As cliche as it sounds, I truly cannot believe how fast my college years have gone by.  It seems like just yesterday I was moving into Regis Hall and making friends who are still my close friends today.  There are so many great memories I have had these past three years, but here are a few of the highlights.

1. The Chicago Architecture Tour (Boat Cruise)- This was during welcome week for students in the Honors Program.  The cruise started downtown, and went all the way down the Chicago River.  The tour guide was great and pointed out the amazing architecture as we cruised along.  My personal favorite was the Trump Tower.

2. Seth Meyers/Aziz Ansari- I had the pleasure of seeing two of my favorite comedians.. for five dollars or less!  Seth Meyers came my freshman year; he was a part of welcome week.  Aziz Ansari came this past March.  Both were hilarious- but I have to say Seth Meyers is still my favorite.  Nothing beats him on Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live!

3. Studying Abroad-  My favorite experience at Loyola thus far has got to be the opportunity I had to study in Rome, Italy.  I have always wanted to travel, and the fact that Loyola had a campus in Rome made traveling that much easier. I was able to take core classes in Rome and I was able to go there for about the same price as tuition in Chicago is. (Besides the flight and other side trips I would take)  It was by far the greatest experience of my life as I was exposed to so many different things and wonders of the world.  I’m so thankful for Loyola for providing me this opportunity, and I encourage everyone to study abroad at some point!

4. Living downtown- Nothing beats living in the heart of the Gold Coast, where I was able to live this past year.  It was amazing- I would walk outside and the city was right at my fingertips.  Michigan Avenue was two blocks away, the beach was around the corner… everything was right there.  The fact that Loyola provides student housing downtown is perfect, as I could definitely not afford to live down there in my own apartment. (pricey!)  I will definitely miss the Gold Coast next year, but I am eager to explore a different neighborhood, Lakeview.

Those are just a few of the highlights of my college career thus far.  It was hard narrowing it down to just four, as there are infinite things that I have done that have made me so thankful for choosing Loyola and the city of Chicago.  I am looking forward to starting my senior year, although sad that I only have one year left here at Loyola.