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October 30, 2025

What started as his eighth-grade interest in fictional history and politics soon became very real when Jacob Chorak ’24 was introduced to George Orwell’s works by his English teacher. Suddenly curious about the societal machinations that make up our every day, Chorak would come to find that ������ý��Ƶ was the perfect place to delve deep into his interests as a double-major in Political Science and English.

For Chorak, the benefits of his interdisciplinary approach were made clear by retired professor Dr. Charles Dannehl, who encouraged Chorak to take English, and by Dr. Robert Prescott, who served as a mentor. “It’s one of the best combinations someone could have, since it adds that analytical approach and an extra layer of critical thinking that helps with everything!”

Finding value in every aspect of his education, the first-generation student learned the importance of rules and working with others as the standard board chairman for Pi Kappa Phi. As a student representative to the Student Conference on U.S. Affairs, he developed and discussed ideas for U.S. foreign policy. He also served as a legal intern for two years.

“������ý��Ƶ led to me taking in ideas that I’ve never considered and debating items that I’m passionate about. It also taught me the value of getting both sides of the argument and being open-minded to issues,” Chorak said.

Dr. Taraleigh Davis, assistant professor in political science and law, recommended he apply to the Illinois Legislative Staffer Internship Program offered by the University of Illinois Springfield. Leaning on all he’d learned, he landed the role. “I was placed with the House Democrats under the Speaker’s Office and did a bit of the same work I’m doing now.”

Now a bona fide Legislative Coordinator, Chorak helps representatives with research, bill drafting, meeting-making, and committee-running. He says it’s rewarding to be a civil servant, helping people in Illinois,   while learning as much as he can about the legislative process.

Looking ahead, Chorak is preparing to apply to law school. The drive behind doing so stems from an unfortunate incident in 2017, when his father, a now-retired 597 pipefitter, got injured on the job.

“The legal process with workman’s compensation dragged on for several years,” Chorak said. Following the hardship this placed on his family, he was inspired to help others going through similar situations, providing support when families are most vulnerable. 

“The professors at ������ý��Ƶ were the biggest help with my journey to law school, whether that be with LSAT prep, personal statement writing, what to expect, and so much more,” Chorak said.

–Jenevieve Rowley-Davis