Author: Minh Ha (Millie) Le

Delightfully chaotic,
Such a ‘Bler: Learning Community Reconnections

Such a ‘Bler: Learning Community Reconnections

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Freshman year, I was accepted into Loyola’s Leadership for Social Change Learning Community last year (here’s a picture of some of us at the Learning Community 360 Retreat last Fall semester). This year, I returned as an LC alumnus to talk to some new LC Ramblers about my LSCLC experience and my Loyola experience as a whole.

They were as enthusiastic and determined, maybe even more, as I remembered my community being. It was interesting to hear their questions regarding student organizations and opportunities available at Loyola. One even voiced that she was concerned she was behind with her involvement (though she’s in her fall freshman semester and in 3 organizations and is looking for an internship!) I was very impressed and applaud them because I only got my job this year and am still looking for an internship. But I made sure to remind them to take things easy.

During freshmen orientation, we were advised to join 2, and not 5 organizations as a start. I of course joined around 5 which I eventually learnt as of Spring semester was a bad idea. I eventually slowed down and found my rhythm. I told them my story, but then again that’s just me. I know for sure that whatever they choose, they will go onto achieving inspiring great things! I’m excited for these new LC ramblers and the differences they will make for Leadership and Social Change.

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

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Such a ‘Bler: Diminuendo Fall 2018 Release Event

Such a ‘Bler: Diminuendo Fall 2018 Release Event

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Last Friday was an extra special day for us creatives of Diminuendo Literary & Arts Magazine because we it was our Fall 2018 Issue release party!

Diminuendo is Loyola’s student-run literary and arts magazine and every semester we publish an issue of original student art! Submissions are received from ramblers and are reviewed anonymously and put together into a beautiful spread by our editorial staff. This year I’ve had the honor of being elected AD/PR chair and it’s been incredible. But I honestly couldn’t have done it without my empowering e-board and dedicated members.

Enthusiasts joined us for a night of great company, great food and celebration of great art. Each artist was recognized and those who wrote a literary piece read theirs out. There was also an open poetry mic at the end.

This issue is said to be our most competitive one yet! Personally, I would frame it on my wall. The team really stepped it up this round around and I can’t wait to see what we have in stored for next semester. You can pick up a copy from our magazine rack in Connections Café in the IC now! We also launched a website this semester: diminuendoluc.com.

I am one proud AD/PR chair!

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST:

 

Such a ‘Bler: Early Festivities

Such a ‘Bler: Early Festivities

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Looks like Christmas is already rolling in at Loyola. I was already smiling when on-campus cafes like Center Stage and Nina’s introduced new holiday drinks and the lampposts around campus were decorated like Christmas trees. But I walked into the Theatre Scenic Shop in Mundelein for my scenic construction class today and saw that my professor had put this together!

And soon, the Loyola Christmas Tree will be up in the Damen Student Center! There were a lot of DIY present activities organized last year, as well as a hot chocolate stand and indoor ice rink! I hope there’ll be more this year, I’m getting excited just typing about it!

A snowman also greeted me on the way to my morning class on the small field near Denobili Dining Hall.

I guess I’m not the only one blasting Michael Buble’s Christmas album in November!

 

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Such a ‘Bler: Study Break?

Such a ‘Bler: Study Break?

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What do I love about studying at a university right near downtown Chicago? It only takes a quick hop on the L to get my head out of a creative block and/or (haha) fatigue.

With my 3 areas of study (Communication Studies, Theatre & English), I always end up moving into Loyola’s Art studios/shops towards the end of each semester. Then comes hours after hours of crafting or typing of new pieces. Eventually the brain calls for a different adventure.

BY THE WAY, I made a new video about what I’m studying at Loyola. Watch it here:

The ice rink at Millennium Park is always a fun place to chill (literally). The price is very college student budget friendly and it only takes a few rounds to forget all that stress and exhaustion (mainly cause you’ll be focused on new brusies from skating haha.) But you honestly cannot feel anything other than refreshed on an ice rink, because if you think too much, you’ll fall. And look how cute Cloud Grate (the bean haha) is all snowed up!

Take some time to cool off, and maybe even a stroll around Millennium Park itself afterwards! The rink is yours until 8:30pm!

