Above / WONC Radio Station is located at 232 E. Chicago Avenue just west of S. Brainard Street on the campus of North Central College. (PN Photo Image)
College students traditionally spend their summer breaks balancing internships, paid employment, personal enrichment, and relaxation.
These come in all forms and shapes, and for some it means navigating a course of non-traditional work schedules and missing out on social activities. But sometimes, none of that matters.
Enter Paloma Mena, a bright, articulate North Central College sophomore majoring in Political Science. You will find her getting up at 4AM on weekday mornings, preparing for a 45-minute drive from her south suburban home to report to her 6AM shift. Her 8PM bedtime prevents her from spending those late-night hours with friends, but she found the draw of a powerful force that keeps her motivated.
Mena discovered one of North Central College’s most significant offerings during her freshman year.
“Something told me that the tiny building at the intersection of East Chicago Avenue and South Brainard Street was special,” she said. “I had no clue that Oliver Hall was home to WONC FM-89.”
And indeed, she was right.
Launched on July 1, 1968, the student-run radio station has garnered myriad awards throughout its history, including the Abraham & Borst Award for Best Overall Radio Station in the nation from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. Its playlist includes a blend of alternative, active, and classic rock music along with specialty talk shows and educational programs.
Mena joined the radio’s broadcasting team in January 2025 and is now a regular fixture on Morning Mojo, a program she co-hosts with grad student Jess Hudgins, a nearly-six-year veteran at WONC who not only listens to music but also writes it. Together, they form the “perfect morning pick-me-up” duo. Each day comprises its own highlights by featuring music, movie reviews, contests, and more. (Listeners can tune in on Friday mornings around 9:30AM and learn about the many extraordinary arts events happening in DuPage County as presented by Arts DuPage’s woman-about town, me!)
North Central College’s celebrated radio station provides an encouraging atmosphere for those looking to hone skills that will help them in their future.
“WONC is a community where creative minds come together with one goal: to produce something we’re proud of,” said Mena. “Not many places give young people the opportunity to have their voices heard, and our participation in WONC gives us a space to explore this in a meaningful way.”
Hear Paloma and Jesse Weekdays on Morning Mojo, 6 to 10AM on WONC-FM 89.1.
