Month: December 2014

See you later, 2014!

See you later, 2014!

Happy last day of 2014!

While I know some of you will be doing nothing but sitting at home on your couch watching the ball drop on television, I wanted to make a quick post for those of you opting to go out.

If you are still in the Chicago area, this is a reminder to STAY SAFE and practice legal drinking. While Loyola or I do not condone underage drinking, no matter how old you are, make sure that you are safe. Have a plan and stick to it, and remember NEVER get behind the wheel, even with a minimal amount of alcohol in your system.

For those of you still in Chicago, and even at home, there are so many modes of transportation that will prevent drunk driving accidents. Here are some options:

1. Uber, the popular taxi alternative, is warning customers when the highest cab fares will be, due to traffic and demand. While you can still order an uber, understand that it may take longer than usual and be costly.

2. Taxis: they are there for you to take. They are expensive, but they’re still cheaper than a hospital bill.

3. CTA: While the CTA can be sketchy at times and cramped/crowded, if it is simply a short walk from wherever you reside, I strongly encourage taking it. Miller Lite, a popular alcoholic beverage and company, has rented out the CTA so that from 6 PM to 4 AM all rides are free. Take advantage of this.

4. AAA, regardless of if you have a membership or not, will pick up all inebriated drivers and their cars and take them home for FREE from 6 PM to 6 AM.

5. Have a designated driver. Ask someone that you trust not to drink or be under any influence, and chip in for gas money.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy new years!

2014 in Review for LUC

2014 in Review for LUC

On the last day of 2014 it’s time to look back on the year and reflect. For Loyola University Chicago the year has seen all sorts of changes, high points, and tragedy–here’s a few:

  1. LUC is the 4th greenest university on Sierra Club’s list. Thanks to the Institute of Environmental Sustainability–run on geothermal energy, housing a biodiesel lab, greenhouse, and aquaponics system–and extensive recycling and composting programs, Loyola is proud of it’s sustainability efforts and eager to keep improving.
  2. Men’s Volleyball 2014 NCAA Champions. A first in the program’s history, the Ramblers defeated the Stanford Cardinals in 4 sets–a match hosted in Loyola’s Gentille Arena. This is the 2nd national championship title Loyola has won, the other being the 1963 Men’s Basketball title.
  3. November brought the installation of Madonna della Strada’s bells. For both the 75th anniversary of the dedication of the Chapel and the 25th anniversary of the deaths of the Salvadoran martyrs, the bells rang. These bells completed the vision James Mertz, S.J. had when building the chapel in the 1930s.
  4. Opening of St. Ignatious Plaza, Halas Recreation Center, and the West Quad. Loyola’s campus saw some changes in the fall of 2014 with 3 new additions to campus. Students can now enjoy extra green space in the West Quad, an addition to Damen student center with a remolded Halas Recreation Center, more study space, and a new cafe. The south side of campus now boasts the St. Ignatious Plaza, a brick walkway with greenery and benches, closing off part of Kenmore Avenue and making campus safer for students.
  5. The tragic death of student Mutahir Rauf. Both students at Loyola, Mutahir was with his brother in Rogers Park when the two were robbed and Mutahir was fatally shot. The Loyola community came to together in remembrance of him at  a memorial service on December 9th and an interfaith prayer service on the 10th to pray for nonviolence.

The Loyola Community saw highs and lows throughout the year. Each event brought with it lessons to be learned–from eco-friendly practices to remembering our loved ones, 2014 was a year to be remembered and cherished. Looking forward to 2015, Loyola will yet again see challenges and success stories–here’s to making it count! Happy New Year’s Ramblers.

