Stephanie Rodriguez – Page 3 – College Admission at Loyola

My sandwich and my tangerine

By Stephanie Rodriguez | February 11, 2015

I love in between classes breaks. They allow me to do very productive things…well, most of the time. 🙂 However, it gives me some time to do some last minute homework or studying. If ONLY, I actually attempted to get work done every single time. However, it doesn’t always happen. What always happens is that I eat. I eat, a lot.

I am always going to the dining hall because, since I love to eat, it gives me the most alternatives. My appetite is always changing. When I am not feeling too hungry, you can always find me in the Coffee Shop. It is just such a chill and relaxing atmosphere that emanates the whole shop, and I love it. Let me tell you, I went there this past Thursday and I had one of the best sandwiches ever.

It wasn’t just my every other Thursday. I had just gotten out of an exam and while it wasn’t so bad, I still needed a few minutes to relax before my biochemistry lab. I was a tad hungry, and so I stopped by. As I walked in I saw many Loyola students. This is why I feel comfortable coming here. I ordered a sandwich and they lady behind the counter recommended that I try the turkey sandwich. So, I did. After I paid, I waited for my sandwich but she said that she would bring it to my table. (Great service, btw).

I sat down and I was having trouble connecting to the WiFi. (The password is coffeeshop, not thecoffeeshop). When she suddenly came with my food, I could not help but notice the cute little plate that she put it on. I really felt at home. I, also, noticed a tangerine next to my sandwich. It was very good and fulfilling. I started working on my lab report while I ate, but all of the interesting decorations around were really distracting me. The glass table that I was sitting at had old newspapers on it and the walls around me were covered by photographs. The old piano sat solemnly and I immediately wished I knew how to play it. It made me wonder of all these belongings and where they came from. Did they all belong to the owner? Were they donated? Who played that piano? Who touched those newspapers? So many questions that I will try to get answered next time.

Ugh, another great experience, as always. It is going to be very difficult to leave Loyola and Rodgers park this May, really, really, really, reaaaaaaaallllllllllly difficult.

Mister Cubs’ Monument

By Stephanie Rodriguez | February 7, 2015

As I speed walked through the cold last week, I ran across this monument! The monument is of the late Ernie Banks who just recently passed away of a heart attack. I thought this was a very sweet gesture! It was right in the middle of Daley Plaza! A great centerpiece. Many fans were there taking pictures and talking about how he was the most popular player of the Cubs.

Whether you agree, or not, you have to admit that this was very nice! As I walked past it, I couldn’t help myself to take a picture of it. Even though, I was in a hurry all of the people, cameras, and ABC News intrigued me! They said that it stayed up until Saturday, what would have been his birthday and the day of his funeral.

I quote CBS Chicago: “The first African-American player to suit up for the Cubs, Banks was possibly the best power-hitting shortstop of all time.” Also known as “Mister Cubs,” Banks had many, many fans. Although, we may have been too young to know about him, it made me smile that the first African-American man who played for the Cubs was so significant.

Interestingly, this monument was already in front of the Wrigley Stadium (I have never been to a game, so I didn’t know). However, after Saturday it will be taken back to the repair shop for some damages; then, installed back to Wrigley field where Mr. Banks deserves to be!

As you can tell, Chicago always seems to surprise you. There is always something to look at and its people are amazing! Everyone was cheering and taking pictures for each other. These type of moments are so memorable and remind me why I chose to go to school in Chicago. There is so much to do and see; how can you not fall in love with this C I T Y!?

Get up & Go to Halas!

By Stephanie Rodriguez | February 1, 2015

Yes, it is Winter Wonderland, but that does not mean that you shouldn’t be hitting the gym. Remember your New Year’s Resolution? Let’s go people. The hardest part is getting off the couch. Seriously, though. Halas is right around the corner, so why not? One hour of working out is only 4% of your day. What is your excuse? Am I being annoying, yet? Am I getting to your head? Good! Hate me today, but love me tomorrow. (Autumn Calabrese always says that, google her; she’s awesome).

I know the Superbowl is tonight, but there is always tomorrow! Go burn those pizza calories from today. You know what burns almost 1,000 calories, right? You guessed it! Turbo Kick. Tomorrow at 5:45 in HRC1, be there! You’ll end up burning off the pizza, wings, and pop calories PLUS some more. So, why not? What is stopping you besides yourself?

