Stephanie Rodriguez – Page 4 – College Admission at Loyola

10% off Dunkin Donuts

By Stephanie Rodriguez | December 5, 2014

How was everyone’s last week of fall semester? This is so exciting, but terrifying at the same time. Finals are next week and we are all feeling the pressure. I only have two finals that I really have to worry about, but I’m working a couple of days next week and I have to start studying, now. How can anyone really survive finals without red-bull or coffee, right? This post is to inform you, if you didn’t already know, about the Dunking Donuts in the Loyola Stop.

It is so convenient to have a Dunkin Donuts right under the Loyola’s Red Line stop, but if that’s not neat enough there is another perk:

Loyola students get 10% off their purchase!

Also, on certain days there are specials just for Ramblers. IF you’re trying to save some money for finals, I really recommend going down to Loyola’s Dunkin Donuts (ok, it isn’t really ours, but you know what I mean). This is a short and sweet post because who really wants to read a whole lot during these busy weeks? TTYL. 🙂

HAPPY STUDYING, EVERYONE!

Addy the Sergeant

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 30, 2014

All the elderly veterans that I have met at my job have been male and this shouldn’t be a surprise. After five years, I finally got to meet an elderly woman who was once a Sergeant Chief. I found this extraordinary since back then only males joined the army, navy, and air-force. Even though, she doesn’t talk anymore all of her pictures in her room do her hard work justice. She has many photographs of her in her uniform and with many other women, who fought to save our country.

I found this important to share because these recognitions are not ones that you see every day. She was one of the first women to join the army since it wasn’t until the 1917s that women were given the opportunity to join the army in the first place. I can only imagine the hardships she went through from being a women, but regardless of it all she stuck through it. Her daughter remembers her as a strong, confident, but sweet lady. She said that she was very proud of her achievements and all the recognitions she received.

Today, double standards, between men and women, still exist. This is why I think it’s important to note how much impact women had in the army, as well. I cannot believe that my job continues to enlighten me each day. This is why I would love to continue working in the medical field! It is very rewarding to be able to take care of a woman who once fought for the country I, we, live in.

Everyday should be Veterans Day.

Fast Delivery Food for Finals

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 30, 2014

Who else gets super hungry when studying? The worst type of hungry is the 2-am-studying-for-finals hungry. Damen and Simpson are closed and so are the cafes around campus. Star Grill is a walk, and it’s probably not a good idea to be walking outside at that time anyway. Your only choice is to order food, but what can you order at two in the morning? You can Google places, but it will just take time, you’re starving, and if you’re like me, you’re probably in the worst mood ever because you’re SO hungry.

Grubhub, an online database for food (not really, but something like it), is a website in which you can search for any delivery restaurants that are open any time of the day. It is very convenient when you’re studying for finals because there are many restaurants that are open later than you think. All you have to do is search for open restaurants and the list pops out for you. I’m serious, one time my roommate and I ordered tacos at 3 in the morning just because.

Even though, this only works around the Chicago area, it is a life-changer! I, ALWAYS, use Grubhub because I like how convenient it is. Plus, it gives you an estimate on how long it will it take and after you’ve ordered from them a couple of times they may give you a free drink or meal! However, I do have to say that the only thing that I dislike about Grubhub is that when you put the tip in, it doesn’t always show up on the receipt, which means that the delivery man is not getting paid. So, I prefer to tip cash. This way, I am sure that the delivery person is getting paid…especially, since it’s so late at night! It’s only fair.

Anyway, I have to say that I LOVE Grubhub. It is so convenient and it gives me a great variety on food choices. Even though, I always order the same thing: pizza; I’m a total pizzaholic. Anyway, if you didn’t know…NOW you know! This is one of my great tips to you, especially because finals are QUICKLY approaching.

A great way to give back…

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 26, 2014

In T-minus 3 hours, Thanksgiving Day will be here. This beautiful holiday is a great reminder for all of us. However, this shouldn’t be the only day that you should be thankful for everything you’ve done, accomplished, and/or seen. Every day should be Thanksgiving Day, but sometimes we get so caught in our “busy lives” that we forget to be thankful.

