Tag: Chicago

9 Loyola Myths

9 Loyola Myths

By |

 

Over the past 3 years in admission, I have noticed there are A LOT of misconceptions about Loyola University Chicago. I am going to use my blog this week to set the record straight. Here are what I consider to be the top 9 Loyola myths:

  1. We are not the same school as Loyola Maryland, Loyola New Orleans or Loyola Marymount. We are all completely separate schools. The only thing we have in common other than our name are our Jesuit background and values. So no, you cannot study at another Loyola in the U.S. However, you can Study Abroad at other universities all over the world or at one of our three campuses in Rome, Beijing or Ho Chi Minh City, which are in fact run by Loyola University Chicago.
  2. You do not have to be Catholic (or even religious) to go to a Jesuit University. About half of our students identify as being Catholic and as a Catholic University, we do offer regular masses, Taize prayer, resources and mentors for our Catholic students. Loyola has the only student-run mosque in Illinois and we have an incredibly strong Hillel Community on campus. We also have several different prayer spaces in our Student Center including a Puja Prayer Room. We are a home to all faiths and encourage interfaith dialogues and for students to lead their own spiritual path with assistance from Campus Ministry which provides resources, services, and mentors on-campus. I also want to throw out that you do not need to be Catholic to attend one of our Retreats at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, these retreats are awesome and open to everyone.
  3. We are actually in the city of Chicago (not a suburb) and are right next to Lake Michigan (not a block away, our buildings are a foot or two from the lake).
  4. We are not a commuter school. Yes, in the past, a lot of students did commute to Loyola, but not in recent years. Now all first and second year students are required to live on-campus and while upper-classmen have the option to live on or off-campus, most stay on campus or live within a block or two of campus. However, the students exempt from the housing policy still have a community and home on campus thanks to Off-Campus Student Life.
  5. Housing is not hard to find on or around campus. As mentioned above, we require that 1st and 2nd year students live on-campus and we have several upperclassmen residence halls at both the Lake Shore Campus and the Water Tower Campus. There are also hundreds of non-Loyola owned or operated apartments near campus.
  6. Our acceptance rate is not 92% or 98%. It is closer to 63%. This is one of those cases where you can’t believe everything you read on the internet so if you’re questioning something you read, call or email your admission counselor!
  7. We are not a school that lacks athletic success, spirit, or history. We are a Division One school in the Missouri Valley Conference and last year our Men’s Volleyball Team won the NCAA National Championship on our very own campus. Go Ramblers! We are also the only D1 School in Illinois to ever win a NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship, which we did in 1963, but we are still proud of the win and of our contribution to NCAA history via the Game of Change.
  8. Chicago’s weather isn’t always horrible. Our fall is actually warmer than most of the Midwest thanks to the wind blowing warm air off the lake. Most of the time, we don’t see snow or really cold days until late December when students are already home for Winter Break. Yes the beginning of the spring semester is cold and has some snow, but harsh winters build character and stories you’ll be telling the rest of your life. And don’t forget how much of the year (typically March – November) brings truly amazing weather to Loyola. During these nice months you can find our students hanging out at street festivals, enjoying the great outdoors that you CAN find in the city, and by hanging out at “Loyola Beach” (really called Hartigan Beach).
  9. We are not “the wolves”. We are the Ramblers! However, Lu Wolf is indeed the name of our mascot.

 

Beneficial Bulletin Boards

Beneficial Bulletin Boards

By |

The other week, I met with my professor to go over some exam questions.  I got to LSB super early because it was super cold that day and you know that the CTA loves to delay the brown line for whatever reason.  I, literally, ran to her office only to find out that our meeting was scheduled at 9:30, and I had arrived a half hour too soon.  I told her I would come back, so I started walking around the first floor in LSB, took out my planner and pen, and started my routine.

My routine consists of solely walking around LSB, Flanner, Cudahy, etc and reading the bulletin boards that are filled with flyers.  This is my way of staying engaged with everything that is going on around me!  I am not going to lie, sometimes I am so exhausted to read all of my forty emails; unfortunately, some of the ones I delete are on-campus activities!  However, I feel that I make up for this when I am on campus reading all of these flyers.

This is how I found about all of the graduate programs that I am applying to, and how I learned about some Kaplan MCAT courses that I took last year.  I know that I talked about keeping an open eye whenever you’re around campus.  This is one of the reasons why!  It can be so beneficial in the long run.  Take the time and look around.  Read the flyers because you never know what you can find out!

