Michelle Nuñez Salas

As a proud first-generation college student, NIU graduate and now NIU Admissions Counselor, Michelle Nuñez Salas understands the uncertainly that comes with entering college. After all, she switched majors three time while at NIU. She began as a Math major, changed to Marketing and then decided she wanted to work with non-profit organizations, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Studies.

Today, the Chicago native uses those experiences and insight to help prospective Huskies navigate the decision-making that comes with finding the right university.

"After graduation, I worked at a nonprofit and was in the social services field working with young people," she says. "There is where I started seeing youth interested in higher education as a means to change their circumstances."

Community support is critical to helping students succeed, she notes, and NIU offers that to students both inside and outside of the classroom. NIU’s diversity helps enrich the experience for its students and the variety of organizations and activities helps students find their identities. 

"I tell our prospective students that NIU offers more than just an educational milestone," Michelle says. "There is community to be tapped into, organizations to grow within, hobbies to explore and experiences they can take with them beyond graduation. It’s all about what you make of your time here."

A few quick tips from Michelle for prospective Huskies:

• Complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
• When you need help, reach out and find a resource.
• Get involved on campus.
• Never hesitate to ask for help. NIU staff and faculty are there to help you succeed!