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!
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.”
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.
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.
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!
Katrina Binaku, also known as Dr. Binaku, graduated last spring from Loyola University Chicago and received her PhD in Chemistry. She was my General Chemistry Teacher Assistant freshman year. She was always very helpful and nice, and I was lucky enough to bump into her last week. She told me about her dissertation and work experience at Loyola, but was very relieved to be done. A PhD, the highest degree awarded by a graduate school, is not an easy breeze. Through her experience and her research at Loyola, she had to spend endless evenings and nights running experiments that sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t. Chemistry is a lot of trial and error, and while it may be frustrating, Dr. Binaku expressed how rewarding it is!
As an undergraduate student she worked in industry, but decided on Loyola’s graduate program and worked alongside Dr. Shmeling, a Loyola professor. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that she joined the Loyola team and is now a laboratory instructor for all the freshman laboratories. Her smile and amazing personality make her an outstanding instructor, and I’m so glad to have witnessed her growth from a graduate student to a professional instructor. I am sure you will see more of Dr. Binaku and her future research. Keep an eye out…
The start of the Fall semester is always my favorite time of year – the campus is buzzing with energy as we welcome the students back after a quiet summer. This year the student workers of the Undergraduate Admission Office decided to share their application and college selection advice for prospective students:
Aly Crutchfield
“Always keep an open mind. Going to college is not only about figuring out what you want to do with your life, but also to discover new passions, friendships, and values.” – Aly Crutchfield, Freshman
Daeja Marzette, Left.
“Be yourself on your application. Focus on representing yourself honestly and highlighting your unique qualities rather than trying to show the admission counselors a “perfect” applicant.” – Daeja Marzette, Sophomore
Morgan Parker
“Think outside the box when writing your college admission essay. It is best to write your essay on a topic that you are completely passionate about rather than what you think admissions counselors will want to read.” – Morgan Parker, Sophomore
Melissa Vazquez
“Make sure to visit the colleges you’re interested in, especially during Open House events. It will help you get a feel for what the campus environment is really like, and to see if it’s the right fit for you. This also allows you to meet professors and ask questions regarding the classes you’re interested in taking.” – Melissa Vazquez, Sophomore
Vince Jones
“Choosing Loyola to be your new home for the next four years is choosing a premier education that is always highly respected wherever you go in life and will be a strong beginning to a successful career.” – Vince Jones, Junior
Ally Ryder, Left.
“Choose a school that has clubs or activities you can see yourself getting involved in, or even starting on your own. College is the time to explore different fields and deepen your passion, so when deciding on where to go, choose a University where you can challenge yourself and see yourself grow.” – Ally Ryder, Junior
Sam Cordova
“Make it possible for yourself to study abroad in your four year plan. This opportunity will enhance your experience at any University and it will give you the ability to learn about yourself outside of the classroom.” – Samantha Cordova, Junior
Joe Sadofsky, Center.
“Be yourself, get involved, and don’t be too cool for school! Rambler on.” – Joe Sadofsky, Senior
Loyola Joins The Missouri Valley Conference: UPDATE
It’s been a busy couple of weeks at Loyola. We opened our awesome new Damen Student Center and started construction to revamp our on student gym, Halas.
But perhaps the busiest office on campus was the Athletics. They did two majors things over the past week. First, they hired a new women’s basketball coach, Sheryl Swoopes. For those of you who don’t know, Swoopes is regarded as one of the best athletes (women’s basketball) of all time. Her accolades include a NCAA title, 4-WNBA titles and 3 Olympic gold medals.CRAZY!
The second move athletics made was even bigger than hiring Swoopes. Loyola announced hat Loyola was leaving the Horizon League to join The Missouri Valley Conference. Loyola held a press conference today announcing the move which is affective July 1 2013.
I was hoping to write more about the move today, but it’s been busy in the office. I’ll provide a more in depth look at the move early next week. Check back then!
UPDATE:
As promised, I’m back to write more about Loyola’s move to the Missouri Valley Conference. To make it a littler easier to understand, I’m going to break down my analysis into a couple different section: who, what, when, where and why.
Who- A majority of Loyola University Chicago’s Division 1 athletic teams
Most of Loyola’s teams will make the jump the the MVC. The only team that won’t is Men’s Volleyball.
Loyola was one of the founding members of the Horizon league and has seen the league gain attention over the last couple of years. But, change is good. Especially when you’re making the jump to the second oldest conference in the NCAA and a conference that has some serious basketball powerhouses (e.i. Wichita State and formerly Creighton). A new (and not to mention strong) conference, and one known for hoops, will help Loyola improve it’s level of competition and attract new recruits across all the sports.