This is why I found it appropriate to talk to you guys about a soup kitchen that I’ve been attending to, on and off, for the past four years. The Church, St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, holds these soup kitchens every Tuesday and Friday. Volunteers, like myself, usually get there in between 4:30-5pm to set up the tables and chairs, prepare the meals, and pass out the food. Once the doors open at 5:30pm, other volunteers start passing the drinks (like juice, milk, water, or soda) to those that are already eating.

This is such a rewarding experience because you’re opening the doors to the homeless so they can eat a full dinner, even if it’s only twice a week. There are as many as 170 people who come every Tuesday and Friday! You can already imagine how many volunteers are needed for these soup kitchens to happen. It’s amazing that we are able to serve so many people; Thanks to all of those who donate because without the food donations these soup kitchens wouldn’t be possible!

As Thanksgiving is approaching, I want you to think about a recent experience in which you have felt live you’ve given back. If you can’t think of one, it is okay because maybe it’s time that you do; this volunteer opportunity can change that!

For more information: click the link.

GRE Greatness

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 19, 2014

I am NOT trying to scare you. I know that many people detest talking about “the future plans.” Are you applying to medical school? Did you take the GRE? What about the subject GRE? What grad school are you going to? So, what are you doing after graduation? Did you ask for your recommendation letters? Did you take the MCAT? The DAT?

I know, I know. I hate it, too. We all had our future planned out, and then we got to college. It changed and that’s OK. With that being said, I do want to help out those who PLAN on taking the GRE (even if you don’t know why you’re taking it). I would give tips on the MCAT, but as of 2015 they are changing the format of the MCAT, so my tips would not pertain to anyone anymore…womp, womp.

The GRE is more laid back than the MCAT, however. It’s almost like an ACT/SAT on steroids. Here ya go:

REVIEW THE EASY STUFF. Yes, easy stuff like algebra and geometry from high school.
VOCABULARY. Do you remember all of those AP English vocabulary flashcards? Review that, too. The GRE likes to throw in big, adult words; you’ll thank me later!
PRACTICE. I’m just stating the obvious! Everyone knows this one, but it’s an important one.
WORK ON YOUR WEAKNESS. You know what it is, so work 10x harder. Own it.
STAY COOL. If you need to take it again, then do it. However, make it worth while.

You’ll be glad when it’s all over. Just remember: “If it was easy, then everyone would do it.”

Latin American Student Organization

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 16, 2014

Did you know that Hispanics are the largest minority at Loyola University Chicago? Among Loyola’s diverse campus, the student body consists of so many cultures that you’d be surprised! Freshman year, I was lucky enough to live in the international floor (by luck), and I met so many students from all over the world. This encouraged me to search for more people of my culture, and so I decided to become part of an organization that reminded me a little bit more of home.

I joined the Latin American Student Organization (a.k.a. LASO) my freshman year. It was very relieving to joke around and listen to some music that made me feel more at home. My absolute favorite activity was and continues to be the Poetry Jam! It’s a great atmosphere and people from Northwestern, UIC, and other universities and colleges come to recite their poems. Also, I love how on certain occasions we would take trips to nearby Mexican Restaurants and order a bunch of tacos…yum!

I can ramble (no pun intended) about LASO FOREVER! However, actions speak louder than words, so you just have to check it out for yourself. Again, I owe LASO a lot for allowing me to meet some of my closest friends. If you’re of Hispanic decent, and even if you’re not, you have to check out this organization! If you’re interested check out the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/lasoluc.

They just had the annual Latin Ball which was SO much fun! For more pictures, click on the link above.

Intramural Soccer

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 13, 2014

I’ve always played varsity soccer during my high school career. Even though, I would’ve loved to play for a D1, even a D2 school, I knew the time and dedication wouldn’t work out with the major I wanted to pursuit.

So, when I found out that there was an option to play intramural soccer without traveling (like club soccer), I knew I had to play. You only need a team captain and enough players! If you don’t have a team you can still sign up as a free lancer and they’ll make sure you have a team.

