While you are packing... You probably already skimmed the list of "Items you may need" and started to take note of the things you need before coming to Loyola. But as you prepare to begin your college career, I hope you will give some thought to a few items in particular. Bring your address book and make sure there is still space inside. You are on the brink of meeting many new people who may very well become life-long friends. Developing new relationships, finding peers, professors, and other people on campus who you feel you can trust and with whom you can be yourself takes time. As you are doing that, it is important to keep in touch with those in your address book, especially friends and family from home. At this point, they still probably know you best. As you are transitioning to college an venturing down new roads, they can offer you good direction - they know where you've been and the things you like. A good comforter is a must, especially when away from home. Aside from the one you will put on your bed, be sure to bring those other tangible and non-tangible items that will make you comfortable at Loyola - your journal, favorite book or CD, bible, knowledge that you are loved, healthy habits of studying, eating, relating an recreating. Most important, bring that self confidence you had as a senior in high school - that will allow you to explore new and diverse people, places and ideas. When you're on your own, "waking up" can be very challenging, so bring your own alarm clock. While your roommate may be willing to share, using someone else's alarm clock can be risky. Aside from helping you to get out of bed in the morning, a good alarm clock is handy when you need other types of wake up calls. College offers a multitude of possibilities, many good, but others that can be harmful to one's health. Be sure to bring both your bedside and internal alarm clocks - they will help you to be in the right place, with the right people, at the right time. We never know when we might have to "cut & paste," so bring along some scissors and tape. Along with the ones you'll want to have in your desk drawer, be sure you're adept at doing this even when you're not sitting at your desk. New beginnings and experiences often lend themselves to errors (in judgement) as well as fortuitous people and places. It's important to know how to cut out of relationships and places that are not healthy and to stick with those people and places that are good for your mind, body, heart and soul. Cutting and pasting can be a real time, money, friend, or even life saver. If by any chance once you're here, you discover that you don't have or have forgotten any of the above, rest assure that there is someone at Loyola who can assist you with what you need or want - just be sure to let us know. We want you to feel at home here - we want you to be your best self! We look forward to all you will bring and add to Loyola - see you soon! Catherine (Missy) Gugerty, SSND
Center for Community Service & Justice |
