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Express Yourself: A Northern Star project
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Daija Hammonds

Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor

Daija Hammonds is pursuing a major in English and a minor in journalism.

Daija joined the Star in fall 2021 as a lifestyle writer and was the lifestyle editor for fall 2022 and managing editor in spring 2023.

Daija is also a member of the John Henrik Clarke Honor Society at NIU.

In her free time she enjoys reading, watching TV, movies and talking everything pop culture. She also enjoys playing the Sims 4 while listening to music or a podcast.

All content by Daija Hammonds
Wide receivers Kacper Rutkiewicz (Left) and Cole Tucker running the ball after receiving the ball in the second half of Saturday's game. (Marco Sotelo Avila | Northern Star)

Tucker, Green-May headed to NFL camps

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
May 1, 2023
Bon Iver's debut album "For Emma, Forever Ago" released in 2007 and is a staple to listen to in the winter. (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

[Photo] 4 winter themed albums for those who don’t enjoy Christmas music

By Nick Glover, Lifestyle Editor
December 8, 2022
The south side of Patterson Hall East after flooding occurred earlier in the hall. (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

[Photo] Approximately 35 students forced to relocate after flooding in Patterson East

By Bridgette Fox, Written Managing Editor
December 6, 2022
Students living in residence halls can download the official NIU app to check if washers and dryers are available to use.

How to avoid frustrations in residence halls’ laundry rooms

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
November 15, 2022
The new Braven UNIV 301 course will be offered for the spring semester and will be online from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

[Photo] Preparation for internships, jobs is the focus for new course UNIV 301

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer
November 14, 2022
"How to Excavate a Heart" by Jake Maia Arlow tells the story of Shani trying to navigate life after her first heartbreak. (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

[Photo] ‘How to Excavate a Heart’ is a delightful, exciting twist on the classic holiday story

By Caleb Johnson, Lifestyle Writer
November 13, 2022
Paulette Hasier leads a presentation on "Women in STEM" at the Founders Memorial Library, Nov. 9, 2022.

NIU alumna to host first talk in ‘Women in STEM’ Speaker Series

By Daija Hammonds and Evan Mellon
November 9, 2022
Neptune Central located in Neptune Hall has a fireplace, chairs and couches, making it a good spot to take a nap at. (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

[Photo] Best spots to catch some z’s on campus

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor
October 30, 2022
Chegg is a multi-service app that allows students to create flashcards, take practice tests and more for $15.99 a month. (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

[Photo] Three apps every college student needs

By Sarah Rose, Managing Editor
October 17, 2022
Communicating and hanging out with your roommate(s) is a good way to bond and form friendships.

How to build a good relationship with roommate(s)

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
September 12, 2022
The Netflix home page shows a list of trending shows on a laptop screen.

What I’m watching this weekend: Northern Star Staff

By Laqes Davis and Daija Hammonds
September 2, 2022
Greek community around campus actively involved during all home football games through fall 2021.

Greek life offers way to get involved

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
August 26, 2022
The Netflix home page shows a list of trending shows on a laptop screen.

What I’m watching this weekend: Northern Star Staff

By Daija Hammonds and Laqes Davis
August 25, 2022
President Joe Biden is set to announce $10,000 federal student loan cancellation Wednesday (Evan Vucci | Associated Press)

President Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan; who is eligible, student reactions

By Madelaine Vikse and Daija Hammonds
August 24, 2022
Ashlie Amber will perform her show “Ashlie Amber: I Will Always Love You” at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 18.

DeKalb day planner: Aug. 27

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
August 23, 2022
When users download the app they are given questions to answer (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

[Photo] A look at the daily habit tracker app Fabulous

By Laqes Davis, Lifestyle Writer
June 27, 2022
Attendees walking in the DeKalb Pride march

The Egyptian Theatre to host Pride events

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
June 22, 2022
The time I... met my celebrity crush

The time I… met my celebrity crush

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
May 5, 2022
Book subscription services are a great way to read a wide variety of books (Madelaine Vikse | Northern Star)

Book subscription services perfect for booklovers

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
May 3, 2022
Google Calendar can be useful when it comes to planning and scheduling ahead (Madelaine Vikse | Northern Star)

Tips and tricks on how to stay organized with Google Calendar

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
May 1, 2022
The Netflix home page shows a list of trending shows on a laptop screen.

What I’m watching this weekend: Northern Star Staff

By Madelaine Vikse and Daija Hammonds
April 28, 2022
The Studio 205 Exhibition will be held in Studio 205 in the Still Gym on May 5 (Courtesy of Lizzy Warner)

Studio 205 Exhibition to showcase three painting majors’ artwork

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
April 24, 2022
“Parks and Recreation” premiered in 2009 and ended in 2015, but then came back for a special episode in 2020. It stars Amy Poehler, Nick Ocafferman, Chris Pratt and Rashida Jones.

Unpopular opinion: ‘Parks and Recreation’ is better than ‘The Office’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
April 21, 2022
The iced matcha chai latte and the sunset tea are two drinks to try from Starbucks this spring (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

5 Starbucks drinks to try this spring

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
April 19, 2022
Reality Bytes is an independent student film festival. The films shown were made by students and came from different countries (Zohair Khan | Northern Star)

Reality Bytes fascinates audience with films from different countries

By Parker Otto and Daija Hammonds
April 14, 2022
An Easter basket full of eggs with paper money on white background (Getty Images)

Easter basket gift ideas for college students

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
April 14, 2022
The Netflix home page shows a list of trending shows on a laptop screen.

