2024 President's Medallion Winner: Rossy Plascencia

Expected Graduation: August 2025

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Major/Program: Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Psychology

“Loyola's Jesuit aim is to create an inclusive environment where students, staff, professors, and everyone visiting their campuses feel included and at home. Being undocumented has always made me concerned about the 'what ifs' and if I would be supported and welcomed in the places I went,” Rossy said. “Arrupe College provided me with what I needed and more; their purpose of compassion is truly evident in every place you enter. I was continuously encouraged to use my voice for not just myself but for others, which as I have often expressed is genuinely a goal that I hold near because as a minority, I know what it can feel like to be silenced.”

Here, Rossy discusses how Loyola’s Jesuit mission has influenced her leadership style and what she hopes to do after her time at Arrupe.

How/why did you select your degree?
I selected this degree because my passion lies in Social Work, and receiving a degree in Social Behavioral Sciences with a focus in Psychology would be a great tie to the work I would like to do. I recall being on a different educational track and falling out of love with my academic work because it felt as if it was forced. With that, I have always been a person who wanted to be someone for others, and this degree will allow me to do just that.

What are you planning to do with your degree?
I plan to take the degree from Arrupe College over to continue my education in Social Work, with hopes of working alongside a non-profit organization to be a voice for those who feel as if theirs do not matter, as well as those whose voices have been taken from them.

Are you involved in any community service or extracurricular activities? What have those experiences meant to you?
Currently, I am involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including serving as a Peer Educator, Orientation Leader, PTK Honor Society President, DASO Vice President, and Arrupe Alliance Secretary. I also participated in the Arrupe Emerging Leaders Program and a fellowship at Prevent Child Abuse America, where I discovered my passion for social work and non-profit organizations. Each event taught me about the value of community, patience, and leadership. While I never imagined myself in leadership roles, it felt natural when I ultimately decided to pursue them in college, but my motivation was just to be someone who others felt supported by. I never imagined that college would be an option for me when I was younger, but I always knew that I did not want anything more than a higher education, and now that I am able to have that while also being a part of a community like Arrupe, I genuinely could not be more grateful.

How has Loyola prepared you for your future goals?
Loyola has done an outstanding job of not just challenging me intellectually but also professionally preparing me for my future goals. They do this by effectively pushing their students to be the greatest versions of themselves in every room they enter. I firmly believe that if it hadn't been for the exceptional people at Arrupe College of Loyola University, I would not have been able to triumph as a student.

What’s the most important/valuable lesson you’ve learned from your time at Loyola?
Although I will take many lessons with me after my time at Arrupe College of Loyola University, being a part of something bigger than oneself is undoubtedly a lesson I hope many others take as well.

What does Loyola’s Jesuit mission mean to you? How has it influenced your experience as a student?
Loyola's Jesuit aim is to create an inclusive environment where students, staff, professors, and everyone visiting their campuses feel included and at home. Being undocumented has always made me concerned about the 'what ifs' and if I would be supported and welcomed in the places I went. Fortunately, Arrupe College of Loyola University provided me with what I needed and more; their purpose of compassion is truly evident in every place you enter. I was continuously encouraged to use my voice for not just myself but for others, which as I have often expressed is genuinely a goal that I hold near because as a minority, I know what it can feel like to be silenced.

Have you received any scholarship support? If yes, what has that support meant to you and your family?
Yes, I am grateful that I was able to attend Arrupe College at Loyola University on a full ride. Due to my legal status, I was able to receive scholarship assistance from 'TheDream.US National Scholarship' as well as support from 'Rise Act'. I was frightened of college because of the uncertainty of financial aid and the dread of going into debt. I will never be able to convey how grateful I was when I realized I didn't have to pay to acquire an education. My work and involvement in my school are dedicated to those who believed in me enough to provide me with this opportunity.

What professor should a new student absolutely take a class with and why?
I absolutely believe that taking a class with Dr. Tarantino is a necessity when attending Arrupe College; I believe that his enthusiasm for philosophy and academia is genuinely something that draws students in and creates an environment that is eager to learn. Sadly, Professor Thames is no longer with Arrupe College of Loyola University, but I heartily encourage students to take his course if they ever get the chance. Professor Thames made learning interesting and even established a classroom environment that was supportive even in moments when his students felt overwhelmed by the content.