“I am a chill person who gets really excited on the things he likes… and at the end of the day I’m just your average weeb.”
That mix of self-awareness, humor, and authenticity has shaped Jonathan Ford’s college experience in the best way.
Now a senior at Northern Illinois University, Jonathan is majoring in psychology, driven by a simple but powerful question: Why do people do what they do?
“I am always wondering why people act the way they are… which I want to use as a way to talk with them and help figure out their problems so they can move forward and know that they are not alone in their struggles.”
That mindset shows up not just in the classroom, but in how he spends his time on campus. Jonathan is part of the Huskie Marching Band, performing at football games and bringing energy to game days, and he serves as Treasurer of the Anime Association, helping create a space where students can connect over shared interests.
Finding Community
For Jonathan, college hasn’t just been about academics, it’s been about finding community.
He’s also taken what he’s learning and applied it in meaningful ways. Through volunteer work with Music & Memory at NIU, he’s spent time with individuals in retirement homes and those with disabilities, using music, art, and conversation to build real connections.
It’s work that reflects exactly why he chose psychology in the first place.
Looking Ahead
When it comes to what’s next, Jonathan is thinking ahead while staying flexible. His goal is to attend graduate school and earn his master’s in psychology. But he’s also realistic about the path it might take to get there, whether that means working in the field first, gaining experience, and saving along the way.
That balance of ambition and practicality is something many first-generation students know well and it’s where Green Halo Scholars has played a key role.
“The experience of being a scholar is that it helped me open my eyes to a variety of things that I wish I had prepared for when I was in high school… They provided me with the support that I needed to continue my education and were the ones who’ve been preparing me to succeed in the real world.”
Outside of school, Jonathan keeps things grounded in what he enjoys: working out, watching anime, reading manga and fantasy novels, and recently, learning how to mix and master vocals for music.
It’s a reminder that success in college isn’t just about what you study, it’s also about what keeps you inspired.
Advice for Future Green Halo Scholars
When asked what advice he’d give to future Green Halo Scholars, Jonathan doesn’t sugarcoat it:
“You are on your own and please be responsible and get your assignments done… time will catch you before you know it.”
But just as importantly, he leaves them with this:
“In college you won’t always have the same friend group, and each year it will sometimes change, just remember to be yourself because sometimes people come, people go, but that’s ok.”
Jonathan’s story is still unfolding, but one thing is already clear: he’s building a future rooted in empathy, curiosity, and connection and that’s exactly the kind of impact we’re proud to support at Green Halo Scholars.
