February 2012 – Page 2 – College Admission at Loyola

What We Take for Granted

By | February 25, 2012

It’s Saturday night and I need to come up with two posts before the end of the week. The Undergraduate Admissions Office does not have any particular interest in what I write about, as long as what I write is quality and useful. This is great because I have plenty of freedom to say whatever I like, even complaints about Loyola if I have them (which, generally, I don’t.)

But the problem is that sometimes I sit here and just can not come up with anything about which to write. So right before I began writing this post I was sitting and staring at the WordPress blog editor trying to decide on something to say anything about. And then it hit me.

How silly is it that here I am, surrounded by tons of great experiences, great opportunities, great people and great locations, and I still have nothing to say? I think the reason that this realization just came to me was that I walked to the shore of Lake Michigan today with my mom (who is visiting for a few days.) As we approached I remarked, “You know, I guess I have kind of taken this lake for granted lately.”

And it’s true. It took a visit from my mom for me to realize that my everyday life, to which I’ve grown so accustomed, must look quite nice to an outsider. I mean, let’s take stock:

I live within walking distance of the shoreline to a literal Great Lake that stretches out to the horizon. I have a paying internship in downtown Chicago that is relevant to my career goals. I go to a school where the academic support is so great that I have 2 professors from two different schools helping me to write a “Best Practices for Gamification” paper that will establish my credentials as a thought leader in the industry. Oh, and I’ll get paid to write the paper.

I am trying to think of how to write this post without it coming across as a braggart, but I think I can do so if I keep the perspective “I need to be grateful for these things.” I am in a very privileged position. Loyola is a part of that. Chicago is a part of that. Even my friends, family, and roommates are a part of that. For me to be at a loss of things to explain to others–to not have anything to contribute to a blog post for future Loyola students to read–is inexcusable.

I just need to take a minute next time and think about my life from the perspective of an outsider. My mom doesn’t live next to Lake Michigan, and you probably don’t either. I bet there are a million things that I see every week that somebody from outside Loyola or Chicago would be interested in hearing about.

I’ll do my best to keep the field reports coming.

Gala di San Valentino

By | February 25, 2012

At 7:30 PM on Friday February 24th, over 500 Loyolans entered the elegant ballroom of the downtown Drake Hotel. Donning dazzling dresses and spiffy suits, Ramblers danced the night away in an evening to remember.

One of the perks of being a student at Loyola is having over 200 student-run clubs to get involved with. Among the 200 clubs is Loyola’s Italian Club, called ITALIOLA. Every year ITALIOLA throws a swanky gala (defined as “a festive occasion” by dictionary.com).

This year, the gala took place at the Drake Hotel, located at the beginning of the Magnificent Mile. One might guess that the prestigious location of the event would foreshadow the elegance of the event. I can attest to that. Upon walking into the hotel and back to the ballroom, I noticed the copious amounts of marble, pillars and countertops. Lighting the way were sparkling crystal chandeliers hanging from vaulted that were accented by intricate molding.

After checking our coats, my posse and I filed into the dining room and then the ballroom. The dining room was a dimly lit room full of tables. This particular dining room was one of two, and was for all of the members of the ITALIOLA and their friends/dates. The general population, me included, could eat at tables stationed around the dance floor or in the other dining room.

At approximately 8 PM, the buffet was opened to all in attendance. On the menu was numerous Italian staples, pasta, pizza, fine cheeses and dried fruits and the best cream puffs I have ever had. Because of Lent, I stuck to the meatless options, and the cheese pizza did not disappoint. I made more than one trip into the buffet.

The main event began around 9 PM. The dance floor was located in a long and narrow room, with marble floors and a column of pillars along each side of the floor. In the front was the DJ’s table and on the sides of the dance floor were tables for resting and refreshments.

From the moment the music started playing, the ballroom transformed into a nightclub. Strobe lights and loud music shook the room and for hours we danced, spun, jumped and swayed to the music. The music selection was varied, allowing time for salsa dancing and slow dancing. By the end of the night, all of us sharply dressed attendants were frazzled and tired, but elated for having had such a great opportunity. I am already looking forward to next year and I am thankful that student groups at Loyola go to such great lengths to make sure everyone has a chance to have a great time.

