Brist decided to join the ranks of the Loyola Ramblers because of a deep connection with the University's mission of working to expand knowledge in the service of humanity through learning, justice, and faith and as well as her interest in environmental action. Growing up in Chicago, Loyola felt like a natural choice for her; Brist was drawn to the values of inclusivity and community engagement. She shared, "Looking back on why I joined Loyola, the values resonated deeply with me, and I knew I wanted to stay in Chicago for my studies." 

Despite initially pursuing majors in neuroscience and psychology, Brist's path to teaching began her sophomore year of college. Brist's firsthand experience managing severe food allergies and autoimmune illness, combined with her love for learning, the Spanish language and culture, and working with young people, motivated her to pursue dual passions in emergency medicine and bilingual teaching." Inspired by her family's background in education and her own experiences tutoring, Brist found joy and fulfillment in working with students. "Teaching has always been in my blood," she explained, "and I realized that teaching is where my heart truly lies."

Brist's passion for teaching became evident while she was working as a tutor and studying at Loyola. While employed part-time at tutoring companies, Brist found herself increasingly drawn to the joys of educating young minds, which not only reaffirmed her desire to teach but also solidified her decision to pursue it as a career path. "I realized halfway through college that I don't want to do something that doesn't bring me happiness, and what brings me the most happiness is working with children in an academic setting. I discovered this primarily through my experiences as a tutor,” she shared. With the support of the School of Education’s faculty and staff, Brist transitioned into the teaching program where she continued to explore her passion for education and make a tangible difference in students’ lives. 

Balancing her coursework, student teaching, and leadership roles on campus required effective time management and prioritization for Brist. Additionally, her EMT work during the summers added another layer of responsibility to her busy schedule. Despite her schedule demands, she found fulfillment in staying busy, earning top grades, and taking the opportunity to get involved in campus life. "Being both a teacher and EMT is incredibly rewarding," Brist explained, "and I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in both capacities." 

Brist's student teaching year at Swift Elementary School further ignited her love of teaching and passion for creating a more equitable and just learning environments for all students. Initially placed in a bilingual kindergarten class, Brist had embraced the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds. She emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting students with varying needs, abilities, and cultures. 

Brist’s commitment to social justice and equity extended beyond the classroom while in her senior year. Motivated by a desire to address the challenges faced by refugee students joining the Swift community, she organized a donation drive and dinner aimed at providing support and resources to school families. Realizing the ongoing challenges faced by bilingual students, Brist focused on curriculum for differentiated instruction, building access to additional resources, and community building to meet the needs of all students, especially for those being relocated to the south side of the city. 

She expressed gratitude for the enriching opportunities she had while at Loyola and recognized the impact of the hands-on, community-based learning experiences in shaping her approach to education. The invaluable knowledge she gained through site visits to cultural institutions like museums shaped her as an educator. Brist notes how these visits, ranging from Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to the Chicago History Museum, encouraged diverse perspectives and learning opportunities for future educators like herself. She emphasized the significance of these partnerships, highlighting how each visit offered a unique focus and learning objective. From engaging young students with fossils to crafting social studies lesson plans, the integration of real-world outings into the academics was pivotal in her becoming an effective teacher.

Throughout her time at Loyola, Brist embodied the values of social justice, community engagement, and compassionate leadership. From her early days as a student leader to her transformative year in the classroom, Brist’s impact has been profound, leaving a lasting mark on the Loyola community and beyond. 

Brist’s Loyola story serves as an inspiration to future educators and advocates for equity and justice. With a deep commitment to creating a more equitable and just world, her passion for teaching will continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of students and communities. She looks forward to becoming a second-grade bilingual teacher at Swift Elementary School this fall.