Destination: Thrive

Transcript

Illinois Wesleyan is known for attracting bright, curious students with multiple interests and talents, and offering them opportunities to explore them inside and outside the classroom. Meet Emily from Queen Creek Arizona, who totally fits the multi-talented bill, and who’s found success at IWU, while being a neurodiverse learner. Emily, please take it away.

– Hey, Alex, thanks. So, I’m going into my senior year here at Wesleyan, and I’m a Neuroscience major with a focus in behavioral and a minor in Psychology. IWU’s regional admissions counselor, was really compelling and convincing me to take a tour campus, and I think that’s what really solidified my decision to become a Titan. Now, each year, I love taking Route 66 from Arizona to Illinois to see my beautiful campus. One of the awesome things about Wesleyan is that even as a neuroscience major, I can pursue music through the Jennings Scholarship. By participating in an ensemble, they cover private music lessons.

– Shoulders out, just nice low breath.

– Not only is studying voice a stress relief, but the unconventional style of learning, stimulates your brain differently, than a textbook or lecture. Another great thing is how small the classes are because it really lets you have a connection with your professors that I don’t think is possible at larger schools. One of my professors even offered me a mental health day, when I showed up to class a little tearful. And even though it wasn’t a big deal, as a neurodiverse learner, I really appreciate that they care about students and not about sacrificing mental health for grades. Illinois Wesleyan is a great place to be. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and everyone’s really friendly, especially, at Tommy’s, the best dining place on campus. After IWU, I hope to earn a master’s degree in neuroscience and eventually give back to the campus I’ve been able to thrive in. Back to you, Alex.

– How cool is it to see that students are encouraged to find ways to marry their talents and discover unique ways to live successful meaningful lives. That might be one of the reasons IWU grads are so highly sought after by top employers and graduate schools. Good luck with everything, Emily. We are all rooting for you, take care.