Welcome Week 2025

Advice to the incoming class: Intention and direction are everything. Perfection is not a reasonable standard to hold yourself to, but the power of a positive mindset will allow you to reach your goals in a realistic way. Go into each day focused on what you can control and act on that. Good things will follow if you surround yourself with people who match your energy.

Advice to the incoming class: Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate. Don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone; that's where the most rewarding experiences happen. Build connections with your professors and peers who will become your support system and source of inspiration. Lastly, stay curious and open-minded, as sustainability requires a holistic understanding and a willingness to consider new perspectives. The journey won't always be easy, but it will be worth it. You're stepping into a community that's ready to empower you to shape a better future.

Advice to the incoming class: Get involved with any of the internships offered both on and off campus! My internships were instrumental to my career knowledge and helped me build relationships with people with the same interests. Also, putting the time and effort into academic achievement prepared me to excel in my career and opened up many opportunities. My best advice is to be active in the community and apply what you learn through your internships. The relationships you build by engaging in this way are worthwhile. Taking advantage of the opportunities at Loyola can prepare you for a rewarding future.

Advice to the incoming class: My advice for the incoming class is to say yes to things! SES has so many wonderful opportunities to explore that personally made my experience in college and my educational journey so special. Go on a LUREC workday with Restoration Club, volunteer on a food run with Food Recovery Network, or join an environmental campaign group with the Student Environmental Alliance. From research, internships, LUREC summer courses, and seminars, SES has something for everyone. You never really know which moment of "saying yes" will open up a new passion. However, it's also important to slow down and take care of your mental health, especially in the environmental field. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming. Taking time to appreciate my surroundings, taking a walk on the beach, and finding joy in the little details of nature help me feel grounded. So, make sure to cherish the moments, people, and spaces around you!

Advice to the incoming class: Everyone has their own path. It took me a long time to stop comparing my journey with those around me, but once I did, life got so much better! If you are following your passions, you are doing it right. So celebrate your peers, but remember to celebrate yourself too.

Advice to the incoming class: I would say don't shy away from doing something if you have the opportunity. You never know what is going to catch your interest, so it's best to try as many clubs or go to as many events as possible. Talk to as many people as possible, and put yourself out there because so many opportunities arise out of the strangest places.

Advice to the incoming class: Take every opportunity you can! It may feel overwhelming. At first, I felt like I did not belong, but instead of letting that hold me back, I used it to propel myself into doorways and opportunities that made me grow. Join clubs and committees, apply for internships, and go to events. You never know who you will meet. You might meet someone who could be a connection for you down the road to get a job or just be a friend in a class. I am so proud of myself for the way I stood up and got involved, and I suggest that to everyone at SES and Loyola. You will have so many incredible opportunities to take advantage of during your time here!

Advice to the incoming class: To our new students, I would say don't be afraid to try new things! Follow your curiosity and explore what excites you – even the opportunities that feel a little intimidating. This is the time to experiment, take some risks, and figure out what matters to you. Talk to your professors and older students; they can help you discover paths you may not have considered. Step outside your comfort zone; you'll be surprised by what you can achieve. Most importantly, live in the moment! College goes by quickly, and even during the tough days, there is something truly special about this chapter of your life. So dive in and savor every day.

Advice to the incoming class: The best piece of advice would be to get involved. Take advantage of the free trips out to LUREC or the free pizza with the dean. If you put your mind to it, l am confident anyone can get at least one free meal a day. Beyond free food, getting involved on campus can open the door to amazing experiences.

Advice to the incoming class: My advice is to take advantage of the resources and classes within SES. The professors here genuinely want you to succeed academically and grow as a member of the SES community. I also recommend taking classes outside your major or ones you may not initially expect to like. Every class provides you with a different perspective on how to view the world. The classes I struggled with most were my favorites, as they challenged me to work harder and push myself. As a result, I found an interest in data and statistics, which led to an amazing research opportunity.

Advice to the incoming class: My advice for next year's incoming class is to try new things and get involved. You might try some things that you'll never want to do again, but you might also find something you really like and become deeply passionate about. Embrace the experiences and enjoy your time. I also suggest being highly communicative with your professors, whether that's through office hours or over email. The professors here want you to succeed, and they want to build professional relationships with you.