Loyola 4 Chicago

By | February 24, 2012

This semester I have been lucky enough to volunteer as a tutor each week at a Jesuit school in Chicago! The organization that has made this possible is Loyola 4 Chicago.

Loyola 4 Chicago is a program in Loyola’s Center for Community Service and Action, that provides opportunities for students to work with nearby communities in Chicago. They have many different volunteer sites and do work that ranges from helping the homeless to tutoring students.

I am part of a group that goes to the Chicago Jesuit Academy (CJA) each Tuesday and tutors students. CJA is a full-scholarship, Jesuit, male, middle school for children of “modest” economic backgrounds. The school day is extended as well as the length of the school year with their goal being to prepare their students for college. I have had the opportunity to see first hand the amazing and life changing things that this school is doing for their young men.

Being a future teacher myself, I really cherish my experience tutoring at this school. I have been able to see how the teachers at CJA handle rowdy students and the different techniques they implement in order to keep order in general. One rule is that all of the young men call us tutors Miss. or Mr. [last name] and we call them Mr. [last name]. This establishes a mutual respect and makes working with the students more personal.

Loyola provides my group with a van that fits all nine of us so that we do not have to take public transportation. The hour long car ride gives us a chance to bond as a group and reflect on our experiences tutoring. I am very grateful for this opportunity that Loyola has provided me and I can not wait till next Tuesday!

Another Reason to Shop at H&M

By | February 23, 2012

I’ve been super busy as of late, especially with upcoming midterms and papers. All this chaos calls for some stress free activities– like shopping! Weeknights are optimal for retail therapy as there aren’t as many shoppers out and about. The weekend can get absolutely crazy and it really detracts from experience.

Tonight I dropped in H&M, a short walk from Baumhart, to escape the slightly crazy day I’ve had. After finding some seriously cute pants that I decided I couldn’t live without, I made my way to the cashier. I would have been satisfied with just my pants, but what happened next will definitely bring me back to H&M soon. The cashier handed me the coolest bag ever with David Beckham‘s picture on it!

Some call the David Beckham campaign at H&M a little scandalous. I prefer artistic. What do you think?

Talk of the Weather

By Hannah Colborn | February 23, 2012

Chicago weather has certainly been weird lately. Last fall, rumors were flying that this winter would be one of the harshest in Chicago history, which got everybody expecting the worst following last February’s Snowpocalypse. But we’ve had such a mild winter– we’ve been spoiled by 40-50 degree temperatures, mostly sunny skies and almost no snowfall at all! Today, on the other hand, was a little more teeth chattering. Maybe my skin has thinned!

But TONIGHT there is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the city. We’re getting four to six inches of snow by morning! So excited! Finally, real winter weather.

Since I’ve been thinking about the weather I’ve had this song stuck in my head.

Karaoke Night

By | February 23, 2012

Last Monday, we had karaoke night here at the Rome Center. In the basement of the dorm building (well, the only building- classrooms, offices and dorm rooms are all in one big building) the Student Life Assistants set up a stage with microphones so we could all sing our hearts out. I was nervous for this at first, seeing as I can’t sing, but it turned out to be a blast!

When it first started, there wasn’t a big turnout. I think everyone was probably skeptical/nervous like I was, or they had class. As the night progressed, the music blasted throughout the building. More and more people came down, especially when they heard the snack bar was handing out plates of french fries and pigs in a blanket! (Mmm.. American food!)

As the night went on, karaoke night turned into one giant dance party. Some of the better numbers included “Baby Got Back,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Super Bass.” My personal favorite was the duet by my two John Carroll friends from home who are also at the Rome Center.

They (two guys) sang Sonny and Cher’s classic “I’ve got you Babe.” It was hilarious and they sang the song perfectly. I’m thinking they should start their own two man singing show. I think they’d have a lot of fans! Here’s a picture of them reading the lyrics and singing along.

Mardi Gras is over. What was your best throw?

By Lori Greene | February 22, 2012

This time of year, we hear stories of Carnival from all over the world. As I enjoyed a piece of king cake yesterday, I started to think about the many parades and various celebrations going on leading up to Fat Tuesday. If you haven’t been to a Mardi Gras parade before, you would find that it is a true celebration marked by music, colorful costumes, themed floats, and yes, the throws.

