Andy Timmons
Final Reflection
UNIV101-019
Joe Drake
12-4-12

Final Reflection

    Coming to Loyola University Chicago was more of a leap of faith than the next step in my education process.  I knew that I wanted to attend a Jesuit university because I admired the Jesuit’s educational values and their focus on becoming men and women for others.  For the majority of my senior year, I was convinced that I was going to Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.  It met the criteria I had set for myself-I wanted to live at an urban campus, experience the Jesuit tradition, and not be overwhelmed by a huge student body.  But Xavier wasn’t really in a city, at least not a city like Chicago.  In short, Xavier was the safe option.  I would be happy but I wouldn’t be challenged.  That’s why I chose Loyola.  Loyola is located in one of the largest cities in the nation, flush with unbelievable opportunities and valuable experiences.  Loyola not only challenges its students academically, but also personally.  Loyola cares about its students and wants them to grow into the best person they can be, and constantly demonstrates that caring attitude through down-to-Earth professors and cooperative staff members.  Two days before the deposit deadline, May 1st, I sat my parents down and told them that Xavier wasn’t the place I wanted to spend the next four years of my life, and that I wanted to take the risk and go to Loyola University Chicago.
    The choice to attend Loyola was one that definitely paid off.  The first semester alone has been one of incredible experiences and life lessons.  Learning how to navigate the city and public transportation has been incredibly satisfying and rewarding.  Coming from an extremely small town, I had no idea what public transportation would be like.  After a few wrong trains and a couple of missed stops, I can now recite the lists of stops on the redline by heart.  This access to the city enhances my academic studies tremendously.  I’ve also learned more about myself during my first semester.  First and foremost, I learned how much I cherish sleep and being a couch potato.  College simply doesn’t have time for either of those pastimes.  I learned that I had to sacrifice certain recreational activities that may be detrimental to my success as a student, and find the ones that are more meaningful and beneficial.  Being in college forces you to think about your future, and Loyola facilitates this process expertly, that is without being overbearing or pushy which I greatly appreciate.  I may not know exactly what I want to do as a career, but I’ve learned what makes me happy.  Specifically, I realized my real passion for literature through my UCLR Core class.  I look forward to doing the homework and going to class, which I think says a great deal about where my passions lie.
    Not every part of my first semester was easy though, there were numerous highs and lows which is to be expected.  One big part of college that did not go as smoothly as I would have liked was the transition away from home.  I think I was almost too excited to be here that I didn’t cherish the time I had at home.  Once I had to be here on my own, I realized this and had tough battle with an acute case of “homesickness.”  This brings me to one of the highs of my first semester: I made friends! Not just your average run of the mill friends, but GREAT friends.  Friends who share my appreciation for a good book, and borderline bizarre sense of humor.  These people brought me out of the bubble that homesickness had me trapped in.  Without them my first semester would have gone drastically different.
    Now that the first semester is basically over, it’s time to put some thought into what I would like to see happening over the next four years here.  In the future I hope to continue doing well academically, first and foremost.  College isn’t cheap, and private college especially is not cheap.  I want to squeeze as much out of this university as I possibly can, no offense.  I want to be done with my Core classes by the end of sophomore year, and have time my junior and senior years to zero in on courses geared towards the future I hope to attain.  Right now, I’m thinking many English and Political Sciences courses so I can double major in those areas and attend law school post-graduation.  I want to get involved in more social justice organizations and do my part in making Chicago even better.  I also hope to become an employee of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, maybe leading tour groups or talking to prospective students about the many benefits Loyola has to offer.
    As my first semester at college comes to an end, it’s strange thinking about where I was this time last year.  This time last year I thought I was going to be a Musketeer at Xavier University in Cincinnati, making good grades and making the most of Cincinnati.  I was living comfortably with my family, and not having much responsibility.  Now I’m a (somewhat) independent college freshman in one of the largest cities in America, not to mention the world.  I go to Loyola University Chicago, an academic institution that is recognized not only for its academic, but its dedication to social justice.  I’m taking public transportation to wherever my heart desires, and making memories with people I never would have dreamed I’d have the honor of knowing.  Loyola University Chicago has given me an amazing first semester, and I’m looking forward to the next seven to come.