Meet Judith Gil, a recent graduate who is taking advantage of our accerated B.S. to M.P.H. program.
Hometown: Mundelein, IL
Year: May 2019
Major: Public Health Administration
What is your graduation year? Are you obtaining a degree?
I am graduating in spring 2019 with my Bachelor of Science in Public Health Administration. I will be completing NIU’s accelerated B.S. to M.P.H. program, specializing in Health Services Management for my Master of Public Health.
Are you attending NIU on any scholarships? Which one(s)?
I am attending Northern on the NIU Scholars Merit Scholarship and Honors Program Excellence Leader Waiver.
What is your major, and why did you choose your field of study?
I am pursuing this field because I want to be better equipped to identify and address health issues on a larger scale, particularly the disparities that leave many minorities and impoverished people without access to quality health care.
How did you learn about NIU, and why did you choose to attend?
I learned about NIU as a high school senior. I chose to commit after attending an incredible open house that made me fall in love with campus and everything NIU has to offer.
Are you involved in any activities at NIU? What else do you do for fun/hobbies in your spare time?
I am very involved with the University Honors Program — I have served as an Honors House Leader, Honors Fellow and currently as an Honors Excellence Leader. I am also currently the President of Alpha Psi Lambda, a co-ed Latinx-interest fraternity.
What has your experience inside the classroom been like at NIU?
My class sizes have been small enough where most, if not all, of my professors know me on a first-name basis. I feel this is important and makes students more comfortable reaching out for help.
What’s a general piece of advice you’d give to someone starting college?
Take advantage of scholarships—they are many and very real.
Any family or other loved ones you would like to mention?
My mother Maria and two siblings, Vianey and Junior, are the most important people in the world to me. As a first-generation Latina, this is not my degree — it’s our degree.
