Loyola University Chicago

Division of Student Development

Student Spotlight

 

Keyona Castleman

Keyona, Is a Student Leader and office assistant in OVSPD!
Junior, Psychology major, Ethics, Moral Philosophy & Black world Studies minor!

I’m coming from Columbus, Ohio; there I attended St. Francis DeSales High School and was a varsity Lacrosse player. I can usually be found cheering on buckeye football games (but I still love the Ramblers!).

I am a rising junior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Ethics and Moral Philosophy, as well as Black World Studies. At the moment I’m not willing to give complete commitment to a career, however my current path seems to be leading me to the world of Higher Education & Student Affairs.  I still have two years left here at Loyola and I hope to capitalize on all of that time. Anything beyond that will have to wait at least a year...maybe two!

I am a Learning Community Assistant for the Multicultural Learning Community. I also work as a Peer Advisor within First and Second Year Advising.  These positions have afforded me the opportunity to work with an amazing group of professional staff members. However, the best part of these positions has been working with my peers within the Loyola Community; my peers have been some of my biggest motivators throughout these past two years.  This summer I am working as an undergraduate intern in OSVPD.

I know this is going to sound extremely cliché, but the thing that makes me smile most about Loyola is the sense of community. Even before I was willing to accept the community, I was welcomed with open arms. It’s nice to feel like I belong to something and that I’m supported.

In addition to my dazzling and charming personality, I’ hope that I’ve been able to contribute a smiling face and an enthusiastic spirit.  Also I like to give out as many hugs as I am allowed!

I frequent The Coffee Shop on Sheridan almost every day during the school year. It’s nice to meet some of the local families and get the chance to interact with them. I also like to go to some of the restaurants around Rogers Park (mostly Bop N’ Grill).

Justice is one of the many grandiose terms that take several different meanings at any given moment. But to be as unambiguous as possible, justice is acting in ways that are fair and thoughtful. I think that if individuals took the time to evaluate their own beliefs and values to make sure that they benefited others, not just themselves, there would be more justice and equality in the world.

The first year, maybe even a bit longer than that, my time at a Jesuit University was not valued the way that it should have been. But these past few months I’m beginning to get it all. My Jesuit education has influenced my life because not only am I being taught to recognize injustices, I’m being taught how to use my talents to fix them.  In general it’s taught me to be more aware of the world around me.

My favorite spot on campus is right outside the Madonna della Strada. The spot that you can sit on that overlooks the lake is just amazing and peaceful; it’s a great thinking spot.  As for all of Chicago, my favorite spot changes a lot depending my mood and the time of the year.

Find a quiet spot on campus early in the semester. Once you find it, CLAIM IT and keep it a secret. You’ll want this place when things get a little hectic and it’s nice to feel like you are getting away.

Division of Student Development Highlights
Jabari
McMillon
Accounting
Information Technology
A/V Production
July 2013
  Dr. John
Dugan
Associate Professor
Higher Education
 August 2013