What I’m watching this weekend: Northern Star Staff

By Madelaine Vikse, DeOndre Saunders, and Daija Hammonds
April 14, 2022
Paper mustache on booth props on blue paper background (Getty Images)

Reminiscing on trends that were popular in 2013 and 2014

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
April 12, 2022
The students in the Film Festival Administration class pose with Reality Bytes shirts (Courtesy of Hunter Weston)

Reality Bytes Independent Student Film Festival to be held in person

By Parker Otto, Daija Hammonds, Kyron Lewis, Quade Evans, and Grace Barone
April 10, 2022
NIU offers more than 50 majors for students to pick from (Madelaine Vikse | Northern Star)

The importance of picking a major

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
April 7, 2022
NIU School of Theatre and Dance will premiere "God of Carnage" at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the Sally Stevens Players Theatre in the Steven’s Building. (Madelaine Vikse | Northern Star)

NIU School of Theatre and Dance to perform plays by Ukrainian playwrights

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
April 2, 2022
Cozy home composition with cup of tea, candlestick and books close up (Getty Images)

Gift ideas for booklovers and bibliophiles

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 31, 2022
Day 1 of April circled on calendar on table with yellow background (Getty Images)

Unique April Fools’ Day pranks to try this year

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 29, 2022
Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson laughs as she is questioned by Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee (Alex Brandon | Associated Press)

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson nomination serves as inspiration

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 27, 2022
Austyn Menk (from left) plays piano, Morgan Turner plays string bass, Kirby Fellis plays trombone and Noah Brooks plays drums in a jazz quartet (Zohair Khan | Northern Star)

Ukraine Benefit Concert brings community together

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 27, 2022
Logan Lerman played Percy Jackson in the film adaptations (Courtesy of Jenny De Pablos | The Walt Disney Company)

The highs and lows of “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” film adaptations

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 25, 2022
Golden trophy cup on gold background (Getty Images)

2022 Oscars predictions: Who will win the ‘Big Five’?

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 18, 2022
Woman relaxing at home in the evening and watching TV

“The Fallout” shows different ways people cope with trauma

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 14, 2022
"Wordle" has become a popular online game, recently bought by The New York Times (Madelaine Vikse | Northern Star)

A look at ‘Wordle’: a popular online game with a daily challenge

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 6, 2022

Pritzker visits NIU to discuss higher education investments

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 3, 2022
Bowl of popcorn with TV remote control on a black textured background (Getty Images)

5 Black films that don’t focus on trauma

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
March 3, 2022
"The Proposal" and "The Wedding Party" are some novels that feature Black main characters (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

5 romance novels featuring Black main characters

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 28, 2022
The Huskie Den is located in the Holmes Student Center and is one of the recommended places to study at (Madelaine Vikse | Northern Star)

Top 3 places to study at on campus

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 22, 2022
"Beautiful World, Where Are You" navigates mental health, relationships and more (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

‘Beautiful World, Where Are You’ navigates mental health

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 22, 2022
Five simple and affordable skincare products to start or add into your routine (Daija Hammonds | Northern Star)

A simple 5-step skincare routine for beginners

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 16, 2022
Jamaque Newberry is pursuing his dream of acting at NIU (Courtesy of Jamaque Newberry)

Highlighting three Black theater majors at NIU

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 14, 2022
Education scene, happy students sitting on summer park green grass together, studying.

5 TV shows relatable for college students

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 8, 2022
Sydney Sweeny plays Cassie Howard in "Euphoria" (Eddy Chen | HBO Max)

Examining if scenes in ‘Euphoria’ are too graphic for high schoolers

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 7, 2022
Miiriya is a Black-owned app that is an alternative for Amazon (Madelaine Vikse | Northern Star)

5 Black-owned apps to download

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 6, 2022
Rae’s Amazing Creations sells desserts and treats and is owned by Raven Proctor, a junior health and human science major at NIU (Raven Proctor | Courtesy)

Valentine’s Day gifts made by local Black-owned businesses

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
February 3, 2022
Comic book abstract template with dark rays and halftone humor effects on green radial background.

Marvel Studios projects to look forward to in 2022

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
January 26, 2022
A photograph of 5 easy books to read during the spring semester.

5 short, easy books to read over the busy semester

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
January 18, 2022
A photograph of two body washes that are good for dry skin, due to the winter weather.

5 body washes to help hydrate dry skin

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
January 14, 2022
Movie clapperboard, tickets and popcorn over pink background.

Film review: ‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
January 11, 2022
Spider web illustration.

Film review: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
January 6, 2022
Taylor Swift at the 2019 American Music Awards.

Album review: ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
December 28, 2021
Group of teenagers lighting sprinklers and celebrating New Year.

New Year’s resolution ideas and tips for students

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
December 25, 2021
Variation of books that are highly recommended to read over winter break.

5 books to read over winter break

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
December 6, 2021
Clipper in a Christmas hat on top.

Christmas movies to look forward to this season

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
December 4, 2021
The Huddle Restaurant located at 817 W. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb has closed

The Huddle closes after 11 years

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
December 2, 2021
Mini turkey pumpkins.

Thanksgiving craft ideas

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
November 22, 2021
This image released by Marvel Studios shows, from left, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie and Don Lee in a scene from "Eternals."

Film review: ‘Eternals’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
November 16, 2021
Whiskey Acres

Rockford musician Cole Brandt to perform at Whiskey Acres

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
November 15, 2021
Daija Hammonds details what's on her weekend watchlist.

What I’m watching this weekend: Daija Hammonds

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
November 12, 2021
This image released by Marvel Studios shows, from left, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie and Don Lee in a scene from "Eternals."

MCU roadmap to ‘Eternals’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
November 5, 2021
Jamie Lee Curtis, star and executive producer of "Halloween Kills," poses at the premiere of the film, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

Film review: ‘Halloween Kills’

By Daija Hammonds, Managing Editor
October 26, 2021
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