This is just a little post, a little something, to keep you motivated. Everyone needs a little motivation once in a while. You have worked so hard to lift a little heavier, to be a little healthier, to run a little longer, to jump a little higher. Do not quit! Remember why you started. However, most importantly do not forget that ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN. It’s ok, pig out today, but not every day.

My healthy, workout rant is over (phew). Now, go indulge and sweat it out later!

Loyola: Guinness World Records

By Stephanie Rodriguez | January 29, 2015

We already know that we are super awesome, but how exciting is it that we made the 2015 Guinness World Records? Have you heard of it? If not, let me tell you that Loyola University Medical Center holds record for care of world’s smallest baby!

According to some sources, Loyola has maintained its record for over 20 years (sine 1989)! In 2004, a baby weighted 9.2 ounces and survived; this is what got is in the Guinness World Records. Do you want to know Loyola’s premature babies survival rate? An astounding 98%! These are great news considering the critical care that these babies need. Loyola obtains some of the most advanced technology required for sick and premature infants.

The Loyola Phoenix quoted that: “The doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists are all taking care of babies. One reason Loyola has been successful is because of everybody working together.” Working on a Nursing/Rehabilitation home, I have to agree that teamwork is the main ingredient to make anything work, especially in this type of setting. It does not come to any surprise that Dr. Jonathan K. Muraskas, head of the NICU, acknowledges this.

If you did not have enough things to brag about Loyola already, here is another one! Honestly, it is a blessing to me that I am a part of this community. Achievements like these make me appreciate my education at Loyola University Chicago so much!

CPS Opportunity

By Stephanie Rodriguez | January 25, 2015

So today, I want to share with you all some great news! A good friend and Loyola Alumni just provided me with some information that might be helpful to some. As we are almost graduating, Yay!, some of us are not sure what will happen after Loyola. I know some do, and that is GREAT! But to those who are looking into graduate school, I want to inform you with this option.

There have been so many times when someone would tell me that I should’ve become teacher. I am always tutoring, but I have never thought about it as a career. I shared these thoughts with this friend because I knew that she was pursuing a career in teaching. She explained to me that she is in a two year program in which you receive a Masters in Education and teach as Full-time teacher (including all of the benefits).

She absolutely loves teaching and says that she cannot see herself doing anything less. She graduated as a Biology major and she teaches the sciences as well as English as a second language. She teaches in an elementary school in Chicago and she absolutely loves it! She mentioned that she hesitated in taking this opportunity, but it came so easy to her. People are always saying that teachers make peanuts, but this is not entirely true. She is doing fairly well and after she has her masters she will be very qualified for a great job! It’s also a plus that she is bilingual and she will be receiving her ESL certification as well!

Also, many of her loans will be forgiven because she is a teacher teaching a very needed subject. I recommend this opportunity to you because I, myself, am looking to find more information about it. It is a great back up plan, and if you find out it is not for you than at least you know that teaching is not for you; what best way to find out while getting paid, right? I was so excited that I decided to share with you all this opportunity! I hope this helped some of you out there. 🙂

Itasca Crash

By Stephanie Rodriguez | January 22, 2015

This might be late news to some commuters, maybe to all commuters, but about a week and a half ago there was a huge delay on Metra trains. I, unfortunately, was in one of the trains that was delayed exactly 2 hours. As you can see from the picture, there was a train and car collision on the Itasca stop. The Midwest-Elgin line that I take makes a stop at Itasca and fortunately, it wasn’t my train that hit this car. The train in front of us was the one that, at 70 mph, hit a crossing car early morning. Details as to how this happened were not given right away.

Luckily, the elderly conductor, and the only passenger, of the car survived with minor injuries. The paramedics described that she walked to the ambulance. It is of shock and a blessing that this collision did not result in any deaths. It was frightening for those who were in the train; these people were transferred over to the train that I was riding in and described that the train had only one dent and nobody was hurt.

