From Tinley Park to Titan Pride: Chloe’s College Journey at Illinois Wesleyan
When Chloe Shapkauski first stepped onto the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University, she felt something click. It wasn’t part of a long-planned college tour or strategic decision—it was the result of a newspaper article and a mom who believed in reading between the lines.
“My mom found IWU through this list of the 400 best schools in the Midwest. I visited, had the most amazing tour guide, and just fell in love. That was it.”
Now entering her senior year, Chloe is more than just a business major with a finance minor—she’s a student leader, community volunteer, and full-fledged advocate for both Illinois Wesleyan and the larger Bloomington-Normal community.
Why IWU Felt Like Home
Chloe described Illinois Wesleyan as a place where you can’t walk across campus without seeing familiar faces. The small size isn’t a limitation—it’s a strength. Professors know your name, your story, and will check in if you’ve missed class or seem off.
“There was one professor who literally told us, ‘If you disappear and don’t respond to my emails, I will come looking for you.’ That level of care is real.”
She shared stories of supportive staff, approachable faculty, and even the university president attending student organization fairs. It’s a place, she says, where everyone is all in—for each other.
Resources That Make a Difference
From her very first job as a Titan Talker to her work at the Hart Career Center, Chloe has taken full advantage of the campus’s many support systems.
She credits the career center with helping her land internships, polish her interview skills, and connect her with professionals in the area—many of whom she now knows on a first-name basis.
“They really do care. They’ll help you practice for interviews, introduce you to employers, and just cheer you on. There’s heart in that office, for sure.”
Tapping into the Community
Outside the campus bubble, Chloe dove into Bloomington-Normal’s professional world. Through groups like BNYP (Bloomington-Normal Young Professionals) and Rotaract, she met local leaders, attended events, and discovered how welcoming the community can be to students.
“They don’t just want you to intern here. They want you to live here, grow here, and succeed here.”
She shared stories of coffee chats with professionals, speaker luncheons with community leaders, and even running into people from her hometown of Tinley Park—highlighting just how connected and supportive this region really is.
Hidden Gems and Student Favorites
Looking for a few student-approved hot spots? Chloe’s got you covered.
Fell Avenue & Broadway Street: Perfect for scenic walks and admiring the historic homes.
Ivy Lane Bakery: Famous for their sugar cookies—so popular they get top billing on student event posters.
Theo’s Ice Cream: Aesthetic, locally made, and delicious. Chloe especially loves their rotating weekly flavors.
Coffee Hound & Constitution Trail: Her go-to combo for cozy mornings and tranquil nature walks.
Gazebo on the Trail: A serene hideaway you’ll only find if you know where to look.
She also swears by community festivals, farmers markets, and late-night stops at DP Dough or La Bamba. In her words: “Just walk around. There’s so much beauty here, especially when you least expect it.”
Advice to Future Students
Chloe encourages high schoolers to think carefully about what they want in a college experience. Do you want to be pushed to grow? Do you want professors who invest in you? Do you want to build real relationships with professionals before you graduate?
If the answer is yes, Illinois Wesleyan might just be your perfect fit.
“It’s not for someone who wants to just blend in. It’s for someone who wants to be seen, supported, and inspired.”
Why She Loves Bloomington-Normal
What’s kept Chloe rooted here isn’t just the campus—it’s the people.
“Everyone here wants to see you succeed. It’s not a community that’s hiding how great it is. They want you to know, and they want you to be part of it.”
Whether it’s spontaneous stargazing in the cornfields or volunteering at a local showcase event, Chloe has woven herself into the fabric of the town. And she encourages others to do the same.
Final Thoughts
From a chance college discovery to becoming a student deeply involved in both campus and community, Chloe’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys begin with an open mind—and a walk through the CNS Atrium.
If you’re considering Illinois Wesleyan or exploring life in Bloomington-Normal, take a page out of Chloe’s book: Get involved, say yes to opportunities, and don’t forget to stop for a cookie at Ivy Lane.