Tharren Poplion

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

Territory: Online Students

Where did you go to college? Loyola University New Orleans

What were you involved in while in college? Psy Chi, Admissions Ambassadors

Best college advice: Never miss a class. Even if you are not crazy about the professor or the subject matter, there is always an opportunity to learn and be a part of a shared experience that may make you a new friend.

Favorite restaurant in New Orleans: Commander’s Palace.

Favorite New Orleans food? Seafood gumbo.

As Louis Armstrong famously asked, "Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?" Unfortunately, I do. I have never lived anywhere else but during the events of Hurricane Katrina, I lived somewhere else for 3 months. My entire family was still with me but one important member was not with us. That was the City of New Orleans. Despite all of the strife and uncertainty, there was never any question as to whether or not we’d return and reunite with New Orleans.

Favorite place for a Snoball? Sal’s Snowballs in Old Metairie. I get strawberry with extra syrup. Sal’s is nowhere near where I live, but it is totally worth the drive.

What New Orleans street do you constantly misspell? Tchoupitoulas. I live two blocks away from the street, but it always stumps me.

Favorite Loyola event/tradition? Sneaux around Christmas time. It is for our students, but it is popular with the local community as well. It is nice to see these 2 populations together having fun and sharing the holiday spirit.

What makes Loyola different than other schools? Our smaller size is a definite advantage. You get more personalized attention that you just can’t get at other colleges. Aside from that, the faculty and staff genuinely care about our students. We want them here and we want them to do well and enjoy their college experience. When a student enrolls, we see them not as another number in a class but as another important contributor to Loyola’s rich, storied history.