“I gravitated towards NU because I felt like that is where I could thrive and give the very best of myself.”

By Lara Talib
MS in School Psychology with PPSC Credential, ’23

My mom always says, “People can take everything from you, but they cannot take away your education.” That echoes in my head every time I study. As a woman in the Middle East, education was the only way she could give herself a better life, and she instilled that in me.

After community college, I landed at a four-year university and earned a psychology degree. My path wasn’t perfect—juggling two jobs and family meant some bumps in my grades. But I persevered, and during that time, I discovered my passion: working with students.

During undergrad, I worked as a special education paraprofessional at several high schools in the local district and felt I wanted to do more. I worked in ABA therapy and with foster youth and did some more work with the school district. These jobs further solidified my passion for youth advocacy.

That realization led me to the master’s in school psychology program at NU. I gravitated towards NU because I felt like that is where I could thrive and give the very best of myself. I also fell in love with the idea that I would be able to collaborate with people from all over the state and country about similar goals and intentions we have for future generations.

Lara’s is just one of many inspiring stories about students who identified their passions and pursued their dreams at NU, and it is our supporters who provide opportunities for them to thrive.

Learn more about the many ways you can make the future bright for deserving NU students by contacting the Development Office at development@nu.edu.