Sarah Nash

Sarah Nash is a middle level teaching and learning major from Crystal Lake, IL

Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL

Class Of: 2023

Transfer from: Marquette/Harper College

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 originally wanted to be a manufacturing engineer since I was good at math. I went to Marquette University but ultimately decided to return to Harper to get my associate degree. Through my Spanish elective class at Harper College, I participated in the elementary/middle school tours of the college. When they came to visit the language rooms, I had the opportunity to teach them some phrases in another language. I realized I enjoyed those 50-minute chunks of teaching way more than internships and my engineering classes. After evaluating my choices, I decided to switch my major to teaching after going to school for engineering for three years.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
My major now is middle level teaching and learning with a math major content and a science minor content. I still love math and science.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
The professors are very nice and clear in their directions and seem to have embraced the online classes rather quickly.

How have you connected with other students at NIU?
I know a few students at NIU through my time at Harper and am also a part of a Snapchat group for transfer education majors.

Are you involved in any student organizations or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
Currently, no, as this is my first semester/year at NIU and due to COVID, I'm at home doing online classes. But I would like to be more involved in the future (COVID permitting).

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
So far, it has been Dr. Heather Bergan-Roller, because she tries to make our assignments fun by making us submit gifs of ourselves and always has clear instructions of what is due each week.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
I love to study on the 3rd floor of DuSable Hall as I can see the hustle and bustle of my peers and it's quiet enough to focus on my assignments!

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
Think very carefully about what you want to do for the rest of your life, so you don't make the mistake I did and put your time and energy into something you're not passionate about.

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
Study. In high school I never had to study, but once I hit college, I realized I didn't know how to and had to learn the hard way that you need to learn study skills. It was a difficult but necessary lesson to learn.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to do yoga/Zumba or watch Netflix to relax and recharge for tomorrow.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your NIU Huskie story?
I am excited to meet and connect with my peers and take my journey in a new major with them!