New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions

 

While I’m sure many of you already have  your own New Year’s resolutions lined up for 2015, I am sharing what I would consider to be a helpful list of resolutions for a college-bound, high school senior:

  1. Don’t let senioritis get the best of you. Your second semester grades still matter, so don’t risk losing admission or a scholarship by letting your grades slip. You will have to send in a final high school transcript to your college, so make sure it will impress them.
  2. Create a senior year bucket list (go to prom, try out for the spring musical, join a new club, etc).
  3. Take a ton of photos of your friends & family and actually print them out so you have some to decorate your residence hall room next year.
  4. Make a pro/con list, research, and visit all schools remaining on your short list. Make sure your list has no more than ten schools (hopefully much less) by the time you file FAFSA (which you should do by March 1st).
  5. Learn how to cook a meal in a microwave so you can become the top chef of your floor next year.
  6. Open a student checking/savings account, learn how to write a check, and actively start to manage your own budget so you won’t have to learn this on your own at college.
  7. Learn how to do your own laundry. Then  you can go to college and teach some of your roommates/floormates/suitemates.
  8. Enjoy every remaining moment of your senior year. You have some once-in-a-lifetime moments to look forward to so make sure you appreciate them.

Happy New Years from the Undergraduate Admission Office!

Set the World on Fire

Set the World on Fire

Sunrise_chapel_doors_lake

When you walk on-campus, you can see students all over walking from class to class. After my first semester of school, I see things differently. I see future teachers, doctors, mathematicians, astrologists, musical composers, artists, business owners, and so much more. It is obvious to see that from receiving a Loyola education, you gain more than just a typical education. You gain knowledge in all aspects of life, more experiences pertaining to your career, and ultimately you find your passion.

For me, I have always wanted to be a doctor because I love to help others in any way I can. I grew up with the mentality that you should always care for others and therefore set a good example. That mindset has always led me to do the things I do such as volunteer at the hospital, church, and school. Considering that I admire children and have a goddaughter of my own, it is quite fitting that I have dreams of becoming a general pediatrician or neonatologist (specific to newborn and premature infants). Both jobs have pros and cons, but with my consistent and strong passion for this field of study, I know that I can accomplish my dream and be successful. I understand that a long road of schooling and challenges face me for a long time but I know that in the end, I will do the things that I love and that alone is the most rewarding. With no doubt, I will be a part of the large flame of light by setting the world on fire.

6 Facts That Will Boost Your Chicago Pride

6 Facts That Will Boost Your Chicago Pride

Photo Credit: Chloe Anderson

The 3rd largest city in the United States is home to a few surprises. I’ve always felt that Chicago was special, but here’s some facts that will have you convinced as to why this city truly is the best.

  1. Outside of the Louvre in Paris, The Art Institute of Chicago houses the largest collection of Impressionist paintings. I have yet to visit The Art Institute myself, but it’s at the top of my Chicago Bucket List
  2. In 1893, the Ferris wheel was invented in Chicago. Navy Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel is right at home.
  3. Deep-dish pizza was in fact invented in Chicago. Making it practically wrong to come visit and not enjoy one for yourself.
  4.  There are 4 states visible from the top of the Sears (Willis) Tower. The brave souls who go up to the top can see Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
  5.  The 4 red stars of Chicago’s flag represent Fort Dearborn,  the Chicago fire, the World’s Columbian Exposition, and the Century of Progress Exposition. The six points of these stars represent important virtues or concepts. I’m glad to know it’s more than just a pretty design.
  6. The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the last free zoos in the world. A bear cub bought for $10 in 1874 was the first animal to call the zoo home.

Cool, right? Check out the BuzzFeed article by Lara Parker to learn 44 more facts about the city. Because there’s more to the Windy City than Michigan Avenue and a breeze–the nickname “The Windy City” is actually thanks to “long-winded politicians”, not the weather. Chicago is certainly a city to be proud of. I’m grateful that Loyola calls it home.

Spring Book Sales

Spring Book Sales

Let’s be honest. Even though there is still almost two full weeks to the break left, school is still in the back of our minds. We’ve made it through the first semester, but what awaits within the second?

You’ve signed up for your classes, and hopefully at this point everything is set into place with your schedule. (You still have time to edit it! If you are waiting for that one class on locus, keep checking it, you may get into it!) I urge you to go review your schedule if you get a minute.

