Olivia

Hometown: Chester, Va.

Major: Biology

Studied in: Newcastle, England

Everyone Has a Strong Truth

It may be undiscovered or unrecognized, but Loyola may be the perfect place to discover yours. Ask a Loyola student, “What is your strong truth?” and get prepared for the answer… “We have a responsibility to give back.” “Believe in yourself.” “International travel changes everything.” The answers are as different as our students, but they are all full of conviction, determination, and hope. Just ask Olivia …

Olivia's Strong Truth

“Keep an open mind. Take chances and see as much as you can.”

“If an opportunity doesn’t work out, try something different—there’s always plan B.”

As a biology major, Olivia knew she had to choose a study abroad program with strong science courses to stay on track for graduation. Loyola’s program in Newcastle, England, sounded perfect. And she decided to stretch herself and go not just for a semester, but for an entire year.

“It was amazing. I was full of excitement and it lasted the whole time. I made so many lifelong friends,” says Olivia. Although Olivia had traveled before, she had always been with her family or friends. This time she was independent, on her own—though supported in a Loyola-run program and joined with fellow Loyola students.

“My mom said I grew a lot as a person, and I did—just the way I handled things in more of an adult way,” she says. Now she’s trying to figure out her next trip. She wants to see Asia. “I love traveling because I like seeing new places. I just feel this freedom. Studying abroad just opened the adventure.”

Related Links

Biology Department International Programs


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Strong

The things in life we work hardest to attain are the ones we appreciate most. At Loyola, you’ll work hard. Really hard. You’ll open yourself up to new ideas and new directions. And you’ll build something incredibly strong: a powerful foundation on which to form a life of meaning, value, and joy.

Truths

Throughout your life, you will encounter many difficult questions and choices, both personally and professionally. At Loyola, you’ll build a strong moral compass that will distinguish you throughout your life, enabling you to become the best possible friend, child, parent, colleague, leader, and global citizen.

Well

Happy. That may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think about college life and all of its demands. But come to Loyola’s campus and you’ll feel it: the joyfulness and contagious energy of students who are continuously learning, growing, and doing what they love.

Lived

Incredibly demanding and uniquely supportive. A close-knit community that broadens your world. A place where 4,000 diverse undergraduates converge to pursue common goals and achieve their singular ambitions. You’ll feel at home at Loyola, while Loyola prepares you to feel at home in the wider world.