listen to him talk about different events and explain things to me. My love and interest for history grew, and I found that I constantly just wanted to learn more. I think that becoming a high school history teacher will be a wonderful career. I get to discuss history while also teaching and supporting future generations!

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
Going into NIU and just college in general, I did not expect to feel so connected to the campus. I like to take walks around campus, and I'm surprised by how many people recognize me and wave hello. There are thousands of students on campus, and yet I feel seen. My professors care about me, and I have a ton of friends! I love NIU, and I couldn't dream of any other university that would be a better fit for me.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
My biggest success in gaining friends easily came from the Huskie Marching Band and the Honors Program. I immediately became friends with my fellow bandmates. We clicked really well and started to see each other outside of band rehearsal. Now, over a year later, we are as close as ever. There are about 10 of us, and these people are my family away from home. The Honors Program also gave me some very close friends. The Lorado Taft retreat for new freshmen allowed me to make friends that I have maintained contact with. One of them is also a history education major like me! It's very useful to have a friend who also takes the same classes as you, and for that I am extremely grateful.

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?
While I am a history major, my minor is in theatre studies. I immediately threw myself into the School of Theatre and Dance when I arrived at NIU, and I couldn't be happier. I have been in two productions here at NIU, and the experience has been life changing. Dramatic, I know...but it is so true. I can't sing enough praises for my directors and fellow peers. They are wonderfully talented people, and I have learned so much from them.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The Department of History at NIU has been very helpful with my education. My professors are extremely helpful and being in their classes has improved my analytical skills immensely.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
Through the Honors Program, I was nominated to be the student director on the NIU Foundation’s Board of Directors. It was an incredibly prestigious honor, and I am deeply grateful for it. The NIU Foundation has already taught me how to act in a professional setting while still being myself, a very important skill.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
I really appreciate how the Honors Program gives me unique opportunities. I used to hear that all the time before I went to college, and I always thought it was so cheesy and a cop out of sorts. Now that I am in the thick of it though, I realize and understand the validity of that statement. By being in honors, I have made special connections with professors and been given wonderful avenues to be successful.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
My favorite professor by far has been Dr. Aaron Fogleman. I took his History of the American Revolution class last semester, and I can confidently say that it has changed the way I view history. I am a history major, so this was a huge realization for me. Dr. Fogleman fostered wonderful discussions and helped give tips and points of view on how to analyze sources. I learned to appreciate the grey area. Just because someone writes something and gets it published doesn’t mean they are necessarily right.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Each class has a uniquely tailored lecture that you will need to take notes for. In my experience, each class has its own purpose in which to further your knowledge of the topic. It’s extremely important to go to your classes regularly!

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
My favorite spot on campus is this little nook near the East Lagoon. I can sit and watch all the geese and squirrels, but I am far enough away from everywhere else. It’s a very pleasant and calming place to be. I often sit and just listen to the water and nature around me while I read or crochet.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Don’t go somewhere just because it’s popular or your friends want to go there. College is the time to discover yourself. It’s the time to figure out who you are and what you stand for. Never be afraid to forge your own way separate from everyone else. None of my high school friends joined me at NIU, but that didn’t make me fall in love with the campus and people any less.

Why is a college education important to you?
I think that besides getting a post-secondary degree, college is vitally important. It is your 20s in which you make your first real mistakes, and the first time you learn to truly problem-solve. I think this applies to other avenues besides college, too. Whether it be getting a full-time job, joining an apprenticeship, going to trade school or going to college, taking on responsibility is a very important skill.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
A calendar. I have this huge calendar on my phone that has a breakdown of each thing I need to do each day. It is also beautifully color coordinated! That calendar app is my entire life, and with it I am able to be successful and make sure I am giving time to everyone and everything that is important in my life.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I follow most NIU accounts on Instagram, and that keeps me pretty well informed. Most organizations are always posting updates and reminders about events and help around campus. It’s very nice!

What do you do to relax or recharge?
In my free time I can be often found crocheting! I love to crochet lots of different things, from stuffed animals to blankets to cardigans. I absolutely adore making presents for my friends, and I have started to sell things on Instagram. I hope to someday turn my hobby into a small side business.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
On campus I currently work as a desk assistant in my residence hall. I help residents with any questions or concerns and deal with mail coming into the building. In the summers I work at the David Adler Music and Arts Center as their summer camp leadership. I’ve been involved with Adler since I was 12 years old, and I couldn’t dream of a better place to spend my summers. In my free time I love to watch rom coms and crochet fun things!

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
There was never any other university for me. I am proud to say that NIU was the only school I applied to, and I committed in September of my senior year of high school! The second I stepped on campus for the first time during a tour, it was all over. I knew immediately that this was the community for me. The love and support I have received is incomparable, and for that I am forever grateful to NIU for the family I have found here.