Class of 2017

Anthropology major

International Studies & Philosophy minor

The opportunities I have been provided through the CEL have allowed me to explore the issues, become acquainted with populations and people, and spend time in new work environments. I think the classroom component has been crucial to how much meaning I have been able to derive during my internships and research because critical reading, thinking, and discussing leads to enhanced learning and greater connections between academic theory, community impacts, and personal reflection. In combination, these three features of the Loyola experiential learning curriculum truly engage students in high-level thinking and community participation that classroom learning alone cannot provide. 

I think that I developed a head-first mentality, where I just have to realize that I am not going to be good at everything the first day but that my willingness to be there and to learn from those around me is most important. Choosing to even apply to programs and internships can seem daunting and often is itself an investment of time, so even before applying to any opportunity I had to decide that it was worth asking for and trying. Asking for opportunities has brought me so many experiences of learning, of connection, and none of it could have happened if I hadn't asked and if I hadn't decided to let go of feeling underprepared or unworthy and just jumped into it. 

This coming year, I will be serving with Jesuit Volunteer Corp in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Harry Tompson Center, a day center for people experiencing homelessness. My draw to JVC is of course very influenced by the Ignatian values that permeate all aspects of the Loyola experience, and my interest in direct service. Direct service providers are in close proximity to the people they serve, meaning that relationships are at the center of service and that systemic work begins in the local community. 

Learning Portfolio: https://www.taskstream.com/ts/lantto1/KateyLanttoSocialJusticePortfolio