Four years ago, I left behind everything I knew and came to Loyola as a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed eighteen-year-old. Immediately, I fell in love with everything at Loyola and around New Orleans. Everything held a beauty that I had never experienced. From food filled with love and soul to people who act with the kindest hearts, this new experience of beauty pushed me out of my comfort zone and so far forward on my journey of life. Much of my time at Loyola has consisted of searching for loving friends, amazing new experiences, and a well-rounded academic journey. I’ve discovered these things over time, and although it has required patience and significant effort, I am eternally grateful for every moment at Loyola.
My first opinion piece for The Maroon focused on why leaving your hometown helps you grow, and I still firmly believe that. In many ways, I wish I could go back in time and congratulate my younger self on taking charge of her life and reaching for her goals. That teenage girl took a huge leap of faith, and I am beyond grateful to Loyola for making it all so worthwhile. So, here’s my letter to Loyola – part thank you note, part honest reflection of four years of coming of age in New Orleans.
When reflecting on my college experience, it is only appropriate to start with the things I’ve learned. Not only did I find wisdom in the classroom while reading philosophy texts, I learned valuable life lessons both in and out of the classroom. From my very first class freshman year—where Professor Josh Hinchie convinced me to join Catholic Studies—my mentors at Loyola have continually pushed me to listen with intention, think with critical analysis, and act with compassion.
Out of the classroom, I learned things about myself, my faith, and my connection to the world. I found myself in both the quiet moments under the oak trees in Audubon and the wild nights of lights and dancing on Bourbon Street. I saw love in roommates and friends, making me laugh when the rest of the world felt most uncertain. I found community in my job as a Campus Ambassador, showing up as a team to make our beloved school a more welcoming place. I found guidance from my boss, my advisors, my professors, and my peers. Over my four years here at Loyola, I found a home for myself.
More than anything, the city of New Orleans taught me how to have fun in the midst of everyday life. It showed me how to celebrate and smile not only when things are good, but especially when things have never felt lower. I’ll never forget my first Mardi Gras parade—watching a community form around me in the neutral ground while dancing between floats, bonding over a love of king cake. I’ll forever be thankful for the many moments on the streetcar where the city and its people seemed to exhale with me after a long day. Every ‘typical New Orleans moment’ holds its own sense of beauty and belonging, offering a reminder of why the city is so special.
No words are descriptive enough to truly convey what New Orleans and Loyola mean to me. To the professors and mentors who have believed in me even in the moments that I didn’t – thank you. To the friends who have seen every version of me—confused, proud, tired, joyful—and loved me through all of it – thank you. To the multitude of Loyola community members whose actions go largely unnoticed or unappreciated – thank you. To the New Orleans locals who put smiles on my face, yummy meals in my tummy, and hope in my heart – thank you.
Leaving New Orleans is bittersweet. I know I am leaving with so much more than I came here with – new strengths, new experiences, and a multitude of new connections. I am forever grateful for this city and this school and how it’s raised me the past four years – not just into a college graduate, but into a person who lives, loves, and acts with full authenticity.
To my eighteen year old self—you did it. As scared as you are, it’s all worth it. The late nights studying, the heartbreaks, the anxiety of being away from home all came to form a more beautiful experience than you could ever imagine.
Thank you, Loyola, for believing in that naive young girl more than she believed in herself. Here’s to many more generations of The Wolf Pack finding hope, wisdom, and courage through this blessed community.