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST:

Such a ‘Bler: My Hiding Spot

Such a ‘Bler: My Hiding Spot

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The last of my Thanksgiving break actually ended today when my boyfriend waved see you later on O’haire International Airport. I’ll see him in a few weeks for winter break, but for now, it’s full force finals fun. Here’s one of my secrets to treating oneself whilst treating oneself.

The 8th floor of Loyola University Schreiber Center.

Disclaimer: I am not a business student, but my good friend Maddie who is, actually showed me this spot. It is welcome to all.

There are plenty of comfy singular sofas and low tables or higher long tables if that you’re your concentration. The floor is quiet and spacious and breathes an air of relaxed productivity. However, perhaps the best part, are the huge glass windows that wrap the city of Chicago around surround you. The sunlight shines through these giants, and if you’re extra lucky, casts onto the walls. My favourite time is 5pm, 4:30pm during day light savings. That’s when it is the prettiest.

I used to just study in my dorm, which has nice windows too, but I somehow always end up feeling like a hermit. Studying around others in an open space also makes homesickness more bearable. I guess the tip here is to hop around. Don’t be shy, there’s definitely more hiding spots out there. Free coffee is also right next door, but more on that later.

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST:

Such a ‘Bler: Giving Thanks

Such a ‘Bler: Giving Thanks

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Last thanksgiving, my boyfriend Jacob visited, and we were invited over by a lovely family-friend Vietnamese couple for lunch. They made us a whole spread of Vietnamese delights and it felt like we were back home for a few hours.

He visited again this year, tagging his roommate Kent along as well, and we had our first Friendsgiving. One of my closest friends on campus Maddie and her boyfriend Nick cooked up a huge dinner, with an actually turkey and everything! We were also joined by my roommate Amanda, who though was up to her ears in finals revision was able to pass to watch me try cranberry sauce with mashed potatoes for the first time.

Jacob, Kent and I brought a bit of our own tradition by – spring rolls. Earlier that day, we went grocery shopping in Argyle – essentially the Vietnamese district of Chicago – and then spent the afternoon preparing. Our friends really enjoyed the treat!

I still can’t decide which part of this whole experience I love most. The incredible food, being surrounded by my favourite people, the warmth or how it all came together though we each came from such different parts of the world. Maddie is from California, Nick is from Ohio and Amanda is from Chicago. Jacob, Kent and I are all from Hanoi, Vietnam but very different districts. But for this special occasion, we were together, watching the boys play Overwatch on the TV and digging into another slice of pumpkin pie.

I am grateful.

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST:

Such a ‘Bler: Theatre Town Hall 2018

Such a ‘Bler: Theatre Town Hall 2018

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I missed both Theatre Town Halls last year, so I was definitely not intending to miss this semester’s!

Town Halls are held near the end of every semester to keep students of the Theatre Department up to date with the upcoming productions on campus. Updates range from the upcoming semester’s productions to the upcoming academic year’s productions. Main Stage Productions (staff directed shows that are performed in the Newhart Family Theatre) are chosen by the Theatre faculty. Students are given the opportunity to apply for positions such as Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager(s) of these productions.

There was something extra special about this particular Town Hall, which is why I’m so psyched that I was able to attend. Second Stage Productions are under construction – that is, the faculty have decided to make some adjustments to the program as a whole.

Second Stage Shows are student proposed projects that run for either 2 weeks, 5 weeks or 12 weeks and are performed in the basement of Mundelein – a rather smaller but cozier space compared to the Newhart. This does have its benefits and has proven to allow a large extent of creativity and experimentation for the students as it is a black box theatre space. However, after many discussions, the faculty came to the conclusion that the term “Second Stage” self rather “Second”, as if it were less important. It also came to their attention that this program had a lot of undiscovered potential!

And so, the program is being expanded into many different models for students to take charge on! Just to name a few (and ones that I’m particularly excited about):

  • Question Based Model: Student(s) proposing the project pose a question and a methodology for examining that question in a 2-week theatre workshop.
  • Follow-up from Class Model: Students develop a previously crafted class masterpiece.
  • Funded Research Model: Individually or in a small group: apply for an undergraduate research grant for a research trip over Summer or Winter break.

I’m very ecstatic to say the least and am eager to start constructing proposals. I’ll be honest and say that I was quite intimidated and hesitant to propose for a Second Stage Production. But this new development of the program has given me new confidence, and a clearer starting point to narrow for my myriad of scribbles.

