Major: Biological Sciences (Cell Biology & Physiology Concentration)

Minor: Spanish

Email: SusanJeon2023@u.northwestern.edu

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Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

In the first year, classes are mostly just 1-2 hours. My general chemistry, computer science, bioethics, and bio classes were large lectures ranging from 100-300 students. My math class was about 20 students (as the class was at 8am, there were ~7 consistent students). My Spanish, Latin, and seminar classes were similarly small. Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences requires students to take 2 seminar classes in their Freshman year (I chose "Being Female in the 21st Century" and "Sexuality in Science Fiction"). In regards to transitioning, the college-level/ AP classes I took in high school were helpful in the intro courses.

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What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

The quarter system was a large adjustment for me. There are 3 quarters (Fall, Winter, and Spring), each quarter being ~10 weeks. Therefore, while the content pace is fast, the classes end quickly. In a class with 3 large exams (ex. chem and bio), there are exams every 3 weeks. Compared to a semester system, the quarter system allows students to take more classes. This has allowed me to take on a minor in addition to my Bio major and required distribution courses. I have also received much support from my multiple advisors in navigating my first year in college.

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How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

The Spring Quarter of online learning was mandatory Pass/Fail for all undergrads. While there were set deadlines for assignments, the professors were very accommodating if you reached out to them. Due to time zone differences, there were more office hours by TAs and some lectures were asynchronous.

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What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

In my opinion, NU's response to the pandemic was slow. They announced that the 2nd quarter's final exams would be optional only a few days before finals week. By that time, students had either already departed campus or were trying to study while packing. Fortunately, NU continued to provide dorms and dining for students who could not leave campus. The university responded very poorly to their service workers, who were concerned about losing their jobs and hours. Service workers were not sent the same information as students about corona cases and are still fighting to receive pay.

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Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

NU students can take part in any extracurricular activities that interest them. As a Bio major, I have not felt any pressure to participate in STEM-related clubs. Currently, I am in Students Organizing for Labor Rights, Community Health Corps (Red Cross), College Feminists, Philharmonia (non-music major orchestra), and a BME lab (focusing on wound healing in diabetics). There are countless clubs at NU, and what matters more is your interest rather than major.

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What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

As the Evanston campus is close to Chicago, students can take the shuttle to the city. Downtown Evanston is also a very nice place to go with your friends to hang out (custard at Andy's, coffee at Colectivo, reading @ Bookends&Beginnings) and eat at different kinds of restaurants. People study in coffee shops or the libraries for the day and later can go to bars or parties. There are also events on campus that are hosted by different organizations. My most memorable event was roller-skating inside the Norris Student Center and stuffing teddy bears during a winter event.

 

Extra Questions

 

What advice would you give to current Shen students when applying to your college?

My advice would be to consider that your future is not set in stone. In high school, I was 120% a pre-med Bio major. I applied thinking that nothing would change and I would only take science classes. Nothing is wrong with being sure of your interests, but NU is a place for students to switch their major 5 times and end up with either the same major or a completely different one. Now that I have taken different classes and met different people, I am 80% sure I am pre-med. By the end of my 2nd year, I'll most likely be 20% sure. However, if you're applying to NU, you can know that it's a safe space to explore and not worry about anyone pressuring you to be a straight-A student. By trying out history, philosophy, CS, gender studies, I will know that I am again 120% committed to being a pre-med Bio major. Try to be open about what kind of person you are and your potential for things you never tried!

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What makes your college special to you?

What I've noticed in NU students is that they have diverse interests. Similar to how I am a Bio major with Spanish minor, I come across a lot of students that are balancing completely different fields. I am grateful to be a part of a community that is not only academically rigorous, but appreciate the value of a well-rounded education. I also appreciate the people that I have met so far. I mostly kept to myself during the first quarter, but once I started to make friends, I was introduced to social justice activism, CPR training, piano recitals, bookstores in dark alleys, and frozen custard. At NU, you meet people that will willingly study with you until the library closes and randomly get chicken tenders at 12am.

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Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

1st and 2nd years are required to be in dorms. There are singles, doubles, triples, suites, and regular residential halls/ colleges. I chose to go random with my roommate, but I know that NU ppl recommend Facebook to find roommates. All of the dorms are close to classes (max ~ 15 min walk).

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How is the financial aid situation at your college?

NU provides need-based financial aid, so there are not many scholarships.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your college experience that hasn't been addressed yet in this questionnaire?

If you are interested in STEM research, it is very easy to find a lab. If you email professors or lab directors, they are very welcome to young students! Also, there is a large lakefill on campus that I walk by almost every day. Amazing view when it's not freezing!