Ryan Vande Bosche Photo Editor

Loyola students "immersing" themselves in social justice

by Ryan Vande Bosche

After spending time listening to Loyola University Chicago students talk about personal experiences on Alternative Break Immersion (ABI) trips, I have been personally impressed with Loyola’s involvement serving others.

I feel it is important that those in the collegiate community extend themselves beyond the confines of a university campus and into the communities that are less fortunate.

I went to Catholic grade school and high school and we were often required to perform a designated number of service hours within our community. This requirement pushed me to become involved in areas from which I would have otherwise been sheltered.

I gained a lot of knowledge from taking part in these service trips and they motivated me to become passionate about social justice issues that surrounded my own community.

I think Loyola is on the right track with its Alternative Break Immersion trips. However, relative to our student body, there are not that many students going on these trips. I feel it would be beneficial for the university to incorporate such service trips as part of the core curriculum.

Personally, I was not aware of all the opportunities Loyola offered concerning social justice outreach programs until after speaking with Theresa Carlson, one of ABI’s student leaders.

Because the ABI trips are coordinated through Loyola’s Ministry Center they have a tendency to be exclusive. I know many students would be interested in participating in social justice outreach programs, but don’t wish to be active in Loyola’s ministry community. This is something that could be useful to consider.

I also feel that it would be helpful if the Ministry Center created a little more enthusiasm about the programs offered. Some public relations and marketing would certainly go a long way. If anyone wishes to get involved or learn more about Loyola University Chicago’s social justice outreach programs they can visit, http://www.luc.edu/missionandministry/service.shtml#about.