Madison Wescott

Madison Wescott is a political science major from Rock Falls, IL

Hometown: Rock Falls, IL

Year: Expected graduation: 2025

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
Growing up I knew I wanted to do something that would help people. I cannot deal with some medical issues, so the medical field is not for me, but the subject of law always interested me. I have always wanted to be a lawyer and that is what I am pursuing at NIU. 

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I am majoring in political science with an emphasis in public law. I decided on this because of NIU’s amazing political science department, as well as the vast amount of occupations available after graduation if I decide not to pursue law school. 

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
I have been pleasantly surprised by how kind everyone is and how helpful people can be. My first few days at NIU were intimidating but finding someone to answer questions was easier than I had imagined. 

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
Being a student who commutes to school every day has proven quite difficult. However, I have been able to find some good friends through the Honors Program. Honors hosts different events, and I have been in some of the same honors classes with people in the same major as me, so finding friends has become easier since I began school at NIU.

What do you enjoy the most about the Honors Program?
The little activities that they put on throughout the year. They are so fun and allow time to just relax and take the pressure off for a while.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
Without a doubt, Professor April Clark has been my favorite instructor at NIU. She is a professor in the political science department. I took her intro class my first semester at NIU and have been looking for another class of hers to take since. She is so knowledgeable and gets everyone interested in her lectures. She moves around the room and holds everyone’s attention better than anyone I've ever seen. I was just in awe of her and her passion for her job. I would recommend anyone in the political science department to take a class with her. 

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
Attending class regularly is truly the only way to pass a class and succeed in college. The information provided in class, when the professors go away from what the book/board says, is so important. I got COVID-19 in 2022 and being home was so stressful, and I only missed two days of in-person lecture. Show up, participate and you'll be just fine!

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Being a student who commutes to NIU I have had to find different spots in the community and around campus to spend my time in between classes. Some of my favorites include the Holmes Student Center (near Starbucks of course), Founders Memorial Library and Panera over on Sycamore Road. Panera is a warm setting where I can go get a coffee and lunch and get a lot of work done, and it is away from school if I feel like I need a change of scenery. I love being on campus and seeing everything though, and I feel the library and the student center are the two main hubs for people. The library is much quieter, for when you need to focus hard to study or get something important done; however, the Starbucks in the student center is a huge draw. If I have a paper to write, I'll reward myself with a drink after completion — a little motivation never hurts! 

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?
Apply everywhere. Literally everywhere. I knew down deep that NIU was where I wanted to go, but it never hurts to keep options open, and knowing you've been accepted to a school is such a heartwarming feeling. Also, do not be afraid to be yourself in your essays and other scholarship papers you may need to write. Don't feel like you have to fit a certain mold to be accepted. 

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently?
Note-taking, 100%. In high school the classes were set up differently and notes usually coincided with the book or something similar. In some college classes, the professors give you a Power Point slideshow with over 100 slides of notes, and you need to learn quickly how to pull out the important information and keep going or else taking notes will consume you. And in the classes where professors do not give the slides, you better show up every day and learn to write or type fast.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
In my free time I really enjoy baking or watching television with my dog. Baking for me has always been a way to release stress, and you get something tasty out of it. Sitting and watching my favorite show also provides sort of a mental break from the pressures and stresses that college can cause.