Madeline Smith

Madeline Smith is a nursing major from DeKalb, IL

Hometown: DeKalb, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2024

What scholarships did you receive and why did you receive them? How has the financial support impacted your experience at NIU?
I received the Honors Excellence Award, nursing scholarships and the Shirley A. Benson Scholarship Endowment. I received these awards due to my academic standing and participation in the nursing and honors programs. This financial support has allowed for me to continue to go to NIU and pursue my education.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Since I was little, I have wanted to go into health care, and I am pursuing that as a major. I wanted to become a doctor or something of the sort.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in nursing. I decided on this because I enjoy caring for people and helping them feel better. In addition, I had a family member become sick when I was younger, and this really influenced me to want to go into nursing.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have really enjoyed the small class sizes for my major-focus classes.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Group chats have been essential to forming study groups and meeting new people. In my second semester of nursing school, we formed a group of five of us who get together and study regularly, and that has been going great for us still.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you succeed? And how?
The NIU library has greatly helped me. I have found/used so many resources from there to write papers, find research for honors projects, etc. It is a great place to study as well.

What Honors Program opportunities or support have helped you get closer to your academic or career goals so far?
My advisor, Edye Cowan, has been great in helping me reach my academic goals.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
Meeting peers with similar academic goals and being driven to do well.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Probably Amy Reeb. She taught med-surg I in my second semester of nursing school.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly helps me fully grasp the information, and if I have any questions regarding the content, I can ask the professor right there in real time.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
It's hard to pick a particular spot. I enjoy going to the library when I really need to study. I like that I can have my own space, with little to no distractions.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
Prioritize what characteristics are important to you. Be realistic with expenses. Look into what student life is like, and go on as many tours as you can.

Why is a college education important to you?
It is a great way to separate yourself in the workforce, as well as make both social and professional connections.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I use an agenda to block out my time. I work set days of the week and make sure to put aside plenty of time to accomplish my schoolwork.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I use the NIU app and get emails about things going on.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I like to watch Netflix, read books, walk outside or hang out with friends.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I work as a CNA in a nursing home here in DeKalb. In my spare time I like to read, spend time with my dogs, work out and sit outside.