Loyola University Chicago

The Rebirth of Letter Writing

Each day, around 11:00 a.m., Loyola University Rome Center resident assistants sort through the mail. They organize the daily delivery of letters, usually seventy per day, while students congregate around the porter's desk, waiting anxiously to see if they were remembered by someone back at home.

To some Loyola University Rome Center students, the mailboxes represent a connection to the United States, while to others they are a daily reminder of feeling unloved. The tiny, wooden cubicles behind the porter's desk, are a significant area to students at the Loyola University Rome Center.

For most students, the mailboxes create a love\hate relationship. As Rome Center student Alex Hobbs said, "The mailboxes are very rude. I've only received three letters since I've been here--so to me, they're not a good thing." On the other hand, Jennifer Schmikler from Loyola University Chicago said, "My box brings me happiness when I get mail. It is the link to those at home who are remembering me."

The mailboxes are located on the main floor of Rome Center near the school entryway, which causes students to look at the 6 by 6 inch cubeys marked with their room number every time they walk past. Julie Haven, a Santa Clara University Rome Center student said, "The mailboxes offer something to always look forward to. One day I received seven letters. It was a great surprise and I still find myself talking about it to this day."

While Loyola University Rome Center students find themselves thousands of miles away from home, many have discovered the art of letter writing. For most, keeping in touch with those back home is usually achieved through letter writing since a phone call averages $1 per minute, while a stamp costs 1250 lira for one letter. Most students agree that with their tight budgets, letter writing is the best way to go.

As the weeks pass, students begin to appreciate not only the value of receiving letters, but also in writing them. The limited telephone usage has caused most Loyola University Rome Center students to become extensive letter writers. Sometimes, the verbose students slip an extra sheet of stationery into their aerograms in order to send as much information as they can about their Rome experience.

So, it's not uncommon to find several Loyola University Rome Center students out in the courtyard, down in Rinaldo's, or sitting on their beds, writing letters, and keeping those back home updated on their European adventures.