The Loyola Experience

“I found a home here”

Armeen Sayani, Special Education

Armeen Sayani came to Loyola as a commuter student, riding public transportation from a nearby suburb, Skokie, Illinois. Not living on campus didn’t stop her from getting involved in the Loyola community right away. Whether it was through connecting with like-minded peers in the Future Teacher’s Club, volunteering with Best Buddies, or recharging on Campus Ministry retreats at the Retreat and Ecology Campus, Sayani says she found a home at Loyola.

And in the School of Education, she found a career path she’s passionate about: special education and working with people with disabilities. During her sophomore year, Sayani worked at Misericordia, a residential community for adults with disabilities. After student teaching in her hometown of Skokie during her senior year (the same year she received a President's Medallion for her service and leadership), Armeen plans to teach in special education in the Chicago Public Schools.

Between the education program and the social justice mission, I just felt in my heart that Loyola was the place for me.”

First-gen student

Exploring a longtime dream:

It helped me with my special education career as well, understanding how being a special educator ties in with social justice.”

Intern work

Helping those with developmental disabilities:

The reason why I went into education in the first place is to build those relationships, to create that kind of impact. So, actually having real-life students that I spent so much time working with, it was truly life-changing.”

Lessons learned

Student-teaching first and fifth graders:

They were truly four amazing years, and years that I’ll never forget. I’m forever grateful and I can’t wait to see how I take everything that Loyola has given to me and impact the world.”

“Put yourself out there”

–Kelly Ravenscraft

“I can constantly explore”

–Scott Thomas

Loyola Experience home

“I found a home here”

Armeen Sayani, Special Education

And in the School of Education, she found a career path she’s passionate about: special education and working with people with disabilities. During her sophomore year, Sayani worked at Misericordia, a residential community for adults with disabilities. After student teaching in her hometown of Skokie in elementary special education during her senior year, she plans to teach in special education in the Chicago Public Schools.