Chapel Hill Memoir

Chapel Hill Memoir

By |

On the night of February 10th, I remember being home relaxing after a long day of class and internship work.  Usually, I get home about 7 in the afternoon and that day was nothing new.  I was debating whether or not to go to the gym or finish my Biochemistry laboratory paper.  Well, I ended up doing both.  I have usually been going to bed around 12 at night, since I spend a good amount of time cooking and prepping my food for the next day.  That Tuesday was not any different and neither was my “check every social media ritual.”  I went on Facebook, but I did not read anything interest.  Instagram? nothing.  Pinterest?  I didn’t even try because I get too hungry.  Snapchat?  I didn’t feel like looking at so many pictures and videos.

When I went on Twitter, I read the first retweet about the #ChapelHillShooting.  At first, I figured it was an old incident, but when I clicked on the attached link, I noticed that it had happened that same night.  Honestly, I was expecting there to be a bigger hype about it.  There are so many discussions that can arise from this tragic.  However, this is not the purpose of this blog because all I want is there to be a mutual understanding that: this was and is important.  Additionally, I am writing this blog because I want to share with you how the Loyola community dealt with it.

There are times in which we get so carried away with all the daily activities of our lives.  This happens to me constantly, especially when I am walking around campus.  I have to rush to class.  I need to print this.  The line is so long.  I need coffee.  I forgot the moonlighting enzyme in the paper.  I knew the answer to that last question.  Did I eat today?  All of these thoughts go on in our heads and sometimes we do not stop to look around us and appreciate what is around us.  I get it.  It happens and this is fine.  However, there are situation, like this one, that make me realize how amazing the Loyola community is.   Unfortunately, in this case it had to be a tragic event, but nonetheless, it made me proud of all of these people who took the time to gather around and pay their respects to the victims.

There were people of other religions around the small and empowering memoir.  There were so many people who passed it and just stared in silence.  I believe that these are incidents that bring people closer.  Many people did not know what had happened and this memoir led them to research on their own.  I just want to put in my two cents about this incident.  I want those to know that the Loyola community is free of bigotry and we support each other like if we were our own.  If you didn’t know, now you know.  Take the time to free your mind and take a look around campus.  There is always something to be proud of, big or small.

 

11007633_10205883091586487_1479305559_n 11006098_10205883091426483_949266860_n

 

Dr. John Donoghue and Pirates

Dr. John Donoghue and Pirates

By |

John-Donoghue-beach-cropped

It was junior year, and I knew that I had to finish my History requirements.  Honestly, it was my least favorite subject in high school, and I was really dreading on taking more History courses in college.  However, to my luck I chose one of the best professors I have had in my undergraduate career.  His name is Dr. John Donoghue!  I remember this being one of my favorite classes, ever.  I did struggle a little bit on organizing events and memorizing them, but he did help me a lot.  I can say that he made me realize how important it is to know our history;  It just makes us much credible and it helps us value our every day history events.

I remember him talking about pirates, a lot.  Even though we did not get to touch base on them as much as I would have hoped he did, he did state that he was writing a book on them.  I was so excited to see all of these flyers around Loyola University that stated that he would be talking about Rough Justice under the Jolly Roger: Pirates of the Caribbean and the Court of “King Death.”  This is taking place, TODAY:

Thursday, February 12, 2015
Reception at 5:00 p.m.
Program at 6:00 p.m.

Klarchek Information Commons,
4th Floor
Lake Shore Campus
6501 N. Kenmore Ave

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend because I have my biochemistry lab, but I encourage all of my last minute people to go.  Whether you are just getting out of halas or you want to know a little more about pirates (no, Johny Depp, ladies – sorry!), please stop by!  I am sure that the program will be anything less than wonderful.  He has a way of keeping you engaged, and this is why I always sat on the front row of his class because his way of reciting past history is amazing.

“While pirates, the iconic outlaws of the silver screen, have long sustained the American dream of living dangerously, the real history of piracy reveals something even more intriguing – that far from losing themselves in a life of lawlessness, pirates created an alternative system of law and order, what they called ‘the government of the ship,’ to deliver rough and ready justice to the enemies of all ‘men of spirit.’” – John Donoghue

My sandwich and my tangerine

My sandwich and my tangerine

By |

IMG_0175

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.

