“My advice is to be inquisitive. Don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions about the class content. Don't be afraid to show up to office hours. Don't be afraid to ask people questions about their careers, research, or goals—including professors and other students! Putting yourself out there is scary and difficult, but I have found that asking thoughtful questions and telling others about my goals can build lasting connections.”

--Grace Ramírez, BA in environmental policy, BA in sociology

"Do not be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone in everything you do – often, the rewards outweigh whatever fears you may have." 

--Caitlin Aquila, BS in Environmental Science

“Be confident that you will find a place to belong here at Loyola. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, because you can only learn from those, and never stop showing your curiosity.”

--Ericka Gonzalez Guzman, BS in environmental science: food systems and sustainable agriculture  

“Make sure to go out, explore Chicago, and visit all the diverse neighborhoods it has to offer. It can sometimes be easy to get stuck in a homework positive-feedback loop, so take an afternoon once in a while to hop on the L and ride down to a stop you have not been to before. Chicago is a truly special place that brings many different cultures together, so do not take the city for granted!"

--Connor Bishop, BA in environmental policy, BA in political science

"I would advise new students to get involved in student organizations, connect with professors, make sure to spend time in nature, and read Braiding Sweetgrass."

--Audrey Eros, BS in environmental science: conservation and restoration

"My first advice would be to take care of your mental health. The environmental field can be heartbreaking, upsetting, and sometimes discouraging. Learn to search for good news on progress, accept that some people will not agree with you, and understand that taking a break is okay. Second, always read the SES Student Bulletin emails. They have excellent information about internships, fellowship opportunities, and other professional development options, such as the Abrams Sustainable Business Challenge. Thanks to the bulletin, I completed a fellowship with Yale School of the Environment and obtained my upcoming summer internship at the Environmental Law and Policy Center." 

--Carolyn Bidó, MS in environmental science and sustainability

"Curiosity and tenacity are two of the most important attributes you can have coming into Loyola. A desire to learn and to make your community a better place is essential, but determination is key to getting the most out of your experience here. Some of my best memories tied to Loyola – working in the Biodiesel Lab or interning with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – began with rejections. The important thing is to remember to learn something from these rejections and continue to persevere." 

--John Gorman, BS in environmental science, BA in chemistry 

“Trust yourself to make decisions but don't take everything so seriously. Nothing is set in stone, especially when you're young. Now is statistically the best time to take risks! Try your best to get your money's worth from whatever program you are involved in. Use campus resources, make network connections, attend free events, apply for funded internships, etc.” 

--Rowan Obach, BA in environmental policy 

“I would encourage environmental science students to take as many humanities and arts electives as possible. From cultural anthropology and sociology to East Asian history and dance, pursuing seemingly random interests has made me feel very well-rounded and knowledgeable. I also think visiting professors’ office hours is so important! I’ve been offered several job and research opportunities through building connections with professors. And most of all, cherish the friendships you make in college. Friends make everything more fun!"

--Alex Quebbeman, BA in environmental studies

“Four years is so short. It is insane how quickly you will be graduating and looking back on your time at Loyola. It can be hard to be brave and put yourself out there, but my biggest piece of advice is to try new things. Sign up for everything you might be remotely interested in at the org fair. Add a minor in something totally unrelated to your major. Say hello to someone in your class. Look up new restaurants and go explore new neighborhoods. Embrace budding friendships and new interests. Listen to new music and try out new styles of clothes. College is such wonderful time to explore Chicago and find yourself and you only have four years to do it! Take advantage of this opportunity and embrace change and try new things!” 

--Cosette Ellis, BA in environmental studies