Local students visit Loyola for “Shadow Day” A group of area high school students got a first-hand glimpse of the job opportunities available in higher education at Loyola College’s first “Shadow Day” on Friday, Feb. 2. The 21 participants, students from St. Ignatius Loyola Academy and W.E.B. DuBois High School, spent the day observing and interacting with members of the College’s staff and work study employees, as well as sitting in on classes. The event, like many College programs this year, was inspired and funded in part by the Year of the City initiative. The event was sponsored by Loyola’s Staff Council, an organization that represents the College’s non-exempt employees. “The Staff Council is committed to advancing projects that connect the College with Baltimore’s youth, especially those that benefit their education,” said Candra Healy, co-chair of the Council. “Shadow Day offered students a chance to experience the Loyola Community and come away with a positive view of how we learn, work and play at the College. They also got to catch a glimpse of College life through the eyes of current students.” Members of Staff Council recommended schools whose students they believed would benefit from the program, three of which accepted the Council’s invitation (Sisters Academy of Baltimore was not able to participate due to inclement weather predictions). Members of the Council created a mentoring team for each student, working with fellow staff members, faculty, administrators and Loyola students to plan and coordinate worthwhile one-on-one experiences. The day began with a group breakfast and continued with a campus tour, introduction of students and shadow mentors and activities designed to help students understand the skills needed for success in the jobs they were observing. Students were given an opportunity to discuss their own career interests, job experiences, special skills and educational plans, as well as a chance to the experience. Comments included: “I learned that if you study hard, you can do what you want to do,” and “I liked how my mentor helped me understand what is needed to meet the standard.” Departments participating in Shadow Day included Records, Sodexho Catering, Technology Services, Physical Plant, Enrollment Management, the Office of Academic Affairs and Diversity, Postal Service and Central Duplication, Human Resources, Enrollment Management, the College of Arts and Sciences’ Associate Dean’s Office and the academic departments of History, Education, Biology and Writing. Staff members who served as mentors also learned from their experiences working with the students. “This was an awesome experience for all of us,” said Rosalind Moore, an Executive Assistant in the Enrollment Management division. “I think I had as much fun and excitement as my student.” The Staff Council hopes to make Shadow Day an annual event. | 