Even better, there’s flexibility about when and what time you want to play! Overall, I have had a great experience playing coed intramural soccer these past few years. I met great people and got to play the sport I’ve always loved! I became very close with my team players and although they have graduated, we still remain in contact.

Intramural soccer is very laid back, it lasts about 4 weeks with the possibility of going to playoffs. This is a great alternative if you want to stay fit and play for fun without wasting too much time traveling!

This semester’s intramural soccer sign up deadline has ended, but keep a look out for spring’s semester’s deadline! Click the link to stay up to date.

Senioritis

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 10, 2014

It’s my last year, but I’m lacking motivation. Graduation is so close, yet so far away.

Senioritis is inevitable. It happens to all of us; whether it is only on one assignment and/or an entire class, know that it exists. Let’s be real, though…we are all nerds at heart. This is why our senioritis doesn’t compare; it’s not a typical senioritis deal.

We may wait till the last minute to write a paper, read 3 chapters, or study for tomorrow’s exam, but we get it done. I’ve met so many people who have mastered the arts of the senioritis’ symptoms. They can wait until the last minute and do things efficiently. Everyone always thinks that senioritis is something bad…it’s not. It’s only bad if you let it take over.

Urban dictionary describes its symptoms as:

“…laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts… [t]he only known cure is a phenomenon known as Graduation.”

(This may, or may not be me right now)

This describes Loyola’s students to the T. As long as you’re not the other half of the definition, “…the lack of studying, repeated absences, and dismissive attitude…”, senioritis is only normal. *shrugs*

PS- If you were too lazy to read all of this blog post, you are a great candidate for senioritis.

THE IRONY. NO PUN INTENDED.

CLASS 2015: we….are….almost….there.

To & From Loyola

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 8, 2014

This has been my first year commuting and so far, I have to say that I have a lot of respect for all of those commuters out there! Not only is it work, but it is a commitment. We all want to get to school on time, but driving to the city, let alone taking a taxi, would take too much time because of TRAFFIC.

Therefore, I want to share my two fastest ways to get to Loyola from Union Station (sorry to my Ogilvie station people). There are roughly 2.7 million people in Chicago, you’re running late and you want to get to school on time for a quiz. Which way do you take? Do you take the blue line to the red line, just the red line, or the brown line to the red line?

All the choices.

I used to get on Clinton and transfer on Jackson’s red line stop and take it to Loyola, but after a while I got tired of walking underground. My new favorite way to get to Loyola is to walk down Adams and get on the Quincy stop on the brown line. Then, I transfer to the red line on Fullerton, or if I forget, on Belmont. The scenery is better than having staring contests with strangers. Plus, the time it takes to get there is about the same.

However, the only downside is that the brown line seems to stop more often than the blue line. Either way, I’ll take the city view over the underground route any day.

What is your favorite route? Please do share, I love to explore and find new ways to get to Loyola!

Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

By Stephanie Rodriguez | November 3, 2014

A little more on the Internship I will begin this Winter: It was founded in 1993 prior to the death of Barrett “Bear” Kuppa who battled cancer for 8 years. Kathleen A. Casey, his mother, founded Bear Necessities and named it after her son.

Bear Necessities is a national non-profit organization “…dedicated to eliminate pediatric cancer and to provide hope and support to those who are touched by it.”

Their missions is carried out through two unique areas which include the Bear Hugs Program (one on one contact with children with pediatric cancer) and the Bear Discoveries Program (medical research awards granted for further research on pediatric cancer).

How can YOU be involved?

On November 14 & 15….

“The 4^th Annual Fashion’s Fight Against Cancer being held on Friday, November 14^th will benefit Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The event will begin at 8pm at Underground Chicago, enjoy a raffle, featured cocktails and entertainment & fashion presentation featuring Beyond Boutique & Stilettos! Tickets are $40 online and $50 at the door. All ticket proceeds will benefit Bear Necessities & the fight against pediatric cancer. Visit http://fashions-fight.mybearnecessities.org/ for more information or to register to attend!”

More events and news to come!