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First-Time Orientation Leader - Class of 2013
Email Lauren!
Major:
Elementary Education
Minor:
English
Lauren Venlos came to Illinois Wesleyan from East Leyden High School in Schiller Park, IL. She chose IWU because she loved the very pretty, relaxing, small campus along with the idea of such a small school and all of its benefits. She has truly loved her classes and the fact that they have always had less than 20 students, which makes for engaging and interesting discussions. Not only that, but she also really liked how the education program offers prospective teachers the chance to be in the classroom with students in their first year at IWU. Overall, she just felt comfortable when she visited IWU, which made it her final decision. During the summers, Lauren works as a cashier at a local water park near her home. During the school year, she participates in work study and works at the Thorpe Digital Center located on the third floor of The Ames Library.
Lauren is a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority and is currently its Vice President of Communications. Being a part of Sigma Kappa is something that she truly loves because of all of the wonderful women she has developed such great friendships with. Through Sigma Kappa, Lauren is able to have a lot of opportunities for community involvement. She enjoys spending time volunteering at the CISAR animal shelter and helping with Special Olympics. Lauren is also a member of the Student Education Association. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, boyfriend, and dog, Charlie; she also enjoys relaxing and reading a good book. For Lauren, summer is the greatest time of year and she enjoys just laying in the sun. She loves working with children and volunteers at an elementary school near her home. At school, she enjoys spending free time with her Sigma Kappa sisters.
Looking back to Turning Titan Orientation, her favorite memories were the hypnotist show and the carnival-themed night at Hansen Student Center. Both may seem strange, however they proved to be the most fun and the best ways to meet new people in her class.
Lauren's advice for new students:
Just have fun. Yes, school is important but most of us are all fully capable of doing well in school. However, not everyone takes advantage of all the fun things college has to offer. Step outside of your comfort zone, attend every activity Turning Titan has to offer, and continue to do so throughout your college career because you never know where you will find a good time.