Tag: vacation

Summer in the City

Summer in the City

It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me that I’m already a sophomore, and yet here we are. Watching the new freshmen begin their lives here makes me realize how much I’ve changed in only a short year at Loyola.

But before I get all sentimental on you, I’ll fill you in on my summer.

I couldn’t bear to say goodbye to Chicago for 4 months, and decided to stay for June and July on a full-time paid internship with Loyola’s University Marketing & Communications department. After a relaxing, much-needed month home with my family, I was back to the grind in the city.

Working in the city without the safe bubble and routine of school gave me a real glimpse of adulthood. Working a 9-5, paying rent on a sublease, and (get ready for it….) buying my own groceries is a very different experience than the one I had last year living in Chicago as a student with a residence hall, class schedule and a meal plan. My internship not only gave me valuable career experience, but it taught me how to really take care of myself.

At my internship, I worked as a writer for the Advancement division. I wrote articles for Loyola Magazine (our alumni publication), proofread and wrote and brainstormed for literature to be sent out to our Rambler alumni. The job, which I expect to have all four years of undergrad, gave me an interest in a major I hadn’t ever considered: Advertising and Public Relations. I realized that I love the creative process of it and writing in a different way than I am used to. I haven’t decided to switch yet but it is something I am seriously considering. Advice to incoming freshman: you have time to change your mind, and be open to it!

What was strange about my summer was having what seemed like unlimited amounts of free time. Two months without homework or rehearsal meant I could fully experience Chicago. I went to the Art Institute, on an architectural boat tour, shopped on Michigan Ave, saw shows in the city and just relaxed. The summer made me fall in love with my city even more. Now that I’m back to the grind, I really appreciate the time I had then.

I came home in August to go on vacation in Saugatuck, Michigan with my family, which was mainly spent lounging on the beach. Midwesterners, I have to recommend Michigan for your summer vacation.

Now that I’m back, I’ve started rehearsals for Loyola’s Mainstage production of Lost in Yonkers, which opens at the end of September. I’m so excited to get back into theatre. Being insanely busy at the start of the semester will soon pay off. Anyone close to the city should definitely come see the show!

 

My view of the city from the architectural boat tour!

 

Awaiting My Family

Awaiting My Family

This upcoming Easter weekend, my mom, dad, brother and sister are all headed over to Rome to visit me! I’m currently making a list of places for us to go/eat/sight see.  They’re coming for a week, and are hoping to make it to all Rome’s main attractions: The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, The Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps. They also are going on a wine tour through the vineyards in Tuscany.

I’m excited for their arrival, especially because I will be their personal tour guide (like a true Roman). My family is very obnoxious and very fun, so I know this will be a trip they will never forget!

Here’s a picture of my mom, dad, me, my 15 year old sister and my 16 year old brother.  This was during our big family vacation.  We had themed nights where each family cooked and decorated, and this night was Italian night. My aunt made us all shirts, and we dressed up like guidos/guidettes… Jersey Shore style.  We’re trying to look intimidating. I think its working!