Illinois Wesleyan University

Date: Nov 25 2011
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
Illinois Wesleyan University provides eclectic opportunities for students that may seem overwhelming at first. There is no denying that the institution fosters a relatively top-notch academic experience—one need only confer with alumni and study within the gorgeous Ames Library to ascertain this. As a psychology major with a history minor, I felt moderately content with the difficulty of my classes and the overall competence of the faculty.

Nevertheless, the "Wesleyan Community" (the term administrators like to wantonly foist upon us) contains glaring defects that are difficult to disregard. The administration is somewhat aloof and unresponsive to the needs of special-needs students (more so religious and gender minority members like myself); the Office of Residential Life conducts itself in such a way as to presume it to be a blundering Big Brother; Greek Life is pervasive but poorly managed and improperly overseen (though several fraternity and sorority students exceed my expectations); and many fellow students appear apathetic, credulous (especially when it comes to politics), and ignorant concerning the real world.

In the end, I can earnestly say that I deem the school quite good but not great. I am afraid the endearing term "Wesleyan Bubble" is archaic; it suggests that the intangible boundary between IWU and the community (i.e. the real world) can be easily popped. I confess it is more of a "Wesleyan Snowglobe." That is to say, overly difficult to penetrate from within or without and complicated from within to seek out fulfilling personal development. Drama that emerges within the institution tends to dissipate more quickly than it arises.

Advice for fellow students and peers: Illinois State University is just down the street. Though you need only attend classes at IWU, do not be expected to form an inadequate niche at such a small school as this one. Also pick your friends wisely and note that students can be close-minded and abrasive—especially when their personal beliefs are seemingly infringed upon by others. A liberal arts university can perform just as much damage to one's ego and compassion as a public institution.