2024 Welcome Week
Advice to new students from 2024 grads
Each August, Loyola University Chicago welcomes new students to campus. Starting college can be exciting, challenging, and sometimes overwhelming. Members of the School of Environmental Sustainability’s 2024 graduating class shared their advice for new students just starting their college journeys.
Ixchel Barraza Zapata
BA in environmental studies
"To the incoming class, I extend my warmest wishes as you embark on this exciting journey into the next phase of your lives. Entering freshman year opens the door to shaping the path you desire for the next four years, so seize each opportunity. Don’t allow fear or uncertainty to control you because you never know what you will miss out on. It’s in moments of discomfort that our greatest growth occurs, leading to profound experiences. Therefore, live these next four years to the fullest, be proud of every little success, and be graceful with yourself through every challenge."
Michael W. Chopra
BS in environmental science, BA in film and digital media
"Take advantage of all of the resources Loyola has to offer. Go to the library, rent the books, download articles from the database. Join a club, talk with your professor after class. At SES, go to LUREC, learn about the Urban Agriculture Program. There is something for everyone."
Fiona Irene Farrer
BA in environmental studies
"However you relate to the environment, lean into that feeling. It’s a very powerful thing to know how you connect to the world around you. That feeling can never be taken away, and it will take you everywhere."
Hanan Abdillahi
BA in environmental policy, BA in political science
"Remember that you are a person first. Taking care of yourself is essential, especially in our field. Our deep passions and care for the world around us can lead to difficult and overwhelming emotions as we confront the many problems our world faces. However, it is important not to neglect your well-being as you embark on your journey! Regularly plan and set aside time during your days and weeks for activities that will nourish you and your soul, whether that is spending time with friends, taking a walk outside (perhaps by the lake), engaging in moments of quiet reflection, or whatever fills up your cup. Remember, rest and downtime are productive and necessary, and it looks different for everyone!"
Max Henson
BS in environmental science—conservation and restoration ecology
"Say yes to opportunities whenever you can. You never know which class will change the way you see the world or introduce you to a new career path. You never know who you’ll meet and how they’ll become a part of your life. I tend to have a hard time leaving my comfort zone, but it’s always been worth it to develop the person I am today."
Mikayla Ballard
BS in environmental science
"I would advise engaging with your professors, especially if they work in a field you are interested in. Even if you are not interested in joining their lab, for example, a lot of professors appreciate sharing resources and advice on other ways you can get involved."
Michael E. Hughey
BA in environmental studies
"Take every opportunity you can to get involved in things, go to Student Environmental Alliance, Food Recovery Network, and Restoration Club meetings, do restoration workdays at LUREC, go on the Loyola Eco-spirituality Adventure Fall (LEAF) Retreat! Also, do not worry so much about your grades or doing everything right. Taking care of your mental and physical health is the most important thing, and everyone does things at their own pace and in their own way. There’s no right way to be successful."
Luke Boehm
MS in environmental science and sustainability
"My advice is to branch out in your coursework and seek out projects or research that are outside of your comfort zone. Embracing new opportunities can help you realize a new passion, and the faculty at SES is incredibly supportive and will make sure you have the tools you need to succeed."
Photos by Jorge Haddad
"To the incoming class, I extend my warmest wishes as you embark on this exciting journey into the next phase of your lives. Entering freshman year opens the door to shaping the path you desire for the next four years, so seize each opportunity. Don’t allow fear or uncertainty to control you because you never know what you will miss out on. It’s in moments of discomfort that our greatest growth occurs, leading to profound experiences. Therefore, live these next four years to the fullest, be proud of every little success, and be graceful with yourself through every challenge."
"Take advantage of all of the resources Loyola has to offer. Go to the library, rent the books, download articles from the database. Join a club, talk with your professor after class. At SES, go to LUREC, learn about the Urban Agriculture Program. There is something for everyone."
"However you relate to the environment, lean into that feeling. It’s a very powerful thing to know how you connect to the world around you. That feeling can never be taken away, and it will take you everywhere."
"Remember that you are a person first. Taking care of yourself is essential, especially in our field. Our deep passions and care for the world around us can lead to difficult and overwhelming emotions as we confront the many problems our world faces. However, it is important not to neglect your well-being as you embark on your journey! Regularly plan and set aside time during your days and weeks for activities that will nourish you and your soul, whether that is spending time with friends, taking a walk outside (perhaps by the lake), engaging in moments of quiet reflection, or whatever fills up your cup. Remember, rest and downtime are productive and necessary, and it looks different for everyone!"
"Say yes to opportunities whenever you can. You never know which class will change the way you see the world or introduce you to a new career path. You never know who you’ll meet and how they’ll become a part of your life. I tend to have a hard time leaving my comfort zone, but it’s always been worth it to develop the person I am today."
"I would advise engaging with your professors, especially if they work in a field you are interested in. Even if you are not interested in joining their lab, for example, a lot of professors appreciate sharing resources and advice on other ways you can get involved."
"Take every opportunity you can to get involved in things, go to Student Environmental Alliance, Food Recovery Network, and Restoration Club meetings, do restoration workdays at LUREC, go on the Loyola Eco-spirituality Adventure Fall (LEAF) Retreat! Also, do not worry so much about your grades or doing everything right. Taking care of your mental and physical health is the most important thing, and everyone does things at their own pace and in their own way. There’s no right way to be successful."
"My advice is to branch out in your coursework and seek out projects or research that are outside of your comfort zone. Embracing new opportunities can help you realize a new passion, and the faculty at SES is incredibly supportive and will make sure you have the tools you need to succeed."
Photos by Jorge Haddad