Melanie Lytell is a senior Honors student graduating this May with degrees in Economics and Statistics and a minor in Mathematics. Melanie shared future plans, favorite Honors Program memories, and advice for incoming Honors students. Read below to hear about Melanie’s Honors journey.
- What are your future plans?
“A job in the banking or finance industry.”
2. What is your favorite Honors Program memory?
“Bowling at the Welcome Back Bash.”
3. How did being part of the Honors Program help you during your time here at NIU?
“The Honors Program made my time at NIU feel a lot more personal and meaningful. The smaller classes pushed me to actually speak up, think deeper, and get comfortable sharing my ideas, which helped my confidence a ton. I also got to work more closely with professors who really knew me, not just my name, but my goals, and that led to research opportunities and guidance I wouldn’t have found otherwise. It challenged me in the best way and helped me leave NIU feeling more prepared, more curious, and a lot more sure of myself.”
4. What piece of advice to you have to new students starting in the Honors Program?
“Don’t be afraid to lean into it. Say yes to opportunities even if you don’t feel 100% ready, speak up in class even when you’re unsure, and actually get to know your professors, they want to help more than you think. The Honors Program gives you a lot of freedom, so use it to explore what genuinely interests you.”
