Loyola’s individualized classes most influenced my decision to attend the university, which is especially important to me as a biology major given the class sizes of most introductory biology classes at other institutions. The Jesuit ideals embraced by the university also attracted me, as such principles were not present at my high school and seemed to foster a better environment for growth.

 

My best piece of advice to prospective students concerning the college application process is to visit as many colleges as possible and apply early. The most important aspect of college is finding an environment that suits you best, and applying early will eliminate stress from deadlines and make you eligible for more scholarships and financial aid.

 

My first campus visit was an admissions tour the summer before my senior year of high school. From the moment I finished the tour, I knew that I wanted to be at Loyola the next year, and the atmosphere (and food) at President’s Open House and Jazz Brunch only further influenced my decision to attend. 

 

In my opinion, the best thing about living in New Orleans is the unique culture. Everything from the food (boiled seafood, po-boys, muffalettas…etc, etc.) to the music and events (Jazz Fest, Voodoo Fest, Wednesdays at The Square, Saints Games, Mardi Gras) makes living in New Orleans an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

 

Although I have only attended Loyola for one year, I can without a doubt say that it has allowed me to grow and become a better-rounded, service oriented person. As a whole, the Jesuit values embraced here motivate students to learn with both their hearts and minds, educating the whole person. These same values also convey the idea of service to one’s community, which is evident at Loyola through the presence of organizations such as LUCAP and Ignacio Volunteers, and service learning components employed by certain courses.

 

Aside from Ambassadors, I am involved in Loyola’s Student Government Association (SGA) and Department of Residential Life. SGA acts as the voice of Loyola’s students and is comprised of justices, an executive staff, and the senate. Programs such as Wolves on the Prowl in the fall and Loup Garou in the spring are directed by SGA, and their responsibilities include completing initiatives each semester to better the student life, approving new organization charters, allocating funds to various organizations. Loyola’s Department of Residential Life oversees all four residence halls on campus. A majority of Residential Life’s staff is comprised of students employed as Desk Assistants and Resident Assistants. Desk Assistants check-in students’ guests, ensure that only students and permitted guests are allowed to enter the building, and check-out vacuums, brooms, and other equipment to students, while Resident Assistants are responsible for supervising and programming for one floor of the residence hall in which they live.