Chicago – Page 5 – College Admission at Loyola

6 Facts That Will Boost Your Chicago Pride

By | December 28, 2014

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.

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
In 1893, the Ferris wheel was invented in Chicago. Navy Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel is right at home.
Deep-dish pizza was in fact invented in Chicago. Making it practically wrong to come visit and not enjoy one for yourself.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Grateful for this City, Grateful for this School

By | November 29, 2014

Thanksgiving is quite obviously a time to give thanks. I could go on and on about all the things I am grateful for, but I wanted to give a little extra thanks to the city and school I’ve come to know and love over the past year.

CHICAGO, Thank you for:

The skyline. It always brings a smile to my face and usually a jaw drop. Whether I catch a glimpse from the Lake Shore path during the day or when it’s all lit up at night, I’m certainly grateful for the view.
Free things to do. Zoos, concerts, parades, or tours, Chicago knows how to keep college kids happy, and we are all thankful to be able to enjoy the city without having to spend money.
Lake Michigan. Whoever decided to build a city on the shores of Lake Michigan has all my gratitude. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of running on Lake Shore Path or driving on Lake Shore Drive.
The food. This is one city that knows how to eat—deep dish, popcorn, hotdogs, plus cuisine from nearly every nation—I won’t get bored of all the options Chicago offers.
The parks. I love getting to spend time wandering through Chicago’s parks, especially along the lake or downtown. They don’t qualify as full blown state parks, but a little controlled nature still works for me.

LOYOLA, Thank you for:

My professors. Even in classes as large as 200 students I have felt cared for by my professors. All of them have their quirks, but always teach me more than the required material.
U-Passes. Including CTA all access U-Passes in our tuition is something all of us are definitely grateful for. Our campuses put us in the perfect position to explore the city and not having to buy tickets every time we use public transit is a huge blessing.
Lake Michigan. Well, I had to put this one on the thankful list twice because I could not be happier that our Lake Shore Campus bumps right into the lake shore. Our location makes for the most beautiful sunrises and calming study spots on the north-side of the city.
The students. At first I was a little intimidated by a student body of 10,000 undergrad, but I have come to really love it. I’m glad to go to school with a diverse range of students who all come from different places and are interested in different things. But amidst all these people, I have found people I really click with. I know some of these are friendships I will cherish for a long time.
Two campuses. I love having both a city campus and a “typical college campus”. Coming to the city I didn’t want my school to just be skyscrapers on a city block. Loyola provides more than what I was looking for–a spread out campus on the lake and some pretty cool skyscrapers downtown, and I couldn’t be happier.

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.

Thankful Loyolans

By Lindsy Fagerstrom | November 25, 2014

In order to show their gratitude and thankfulness this year, Ramblers took hundreds of post-it notes to a chalkboard on-campus to share what they were thankful for:

Happy Thanksgiving from our Loyola family to yours!

Mastering the Trains: Amtrak and Metra Edition

By | November 20, 2014

As college students in the city, public transportation has become our best friend. Obviously the easy access to trains and buses is a huge benefit for all of us living here, but before you get the hang of it all you’ve got some learning to do.

The CTA will get you anywhere you need to go within the city, but when it comes to traveling farther distances you’ll need to master the ways of Amtrak and Metra.

Amtrak trains will take you anywhere in the country. Union Station is Chicago’s Amtrak station (and home to a few Metra lines), which is a little intimidating on your first trip. When you get to the station your first step is to go downstairs. Then look for the train arrival and departure schedules to find what gate your train is departing from. If you get a little turned around don’t be afraid to ask, it happens to the best of us.

A little Amtrak disclaimer, while it may seem like a good idea to get there at least an hour before your train leaves–Amtrak is almost always late. It’s safe to bet you won’t leave until a half an hour after your scheduled time so be sure to bring something to do while you wait.

Metra, on the other hand, is ALWAYS on time. I have missed one… or maybe five Metra trains because I showed up a minute or so after their departure times. Missing a train is just as heartbreaking the fifth time as it is the first, do your best to save yourself the heartache and leave extra early for Metra.

The Metra train lines are much shorter than Amtrak and will only take you to the outskirts of the Chicagoland area. I’ve taken advantage of them to visit friends who go to school in the suburbs because it is a cheap and easy way to travel. The trickiest part of Metra is that depending on what “line” you take–which direction you are headed–there is a different Chicago station. Metra seems to enjoy hiding their downtown stations underground off Michigan Avenue (Millenium Station), in what looks like a shopping mall (Oglivie Station), or tucked away in Union Station. Because you know your train will be pulling out of the station exactly on time be sure to know exactly where the station you are departing from is located.

One other tip–when buying tickets for Amtrak make sure to buy them online pretty far in advance, then either have you ticket printed out or opened on your smart phone when you depart. Metra tickets are bought at the station before you leave. If you are traveling over the weekend buy a Weekend Pass which is $7 for as many trips as you need. If you arrive too late to buy a ticket before boarding you can buy your ticket after you get on, but it’ll cost you a little extra.

Once you master Chicago’s train systems you will feel like a true local. It will just take some practice. I hope that you make it through your freshman year without missing as many trains as I did.

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.”

Will Run for Chocolate

By | November 9, 2014

When you sign up for an average 5K you usually get a fancy, new race shirt, maybe a water bottle if you’re lucky. When you run the Hot Chocolate 5K you earn a little extra race swag. Crossing the finish line of this race earns you a “Finisher’s Mug”, which (of course) includes, hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, and goodies to dip in your chocolate. Not a bad deal.

The Hot Chocolate 5K is a pretty big deal in Chicago with a total of about 45,000 people running–including the brave 15K-ers. Runners are sectioned into “corrals” A-T, then started at 3 minute increments. I started in corral H and managed to run all 3.2 miles before my mom even started from corral T. There were only a few thousand people in between us. Corralling this many people also meant that we had to line up at 6:15 AM. Getting up before the sun in November also meant that it was about 35 degrees outside. If you want your chocolate you’ve got to be dedicated!

The race course weaves through downtown Chicago, starting and finishing near the Buckingham Fountain. Along the course are typical hydration stations with Gatorade and water or if you need a sugar rush… cups of chocolate chips. Whatever keeps you motivated!

While most of the runners wore their new 5K sweatshirts there were a few who were more creative in their attire. My favorites were the people dressed as Hershey’s kisses, M&M’s, and bananas.

Sitting down on the lawn with my Finisher’s Mug at the Post Race Party could not have made me happier. Because let’s face it, I was only in it for the chocolate.

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!