Throughout my time at NIU, I have been involved with a multitude of programs and leadership experiences that have enabled me to have an incredible collegiate experience. Among these, however, were 2 that stood out the most as they were the most unique and interrelated. The first and most beneficial to my future is the McKearn Fellows Program. Research, professional and personal development, and civic, social, and global engagement education and experience were among the highlights of the program. I was able to meet and interact with alumni that I likely would never have had the opportunity to otherwise. The McKearn Fellows Program helped open my eyes to the vast array of opportunities, and that there is a much bigger world out there than NIU, DeKalb, and even the United States. I decided to see the other side of the world and go abroad.
This past summer, I had the opportunity to not only go on one study abroad trip, but two. I traveled to The Netherlands with Dr. Bowers and the Honors Program on a trip focused on peace, justice, and the international courts. Global justice (and injustice) is an interesting topic, especially in regards to how it applies to individual and state sovereignty. After spending two and a half weeks in The Netherlands, my travels took me to Toledo, Spain in pursuit of a Spanish minor and a greater understanding of the Spanish culture. The almost 2 months I spent in Spain with Dr. Solares-Larrave and 13 other students were the most eye opening, unique, and incredible months of my life. I have been saying for the past few months that Spain stole my heart, and I can’t wait to go back. Having a knowledge of the world will benefit my greatly in the future, as well as encourage me to go back as soon as I can.
I plan to work in either international or medical sales when I graduate NIU. Whichever path I choose, my experiences at NIU will have greatly and aptly prepared me for it. My Marketing and Sales classes will prepare me for the tangible requirements of working in the real world, but my experiences in the McKearn Program and studying abroad will help me with the immeasurables, which are equally if not more important. I would like to thank everyone that has served as a mentor to me, and that has helped me out along the way. Specifically, I would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. McKearn for their foresight and generosity in the development of the McKearn Fellows Program, the entire McKearn staff, and everyone in the Honors and OSEEL offices that made it possible. I would additionally like to thank Drs. Bowers and Solares-Larrave for their encouragement and direct support of my studying abroad. Without these mentors, I would not have been able to accomplish what I have. I can only hope to one day do the same for future NIU huskies.
-J.A.K.
Northern Lights Ambassadors- Jeff's Blog 