Explore, Discover, Become

Lauren Ashley  

Senior  

Human Resources  

 

To kick off the first of many professional visits, I started the morning with a hearty breakfast before getting ready for what I knew would be an eventful day. Our first stop of the day was meeting with two Quinlan alumni over lunch, who were incredibly generous with their time and insights. The conversation felt relaxed and natural, which made it easy for everyone to jump in with questions. Hearing about their career paths, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way made the experience feel very real and personal. It was inspiring to hear advice from people who were once in the same position we are now, figuring out how to turn their education and interests into meaningful careers. 

 

After eating, a few of us decided to check out Erewhon, a well-known upscale grocery store in Los Angeles that feels more like a curated health and lifestyle experience than a typical market. Everything inside is beautifully displayed, filled with organic products, trendy wellness items, and a smoothie bar that has become famous in its own right. If I’m reading your mind correctly, of course, I tried the $21 Hailey Bieber smoothie. It was definitely good, but I’m still deciding if it was quite worth the price. 

 

Later in the afternoon, we returned to the hotel and had a bit of free time to relax before getting ready for dinner. That evening, we were meeting another Quinlan alum, along with his wife and child, for dinner near the beach. We made sure to leave our hotel early to avoid the infamous Los Angeles traffic, which ended up giving us some extra time to explore the area before dinner. We walked around a few local shops and took in the ocean views just as the sun was beginning to set. Watching the sunset along the beach was one of those simple moments that makes you pause and appreciate where you are. 

 

Afterward, we sat down for dinner and had the chance to hear more about our alum’s career journey and experiences after Loyola. One piece of advice he shared that really stuck with me was the idea of always “sending the elevator down.” In other words, as you move forward in your career or life, remember to help others who are working to get there too, just as others once helped you along the way. Another phrase he shared that resonated with me was to always “explore, discover, and become,” which felt like a great reminder to stay curious and open to growth throughout both your career and your life. 

 

After a great dinner and conversation, we headed back to the hotel. With an early morning ahead, I got ready for bed feeling grateful for such a memorable day filled with meaningful conversations and new experiences. The day left me feeling inspired and excited for what lies ahead in my own career journey.