The throws are the trinkets that are tossed to the crowd from the various Mardi Gras Parade floats. Some throws are pretty standard (i.e.: stuffed animals, beads, etc.) while others can be collectors’ items, such as the doubloons (medallions) that change from year to year.

Assuming you went to a parade this year, what was your Mardi Gras experience like?

Was there something new this year that everyone wanted to catch?
Was there a theme on a float that caught your eye? Did it make you look twice?
Was there one prized possession, or throw, that you will likely keep around for 10+ plus years and tell others about the day you caught it?
What was it that made you realize, “I really want THAT throw?”

I think there are a lot of similarities between Mardi Gras and the college admission process.

Yes, it’s a stretch, but think about it. You have been to a lot of parades (i.e. campus visits, open houses, overnights). You have listened to a lot of music (i.e. admission directors, current students, tour guides, bloggers). And each parade (or college), offers something unique and different than the others you have seen. There are also different throws from each school (admission awards, scholarships, academic programs, internship opportunities, location, etc.).

Did you catch the throw you wanted yet? In other words, do you know what your top choice school(s) is? Are your friends looking to go to the same school? Did you get admitted to your first choice school? Do you now prefer a school that you didn’t think was at the top of the list initially because of a visit or a choice of major offered?

The colors of Mardi Gras: purple, green, and gold have significance. Green stands for faith. Have some faith in the process. It isn’t over yet, but I assure you the right choice (throw) is out there for you.

Argyle Eateries

By Antoinette Isama | February 22, 2012

This delicious bowl of pho hits the spot but doesn't hit the wallet!

One thing that I really appreciate about Chicago, especially the Rogers Park area, is the diverse cultures that one can learn from. A way that I like to learn about people’s culture is through the food.

Off of the Argyle el stop are many Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants that are authentic and affordable (and delicious). A restaurant that has become my favorite is Tank Noodle at the corner of Argyle and Broadway.

Tank Noodle is well known for its generous helpings of pho (beef noodle soup). They also offer different kinds of pho, such as chicken noodle soup, or egg noodle soup. I also enjoy the smoothies with tapioca balls and their Thai iced tea.

This past Saturday I ventured there with friends to take a break from catching up with readings.

Busy Busy Busy

By Hannah Colborn | February 22, 2012

Time has been both dragging on and speeding by. I am grateful it is already Wednesday and am looking forward to heading home for spring break in a week and a half. There is so much to be done before then though! This is midterm season, which means it’s prime time for professors to schedule lots of quizzes, exams and assignments due within the next week or so. It’s getting pretty hectic!

One of the things that’s been getting me through the day is this new book I am reading, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer. The movie equivalent is in theaters right now, but I heard how great the book was and vowed to read it before I watched. So far it’s been great. The story is mostly told from the point of view of a very unique 10-ish-year-old boy whose father died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. A year or two after his father’s death, the boy sets out to solve this sort of scavenger hunt his father left for him. It’s really interesting but I’m only 100 pages in!

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, by Jonathan Safran Foer

The Great Bambi

By | February 22, 2012

As I type up this blog, I have just returned from a five hour study fest at the IC. Today has been the textbook definition of a “long day.” I have been awake since my first class at 8:05 am and haven’t been back into my dorm room until now (it happens to be 2:00 am).

In other words, I’ve been going for pretty much 18 hours straight. Being that I was on the verge of collapse when I got back from the library, I turned my TV on in the hopes of having some background noise to keep me awake while I put my things away and organized my backpack for tomorrow.

I expected there to be nothing but infomercials on at this late hour. However, to my pleasant surprise, “The Sandlot“ is currently on AMC!

Clearly I’m going to be awake for the next 101 minutes.

The Sandlot was always one of my favorite movies, but my attachment to it grew once I got here. I’m not the only one of my friends who has become nostalgic for classic movies and television shows from the 1990s, but I think I’m the only one who is currently fascinated with “The Sandlot.”

Perhaps it’s because I have always related to Scotty Smalls. I can’t count how many people have told me, “You think too much!” Or maybe it comes simply from going to college; I could really identify with Smalls at the beginning of the movie – starting at a new school with no friends, just wanting to simultaneously fit in and be himself.

And, just like Smalls, I did succeed in making plenty of friends and I even went on several of my own unexpected adventures. So, if you are nervous for college, just keep in mind that things do tend to work out.

And don’t forget, “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die!”