Allison and Students.Allison Morgan

Instant Attraction

When Allison Morgan was a high school student, she researched Western via its website and requested admissions material for more information. After reviewing everything, she knew that she wanted to visit the Macomb campus.

"I came to visit during my senior year of high school, and WIU was just the perfect fit for me. I visited other college campuses, but I knew that WIU was the school for me. I was excited to tour the residence halls and see the campus. At that time, I still was not sure what I wanted to major in, but Western had all the majors that I was considering. I also fell in love with the town of Macomb because I knew that I would be able to find my way around and really make those four years feel like I was living at home."

Educational Opportunities

During her undergrad years at Western, Allison settled on early childhood education as her major and became immersed in her studies and the program. She recently graduated with her degree in early childhood education; however, her career path has taken a bit of a different turn.

"While my classes in my undergraduate program really did prepare me for being a teacher, I realized how much I love truly loved Western and the higher education education environment. That realization let me to enroll in the College Student Personnel graduate program at Western," Allison said.

Allison at the Playground.The Extras

Allison doesn't hesitate to tell people about her sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma, and the many benefits that being a member has provided. Through the sorority, Allison spent her spare time volunteering and participating in numerous campus activities.

"Not only did I have the opportunity to volunteer my time for worthy causes, I met incredible people along the way. One of the big pluses, however, was that my grades really improved," she said. "I became busier, but I learned how to budget my time so much better; and I really strived to do as best as I could in my classes. My college experience would not have been the same if I hadn't joined Phi Sigma Sigma."

Giving Back

Giving back to her community isn't a new experience for Allison. She has supported the American Cancer Association for several years, after losing two of her grandparents to cancer. And through her sorority, she became an avid fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation. In addition, she participated in Relay for Life, served as a volunteer at Lincoln School and area nursing homes and worked as a tutor at a local school. And in Summer 2008, Allison traveled to Greece as part of Western's All Volunteer Effort international program to teach English classes to children living in a small Greek community.

Why Western?

While Allison isn't an a member of Western's cheer squad, she is an unofficial cheerleader for the University. She never hesitates to tell others why Western is the right place.

"I am always encouraging people from my high school to attend WIU. I love Western; it has been an amazing time in my life. All the professors I have had really want me to succeed. They actually care about me as an individual and really want to see me grow more as an individual and as a student. When it is finally time for me to leave WIU, I don't think I will really be ready to leave a place that has meant so much to me. I get so excited at the end of the summer knowing I get to come back to this University that has really shaped the person I am today. I have grown so much over these last few years, and I'm happy to say WIU has helped me to do so."