When- July 1, 2013
As I wrote above, LU fans won’t have to wait long for the school to make the jump to the MVC. The switch is affective this summer and teams starting officially playing MVC teams in the Fall.
Where- All through the Mid-West and Arch-Madness
True to the name. MVC’s teams are all located through out the mid-west. Which mean, our teams don’t have to travel to far for games. Each year the MVC hosts it’s annual conference basketball tournament in St. Louis, thus calling it “Arch-Madness.” The MVC hoops tournament is one of the first events that marks the start of March Madness and has had some impressive crowd turnouts over the last couple of seasons.
Why- Fit and Chicago
Last, but not least, is the why. There were a number of reasons given at the press conference as to why Loyola accepted the bid to join the MVC. The word that came up over and over again was “fit.” The league felt Loyola fit well with the league is trying to do now and what it wants to accomplish in the future. The MVC’s commissioner, Doug Elgin commented on how impressed he was Loyola’s facilities and commitment to the ‘student’ part of student athlete. Beyond fit, one of the bigger reasons the MVC looked at Loyola was our location, Chicago. Having a school in the nation’s third largest media market, allows the MVC greater exposure for not only the conference, but it’s teams.
This weekend was the only home meet for Loyola’s Cross Country team which meant I got to see two of my roommates run! The Sean Earl Invitational was held at Montrose Beach on Saturday. We couldn’t have asked for a better day, it was beautiful, sunny and 75 degrees.
We arrived at the meet and immediately sought out Mary and Alyvia, my roommates who are on the team. The girls 5k race started promptly at 11:45 and didn’t last long! It was a struggle for my friends and I to make it to different spots on the course in time to see the girls run because they were so fast. Before I knew it, we were watching the girls cross the finish line.
Mary ran a 19.31, which was 32 seconds faster than last year when she ran that course and Alyvia ran her personal record at 17:53! To top it all off, the Loyola girls team finished in second overall. It was a great day for the girls!
The boys race began at 12:15 and they did just as good as the girls team! At the end of the 8k, the boys finished fourth overall with Sam Penzenstadler in first for Loyola with a time of 25.02!
It was a great day and I had so much fun watching my friends run. Check out some of the pictures we got at the meet!
Mary and I after her race. The Rambler girls huddle before their race.
For many, the start of the Fall signals the return of some of the nation’s most popular sports. Specifically college and professional football. I am not one of those many. In fact, I think I’m one of the few. Because, for me, the start of Fall means that basketball season is right around the corner.
I follow the professional and college game very closely. I think of most my friends and family members would say my following borders on “obsessive.” On the NBA side, I keep keen track of my beloved, Sacramento Kings. On the college end, I keep keep very, very close track of my alma mater, The Loyola Ramblers!
As I student I made it a point to attend as many basketball games as I could. This was easy since admittance to most games was free for students. For a couple hours each week, I would go to the games to temporarily escape the constant cycle of homework and classes.
Now, as a graduate and an employee of the university, I still make it a point to attend every game I can. This time around I’m attending the games as a season ticket holder (I felt real cool typing that).
Its an exciting time to root for the Ramblers. The university has recently renovated the training facilities for all it’s student athletes with the completion of the gorgeous, The Norville Center. In addition to building The Norville Center, Loyola also overhauled the interior of our basketball arena on campus, The Gentile Arena. The renovations created true stadium seating and reworked the nice, intimate setting already instilled in the bulding. The new Gentile Arena is a fantastic place to catch a game. Both facilities, which are connected, are truly impressive.
The Ramblers are poised to have a great season (full schedule here). The team will be taking on some great opponents. As usual, we’ll play Horizon League rivals, Valparaiso and UIC. We’ll also face, perennial basketball powerhouse, Michigan State in East Lansing. I think there’s one game that stands out from the rest, one with Mississippi State.
Why is this game so important?
Well, 2013 marks 50 year anniversary of when Loyola won the NCAA Basketball Championship. On the way to the championship game, Loyola had to face Mississippi State. A school that, at the time, was not allowed to play racially integrated teams. From Loyola’s Athletic Website:
“Its second-round opponent, Mississippi State, was a late addition because sports programs representing Mississippi schools were not allowed to play integrated teams. Coach Babe McCarthy stole his team to the tournament under the cover of darkness before an injunction could be served prohibiting the Maroons from playing the Ramblers. Loyola won the historic contest, 61-51, with a 20-point effort by All-America forward Jerry Harkness. That contest would prove to be a landmark event in the civil rights movement.”
Pretty cool right?
If you can’t tell, I’m looking forward to the season. I’m sure I’ll be writing more about hoops as the year progresses. Until then, I’m literally counting down the days until tip-off.
