Mackenzie Meyer | NMU Blog

Mackenzie Meyer is a Secondary Education Spanish and English major from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She anticipates graduating in May 2022.

Why did you decide to come to NMU?

When I toured Northern, I instantly knew that I could call this place home. The people up here are truly amazing and meeting my soon-to-be professors solidified my decision. Also, having Lake Superior less than five mile away from campus sold me - Marquette is a beautiful place; why not go to school where people vacation?

How did you decide your major/minor?

If I’m going to be honest, I changed my major more than the average student. I loved taking Spanish classes in high school and I figured being bilingual could open up doors for me in the future. I was right in that idea, but finding another major to go along with Spanish took awhile. I wound up in Education, not because I dreamed of being an educator my whole life, but because I love working with children and I plan on furthering my own education.

What's an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?

I started up a Spanish Club at a local elementary school with my roommate.

What are you involved in on- and off-campus and what has been the most rewarding experience?

I’m involved in a few student orgs: Mortar Board, NMU Spanish Club, NMU Club Volleyball, and occasionally attend NMU’s Rocks and Minerals Club’s meeting. I have held leadership positions in a few student organizations on campus, but the most rewarding experience was being the vice president and then president of the NMU Club Volleyball team. I met so many people through the club and have created lifelong friends through a sport that I thought I was done playing in high school. So thankful that I got four more years of playing the sport that I love :)

What are your plans after graduation?

Ideally, I want to further my education and get my masters degree. However, I am also applying for a Fulbright scholarship that, if received, will take me abroad to be an English teaching assistant. We will see what the future holds I suppose.

Do you have any advice for someone who is considering NMU?

Marquette is an outdoor loving community. Make sure that you can see yourself in an environment that is regimented in outdoor activities. Coming from the city, I didn’t experience this attitude towards life much, yet I instantly grew to love it. However, the outdoors are not for everyone, so ask yourself would I thrive in a community rooted in outdoor values? Also, if possible, try to go on a tour of campus in the winter. A lot of students who transfer or tend to not like NMU as much as other students often struggle with Northern’s long winter semester. Again, I loved my time up here, including the winters, but it’s not for everyone :)

Further comments about your NMU experience:

The most notable thing that I tell people about Northern is that NMU and Marquette have provided me with everything I’ve asked for. This community is special in the idea that if you want something, you can go get it and the community will stop at nothing to see you succeed.

What will you do to keep yourself and others in the NMU community 'Safe on Campus' this fall?

The pandemic has made me more vigilant of illness and has taught me to take time to recuperate instead of going to work or class sick. I think the US praised the notion of “no days off’’ and used that as a thesis into what it means to be successful. However, COVID-19 has shown me that success is based on your own well-being as well as the well-being of others; sacrificing another’s well-being for your own attendance does not benefit the collective. I will keep myself and others safe by being vigilant of illness and staying home if needed.