While some students wait until the first day of class to see what books they need, it is recommended that you at least are aware of how many books you’re going to have to purchase and the approximate prices. If you go to the bookstore website (go to luc.edu, and type in bookstore in the search bar) you can look up what books the professor has listed that the class need to purchase or rent for the next semester. (Go to the drop down menu, choose the term, the class, and your section and press enter.)

It is your decision or not if you want to buy them from the bookstore, but most of the time you can find them online for cheaper. (I will compile a list of my favorite and trustworthy websites soon!) Additionally, sometimes the difference between renting the book and buying the book is only a few dollars. If you can afford it, buy the book–you can sell it back and at least get some kind of money for it.

Have a great rest of your break, and happy book buying!

A Christmas Poem for LUC

A Christmas Poem for LUC

On Christmas Day our campus was quiet,
all of the Ramblers back in their hometowns.
Mom’s cooking for a month–say goodbye to your diet.
Winter break is far from a let down,
who doesn’t love catching up with family and friends?
Frankly, it becomes exhausting.
Some of us will be sad when break ends,
But when we return we won’t stop talking.

The Jesuits will have a Christmas celebration.
Surely Sister Jean will come and spread cheer,
if of course she ever takes a vacation.
It’s hard to believe it’s the end of the year.
Come 2015 all the Ramblers will be rejuvenated,
ready for new professors and new classes–
We’ll see how much more knowledge can be accumulated,
and who will stand out among the masses.

Soon students will make their way back to the lake shore,
all their presents in tow.
We’ll gather in Gentille to watch the Ramblers score,
cheering for those points to grow.
I’ll bet there’s been some Christmas wishin’
for a winning season all around.
Our boys and girls are on a mission,
to bring home the victor’s crown.

So from one rambler to the rest, I hope this Christmas was the best one yet!

 

 

Kindness is Everything.

Kindness is Everything.

Christmas is finally here and what a day it has been! I love to see people smile, laugh, and ultimately be happy. I love to give presents out to people; it shows people that you thought about them and shows them that you care. Especially when I get presents, I do not think about how difficult it will be to get what people want or how much money it costs. To me, a simple “Thank you” or a hug is truly rewarding and worth it. Next year, I plan to do even more for people by volunteering more frequently at the hospital around this time of the year to help patients feel a sense of joy and closure. In addition, I would like to do more for my school community by passing out candy canes to Loyola students; I have encountered a couple of students this year who have given me candy canes and wished me a Merry Christmas and they have influenced me to do the same for next year. The Christmas season is all about showing kindness and joy to one another and I feel entitled to carry out that message and set a good example for others. Kindness is everything.

Merry Christmas to all of you and I wish you a great start to the new year in the few days ahead of us!

Deadlines and Dues

Deadlines and Dues

Hello everyone! Happy Holidays!

As this year comes to a close, everyone is feeling at least a little big nostalgic: we remember the good and bad times we’ve had this year, all that has changed and all that has happened. However, try not to get lost in a nostalgic stupor!

For you high school seniors, don’t remember that you need to get applications in! IF you have not applied by now, you MUST see if your school does a late application deadline. While this isn’t the greatest thing in the world, it gives you a second chance to see if you can get into your dream school. Apply ASAP, as you apply sooner there will be more financial aid available.

Additionally, if you cannot afford the application fee, some schools will waive it if you get a guidance counselor to email them and if you have proof that you are on free/reduced lunch or are a low income family. While $30 doesn’t really seem like much, it definitely adds up as you apply to a variety of colleges. Unless money is not an issue, you will also want to start applying for whatever scholarships you can–sometimes you can get paid to go to school.

Once you’ve committed to a college, make sure that you pay your registration fee (each school will call this a different name), a $300-500 fee that ensures you a spot in the incoming freshman class. Loyola deducts this from your first semester’s bill.

Just a few reminders to make sure you have done before the new year! Have a great day, and Merry Christmas!

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays

The holiday season is here again. I’m looking forward to spending the next week with family and friends. I’m also looking forward to a little relaxation!

Whatever your tradition, I wish you a happy holiday season!

Tree lighting at Loyola

And if you have a moment, take a look at some of the festivities around our recent tree lighting.