 

 

30 Reasons Why We LOVE Loyola

30 Reasons Why We LOVE Loyola

By |

 

With Valentine’s Day approaching and everyone talking about love, it only seemed appropriate to talk about what Loyola staff and current students have to say about their relationship with Loyola.

Here are 30 reasons staff and students love Loyola:

  1. The ability to go abroad to the Rome center. – Ellen
  2. The incorporation of social justice into academics. – Judy Kyrkos
  3. The small campus feel with access to the city. – Lexy Rux
  4. Being in Chicago. – Maggie
  5. The small class sizes; it really feels like you get one-on-one time with the professors. – Patrick
  6. Being on a beautiful campus with access to downtown. – Adam Buller
  7. Living in Mertz and the chicken tenders from Damen Dining Hall. – Katie
  8. The sense of community. – Ricky Mott
  9. The beautiful campus and social justice focus in all of my classes. – Kara
  10. The small campus feel. – Shaniqua
  11. How the core classes make us a well-rounded person. – Elise
  12. How self-aware the student body is. I’ve never encountered an impolite person on campus. – John
  13. The community feel, size of campus, friendly/welcoming environment, and small class size. – Christy Vargas
  14. How there are Vegan and gluten-free options in the dining halls. – Sarah
  15. Dynamics of taking class on the lake shore campus and downtown. It’s nice to experience the best of both worlds. – Claire
  16. Class sizes, pretty campus, and nice/passionate professors. – Carlee
  17. Diverse community. – Samantha
  18. Friendly environment on campus. – Brittney
  19. Approachable teachers who seem to enjoy their jobs and always want to help you do your best. – Gabby
  20. The view of the lake. – Shannon
  21. I feel safe on campus. – Adrian
  22. Loyola has always given me the opportunity to succeed. – Aaron Brunmeier
  23. The architecture of campus. – Brian
  24. The sense of community. – Aliyah Jervier
  25. I love that Loyola offers something for anyone and everyone who attends so that they can be a part of something and feel included. – Hiba Abbas
  26. I LOVE that every time I step outside and see our beautiful campus I get excited for my day no matter how stressful it is. – Lucy Mooney
  27. I love that Loyola has so many things to offer to their students. Whether it be information on study abroad, fairs talking about feminism, or tutoring for certain classes, Loyola does an amazing job providing us with tools for success. I think that since there are so many resources offered, any type of student can feel like this school is a perfect fit for them. – Katherine Weir
  28. Loyola fosters education both inside and outside the classroom enabling YOU to grow immensely. Upon graduating from Loyola in the spring of 2015, Loyola has taught me that the aim of my education is not the facts, but rather of values. –Joe Sadofsky
  29. How connected students are to the Loyola community. – Callie Short
  30. How Loyola shares the same values as myself. – Alyson Crutchfield

Happy Valentine’s Day from Loyola University Chicago!

Red Line Stop: Arygle

Red Line Stop: Arygle

By |

asia-on-argyle

At this location, you will find yourself in the heart of the little Vietnamese town. Here, you will be able to shop for ethnic foods such as dragon fruit, durian, persimmons, and so much more at three supermarkets. In addition alongside Arygle Avenue, you can sample a taste of Viet food at all the different kinds of restaurants. A popular Viet cuisine to eat would be “pho“, a noodle broth savored in spices and topped off with meat and fresh vegetables; it is a favorite among many non-Vietnamese people as well. For a more easier approach to Viet cuisine, you can try the boba tea or smoothies. They come in interesting flavors: Durian, Avocado, Coconut, Honey Dew, Tamarin, Watermelon, Papaya, etc.

Besides, the Vietnamese town, there are well-known hot spots at Arygle as well. For instance, the old and famous Uptown theater is located there. Also, at the Lawrence stop (one stop away from Argyle), the Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theater is located there and currently serves as venues for concerts.  With that being said, it is obvious that bars and clubs are conveniently located near these places. The Green Mill is one of the most famous bars here in Chicago as it is know for its music and Chicago mob history (yes, this includes Al Capone!)

221947980-11151459Green-Mill-Cocktail-Lounge-Chicago

CPS Opportunity

CPS Opportunity

By |

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. 🙂

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

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

By |

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 |

Untitled

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.