Haylee Schultz is graduating with a degree in Nursing and Full University Honors.
“I, like all of you, have always held myself to a high standard and have a passion and desire to learn and knew that the Honors Program would give me just that. My time in the Honors Program has offered me incredible learning opportunities that have supported my education within the field of nursing and allowed me to discover my passion for research.
One of my favorite Honors Program memories is one I hold dear to my heart. During my sophomore year I conducted my Honors project on the topic of Music Therapy and Dementia. My reason for choosing this topic was to learn about ways I could support my grandmother who was beginning to struggle with her memory. Throughout this research I was able to learn more about this therapy, how it works, and the overall good that it can bring to someone who has a memory problem. I dedicated this project to my grandma and even included a photo of us on my final poster. Being able to show the final result to my grandma and seeing her reaction is something I will forever remember and smile when I think about. Seeing my research made my grandma smile and she even posted it to her Facebook for her friends to see which me feel even prouder about the work I had done. Without the Honors Program and my faculty advisors, this project would not have been possible nor as successful as it was. The entire Honors Program was incredibly supportive throughout my research and wanted to see me succeed. While my grandma is unfortunately no longer with us, I know she is here celebrating with me today.
For the remainder of my semesters in the Honors Program, I shifted my research focus more to Women and Children’s Health as that is the field of nursing I want to enter. The research I have been able to conduct directly relating to my intended career has been incredible. Having the ability to work with nursing professionals who understand my questions and desire to learn has helped make me a better future nurse and I feel better equipped to care for my future patients due to the knowledge I gained with the assistance of the Honors Program.
I cannot believe how fast Honors graduation has come, and as I reflect back on my experience, I would like to extend my sincerest thank you to my family. Mom, you are the reason I have such a passion for learning. From a young age you instilled the importance of education and it has shaped me into the person I am today. You have always been my shoulder to cry on and tell me that I am smarter than I think. Your guidance has helped me to reach this milestone. Dad, you have been my voice of reason and positivity through this journey. College has presented itself with many ups and downs, but I have always known you were in my corner. Your words of encouragement and always finding the good has meant more to me than you know. Jake, that you for being the best brother I could ask for. While we only had one year at NIU together, it has made my experience here one I value so much more, I know you will continue to excel and I look forward to supporting you through each and every milestone. Last but certainly not least, I’d like to thank my boyfriend of eight years, Billy. Billy, you have been my rock throughout college. You have supported my education through endless study sessions, quizzing me on materials, proofreading my projects, and so much more. Your kindness and willingness to help me succeed in all things means the world to me and I am so proud to be ending our college careers together.
As I conclude, I’d like to thank you for allowing me to share my story. Our hard work has paid off and we are officially Honors graduates. Congratulations to the Honors class of 2025!”
