Alva’s first impressions of Arrupe proved to be accurate. By the time she arrived on campus for her first day of class, she had already made friends with fellow first-years at the overnight orientation at Loyola’s Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC). “I already liked the staff and new students, so I wasn’t that nervous,” she said.

That sense of camaraderie followed her throughout. She relied on the tools she learned in ACUNI 101, a freshman seminar that introduces students to college life, to successfully navigate the transition from high school. “Jacqueline Molina is amazing,” said Alva, referring to the instructor. “She gave us tips on how to make everything easier, how to use a planner, how to choose our classes, everything.” After she received a C in one of her classes, she used the strategies she learned in the seminar to talk to her professor about improving her grade. Since then, Alva has made the dean’s list every semester and is a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the honor society for students attending 2-year colleges.

As she settled into a routine, Alva also fostered a sense of belonging by getting involved in student life. She was the social media coordinator for the Alliance Club, whose mission is to ensure LGBTQIA+ students feel welcome and included in the Arrupe community. She also served in student government as a senator for her major. “We hear what students need and try to do everything possible so they can have a better experience,” she said.

Alva applied to several four-year institutions, on the advice of Jacob Caplan, her college transfer coordinator. But she had her heart set on staying at Loyola. “I would go to events on the Lake Shore Campus, like basketball games,” she said. “I like the energy and how students are so involved, too.” Caplan helped her stay on task by reminding her of deadlines and sending her information on scholarships and other resources. She also felt comfortable swinging by his office or scheduling a Zoom appointment to go over her application. She received a full scholarship from Loyola to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work.

At Arrupe College, Alva found a community that cheered her on just as her family always has. Her parents and sister are inspired by everything she has accomplished during her time there. “They love it,” she said. “My sister is seven, and she’s already planning on going to Arrupe.”