Janine Myers

About

Department/School/Division: Coordinator for Sorority & Fraternity Life
Campus: Lake Shore Campus
Years at Loyola: 1.5 years

What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
My favorite aspect of working at Loyola is the people I have the honor of working with, both students and colleagues. Students brighten my days with their intelligence, critical thinking, and desire to share their lives with me. They never cease to amaze me with their thirst for knowledge and new experiences as well as their desire to create real change in this world. Colleagues encourage and inspire me with their vast experience and deep care for their work. Whenever I am in need of a quick pick-me-up or word of advice, I know I can walk down the hall, across the building, or across campus to find loving support, necessary challenge, and endless encouragement.

What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
In my role, I have the privilege of advising the Multicultural Greek Council (the governing council/group for the four multicultural and four historically black sororities and fraternities recognized on campus). Annually, the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) hosts a retreat at Loyola Retreat and Ecology Campus (LUREC) in order to strengthen relationships, share personal and organizational stories, and create a vision for their community.  After consulting with the leadership of MGC, I created the curriculum for the past two MGC Retreats. I will never forget seeing the curriculum come to life through the students and witnessing our shared program/learning outcomes be achieved. This past year, we incorporated the high and low ropes course at LUREC in 30 degree weather. I’m not sure I can fully call it an achievement as a Loyola employee, truly because it could not have been achieved without the incredible students bringing it to life and inspiring it in the first place; but having successfully created and facilitated an experience like the MGC Retreat was memorable, inspiring, and life-giving.

What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
Loyola’s mission speaks to me both as a professional and as a person. In my work, I pay careful attention to the unique and individual experiences of each student, asking them deep and open-ended questions in order to work with them and serve them in a way that fits their needs. At every and any turn, I try to inspire students to identify their “why” or purpose on this earth and in this one, precious life they have. In my personal life, Loyola’s mission means continued growth and learning as well as generosity and grace to myself and others. It’s important for me to understand and live my purpose in all aspects of my life; this congruence enables me to be present and give from a clearer place.

What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
My niece.  As a seven-year-old girl, my niece has unknowingly inspired me to live a full and passionate life. She is such a light in this world. Through her hearty laughter, generous soul, and wisdom beyond her years, my niece motivates me to be my best self each and every day.

Tell us how you show your Rambler pride.
By proudly sharing about my experiences at Loyola and how much I love the people I work with! I’m a product of large, public institutions with a great deal of school spirit, so whenever I can rep Loyola, I do!

Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you. 
I am a first-generation college student/graduate. This has played into my life in many challenging and interesting ways.  It’s both distanced me from my family and brought me closer to them with time. It’s taught me how to create pathways for myself and how to believe in myself. It’s taught me humility and appreciation for all walks of life, regardless of educational experience. It’s taught me to listen with a full heart and mind. It’s taught me to not take things for granted. Also–I love animals, I am a foodie, and I’ve solo-backpacked in Iceland for three weeks!