Haley Galvin | Perspective Editor 

“… stressful but worthwhile.” 

This semester was anything but easy. It was filled with assignment after assignment and a new job that threw a lot at me. However, I really believe it worked out for the best.

With every hardship, I was able to navigate and work through it. To add to the stress of classes, I also had a new job as an editor that proved very early on to be a challenge and sometimes really stressful.

However, it has truly become one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Even on my most stressful production days, I push through and have been able to learn so many valuable skills. I also gained so many great friendships this semester, and I truly will cherish every one of them.

Without my friends at the Star, I may have had a really hard semester, but they pushed me through. No matter how hard this semester was, it was worth every struggle.

Lisa Lillianstrom | Perspective Contributor

“… a learning experience.” 

When I first transferred from community college to NIU, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I also didn’t expect it to be this hard either.

There were assignments for every class, and I was always doing something every day; free time is rare, and when you do have free time, it is usually for studying. Let’s not forget always having to set an alarm and worrying about sleeping through it. However, it has taught me how to manage my time better and how to balance things out.

I would say it has been a good semester. I have learned so much both in the classroom and outside the classroom. I have made new friends, and I have gotten involved in organizations on campus.

I started to discover more and more about myself and what I wanted to do after graduation. Overall, I do not regret choosing NIU, and I am proud to be a Huskie

Ginger Simons | Entertainment Editor

“… a rewarding whirlwind

This semester brought a number of changes into my life.

Navigating a hefty work schedule while simultaneously settling into a new living situation proved to be difficult, and at times, keeping schoolwork a top priority felt insurmountable.

As the semester draws to a close, I’m thankful for these circumstances, as I believe they’ve shaped me into a better worker and learner.

I was able to engage in several deeply fulfilling classes this semester, and I’m already excited for my next round of courses. I’ve been able to take on new, exciting opportunities at the Northern Star, for which I’m endlessly grateful.

Most importantly, I can’t overstate the impact my friends and loved ones have had on me, and they certainly kept me sane when the going got tough.

Overall, this semester has left me in a good position to reassess what I can do to make my last year at NIU a success, both academically and personally.