Even though, it was the first week of classes, I still attempted to make it to my 10am class. However, this was not the case. As you may all know, once you get to Union Station downtown, you need to take the Red Line all the way to Loyola. This is about another 40 minutes, and I got to class at the end of lecture. These are problems that commuters have to face, but it’s a sacrifice! This is why I enjoyed my dormitories at Loyola so much; they were so convenient, close, and fun! I recommend everyone to live near campus if they can for its convenience is maximal!

Note to commuters: take the earlier trains. It is better to get to campus sooner than later! Till next time…

Stephanie

**The picture is not my original picture. I googled this picture; however, I do have a video of the crash as my train passed the Itasca stop.

2015 Bear Tie Ball – Let’s Eliminate Pediatric Cancer!

By Stephanie Rodriguez | January 19, 2015

I had to wait until this week to tell you all about the biggest event for Bear Necessities Pediatric Foundation 2015! Every year, Bear Necessities hosts an event called 2015 Bear Tie Ball. This year the theme is Latin Nights, to take place on Saturday February 28th at 6pm in Union Station. I am looking forward to this event for I have heard great things about it. If you didn’t know, Bear Necessities is “[a] Chicago based national organization dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer & to providing hope and support to those who are touched by it.”

I want to share with you this great opportunity in which your attendance will demonstrate support on eliminating pediatric cancer. I feel so blessed to be an intern for this organization, and I cannot wait for this event! I am so excited to meet so many people and this event’s Emcee will be a Former Chicago Bear, Anthony Adams! So, save the date. I will be posting more information and details as we approach the date!

Meanwhile, we will be in charge of making sure everything goes as planned! I have seen the time and dedication that these people put into this organization, and I know that it will be anything less than perfect. 🙂

Thank you to all of the sponsors who continue to donate money for a great cause. This event is for all and you can purchase the tickets on the link below!

Click the link for more information.

By Stephanie Rodriguez | January 18, 2015

Hello, everyone! I know that I am late on this, but let’s just get to the point: how amazingly, delicious is Protein Bar? I am from the suburbs, and I NEVER knew it existed. It wasn’t until recently that I found myself walking down Dearborn that I came across it. Since I am trying to eat healthier, and I had forgotten to pack my lunch, I had limited food places I could go. Luckily, my internship allowed me to get a 45 minute break in which I got to devour this delicious, yet healthy, bowl. It consists of spinach, quinoa, black beans, flex seeds, and pesto chicken. It almost tasted like a Chipotle bowl, but the healthier version. I really, really, really want to try their salad next time I go; they come in a cute, large bowl! I loved this place because it gives you the amount of carbohydrate, protein and fiber in each order. This made it so easy for my daily track of protein and carbs! Whether you are trying to eat healthy or not, you need to try this place out! So far, I have only tried this bowl and the original burrito and that was as delicious! The burrito was made with whole wheat grain, and I was stuffed. I have to admit that I’m going to purposely forget my lunch on the days I go to my internship because this is so good. This is also a great alternative for some late night studying snack! Yummmmm.

Bulls game

By Stephanie Rodriguez | December 15, 2014

I really wanted to share with all my fabulous experience at the Bulls game. Last Saturday, they played against Golden State. I bought these tickets for my boyfriend and I. The pictures show how close we were, row 6! Yes, the tickets were expensive, but so worth it! However, you can find cheaper tickets and be up higher. I’ve done this, but it’s still so much fun. There were so many people from Loyola University Chicago! I saw many friends. This is definitely the place to be, whether you’re a Bulls fan or not. The environment is amazing. I didn’t get to snap a picture of the one and only Scottie Pippen who was there, too! Now that finals are almost over…relax and have some fun! It is right off the Western stop. Enjoy!

My favorite study spots

By Stephanie Rodriguez | December 11, 2014

As we are all trying to survive finals, I have to share my two favorite study spots. Actually, I have several favorite study spots, but these two are my favorite! I’ll keep my posts short and sweet, so you have enough time to study for the last finals 🙂

If I have to catch up on my readings, then I love to go to the third floor and sit on a comfy couch. BEWARE: you may fall asleep! They are so comfortable. Of course, the view is extraordinary!

However, if I need a computer, without all the people around like in the IC, and I need to focus, I go into Dumbach’s room on the second floor. (The first floor is the basement). This room has a computer, and I believe staff hold meetings in here. It is never occupied, and I like to close the doors and study here, as well.