First Step in the Right Direction: Loyola 360 Retreat

Back in July, after browsing through the different retreats that Loyola offers to first year students, I signed up for Loyola 360—in the hope of making new friends, as well as to take advantage of an opportunity to get to know Loyola’s Ecology Campus. As the retreat weekend approached, I looked forward to the challenge course and to the group activities that would push students like me to explore Jesuit values, juxtaposing them with my own life principles. Pleasantly surprised by the open-mindedness of the exercises, I especially appreciated the time that was allotted each night for reflection on the day’s activities. For me, these introspective moments provided a chance to focus on the positive aspects of the day and, in acknowledging the small-but-good things, I gained a refreshing sense of gratitude.

Throughout the retreat, the upperclassmen leaders held talks to share their experiences and insights, covering a range of topics related to the first year experience, including practical advice on maintaining a balanced social and academic life (main point: it’s much easier said than done). One of the overarching themes was “finding your inner compass and following your calling.” This concept was, and still is, particularly difficult for me to grasp because, even though I have declared a major, I am not certain where I am going with it in the future, or, how it connects with what I am supposed to be doing in life. This is not to say that I am wandering aimlessly, but I am simply walking forward, with no precise path in mind. I think a number of other students are in the same boat and it is nice to know that I am not alone in trying to figure out the direction of my inner compass. Feeling confident that, ultimately, my efforts will be worthwhile, I left the retreat searching for a direction, which puts me one step ahead of where I began.

Despite not having undergone some crazy life-changing experience nor met my soul mate (we were told that people have met their soul mates at retreats), I was able to learn more about myself and the community around me. More importantly, Loyola 360 now marks the beginning of my search for my calling in life which, I realize, may change over the years, but that is okay. As of now, I am perusing other retreats and eagerly look forward to attending another one in the coming months.