The new program still does not have a name yet though, and T-shirts are up for grabs. Perhaps I’ll start on that first….

BY THE WAY, I made a new video about what I’m studying at Loyola. Watch it here:

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

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Such a ‘Bler: International Education Week 2018

Such a ‘Bler: International Education Week 2018

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Can you name the countries?

This wasn’t actually my first international nibble of the week! Monday kicked off with a warm bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich). I’m from Hanoi, Vietnam so this was like a warm morning hug. There was even a little stand set up in Sullivan Center just like (well, as close as Chicago can get haha) the streets back home.

I got a pork bánh mì, something I’ve definitely missed. A friend in my theatre class said it looked amazing and asked where I got it when she saw me munching before class. I felt very proud.

With Friday came International Night. There was food, information boards and a dance performance, as international and local students arrived in the Damen Multipurpose Room to celebrate. I noticed that dishes from around the world are actually equally similar and different in so many ways. They were definitely all similarly delicious.

International Night was also a great chance to see old friends – this is Vanya, one of my first friends here from freshman orientation week, a newly Loyola Alum and always a proud Indonesian.

The short trip around the world was refreshing – my taste buds danced the night away! It was a great International Education Week.

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

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Such a ‘Bler: Rushed-gistrations

Such a ‘Bler: Rushed-gistrations

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Welcome to the arena. Get your cursor ready, class registrations will begin shortly.

Here are some tips from a surviving sophomore:

  1. Pre-planning is key! Already have a backup schedule for next semester on top of that four-year plan you made in UNIV 101? Make another! Or three!
  2. Ask upperclassman for help. They’ve definitely had more courses and professors and can offer some really good close up insight.
  3. Check ratemyprofessor.com and scope out the instructors’ scene. This also really helps narrow down course time choices.
  4. Make some hot chocolate and keep an optimistic mind – I know I did.
  • Disappointment isn’t rare because getting into the majority of your desired classes, let alone all, is difficult. Be ready to change up your schedule and even four-year plan. Be ready for the rush.
  • Take everything with a grain of salt because you yourself still haven’t experienced the actual courses yet. A review may completely shoot a professor down but what if their teachings end up working for you? Do what you think is best for you.

In all seriousness, it’s going to be all right! My registration appointment was one of the latest because, having completed A Levels, I didn’t come in with high school credits. This also means I have to juggle all the required core courses on top of making sure I keep up with my course schedules for the three areas of study. I’ve had to change up my schedule and four-year plan with every registration appointment, but I always got at least half of the classes I aimed for. And I’m still on track!

BY THE WAY, I made a new video about what I’m studying at Loyola. Watch it here:

I’m routing for you Ramblers. Good luck!

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST:

 

 

Such a ‘Bler: The Write Place | Ireland’s Poetry Open Mic

Such a ‘Bler: The Write Place | Ireland’s Poetry Open Mic

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As of last semester, I am a Creative Writing Minor, and it’s been a while since I’ve read my poetry aloud. Since coming to Loyola, I’ve been in search for a space for poetry, spoken poetry to be specific. Diminuendo Literary & Arts Magazine and MeToo Monologues have filled parts of this desire, but not even Department of Programming’s (DOP) open mic nights has fully satisfied my need for creative expression. I’ve even been thinking of starting my own spoken poetry club.

A fellow Rambler shared this thirst, and like the senior (and Ireland’s Pub employee) he is, organized a poetry open mic! He reached out to Diminuendo’s presidents, and well, we got tagged along.

I was excited, very excited. Not only because I was the Magazine’s AD/PR Chair and this was an amazing promotion opportunity with the added bonus of it being so close to this semester’s launch event but because it was a spoken poet’s dream. I was so ready to meet my fellow creative writers!!!!

The evening was lovely. Poetry, puns and paninis. Ireland’s Pub is right in the Damen Student Center. It is cozy and also occasionally hosts music events (really good ones from my experience). I even read some of my poems. I felt home.

It’s nice to see Loyola’s Creative Writing students taken on more presence on campus with this event and the newly established Creative Writing Club (more on this later!) I’m hungry for more.

 

HEY, I ALSO MAKE VIDEOS!

HERE’S THE SUCH A ‘BLER PLAYLIST: