LUC students and alumni seek God in all things. Ramblers are self-aware and self-reflective, grounded in hope, discerning their life’s purpose and meaning by attending to their real-life experience. In their decision-making, Ramblers employ practical wisdom. LEARN MORE

Narrated by Luke Baumel, BS ‘24 
Luke Baumel graduated from Loyola University Chicago in May 2024 with degrees in Cognitive/Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology. He is also a graduate of the Interdisciplinary Honors Program. After graduating, Luke took a gap year where he took part in AmeriCorps Generation Teach as well as long term volunteering in Taize and Lourdes, France. During his gap year, he also served as a high school science teacher. Luke is now a first-year medical student in Rochester, Minnesota. While at Loyola University Chicago, Luke was active in CSA and campus ministry serving as a retreat leader and cantor, as well as co-founded the service organization, Heart for the Unhoused Chicago. 

Examen Transcript

Welcome to the Engage Loyola Examen Series. Today, we invite you to reflect upon the milestones, memories, and experiences you’ve had at Loyola and to consider where you might be called in the next steps of your journey. A gift of the spiritual practice of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a structured meditation that encourages self-reflection and intentionality in our living. We hope that these few minutes affirm and bolster your Loyola journey.

After each set of questions I pose, you’ll have a moment of quiet to reflect. Pause the audio at any time if you need more time for your thoughts to develop or if you wish to remain focused on a particular reflection. Wherever you are as you begin the Examen, take a minute to become aware of the space around you and to take a few deep breaths before you start.

Today, we’re reflecting on Discern Guided by Faith.

LUC students and alumni seek God in all things.  Ramblers are self-aware and self-reflective, grounded in hope, discerning their life’s purpose and meaning by attending to their real-life experience. In their decision-making, Ramblers employ practical wisdom. 

Preparing for the Examen

Everyone prepares for prayer and thus their examen differently so I invite you to prepare in the way that works best for you. A few of my recommendations are slowing down and quieting your mind. Maybe closing your eyes. Putting your phone on do-not disturb and allowing yourself to simply be present. To begin, I will take three long and slow deep breaths that you are welcome to join me on

Breath in, Breath Out

Breath in, Breath Out

Breath in, Breath Out

If you are comfortable, I invite you to close your eyes now as we begin this examen.

Opening Reflection

Think back to the last time that you felt truly present with God (or the higher power that supports and guides you) and with yourself. For me, this is often in nature but for others it may be while sitting in the library deep in thought or staring out over Lake Michigan and saying a short prayer before a presentation or exam. It may be sitting down in the dining hall or for lunch at your favorite restaurant with a friend that you feel truly gets you. Whatever this moment may be, think back to it and try and bring yourself back to this moment.

Looking Further

As you think back to this moment, try and remember these aspects:

Who was there?

What brought this sense of presence to you? Where do you find hope in this moment?

Is this something that always brings you a sense of clarity and purpose or was there something different about this time?

What does this moment tell you about yourself?

What does this moment tell you about your relationship with God?

Practical Discernment

How can you apply this sense of presence and hope to your daily life as a student or alumni of Loyola University Chicago? Is this sense of presence or hope something that can be applied to your daily life or routine?

Does this presence guide you towards any future life aspirations whether it be career, family, faith, friends, or anything else?

If you were to have to describe this moment to God or your best friend in 20 seconds, how would you do so? Imagine yourself doing this now.

Now imagine yourself explaining this moment and what you have learned to a prior version of yourself.

When you have finished this last task feel free to keep listening, but allow yourself ample time to think and pray on this.

Look Forward

As you prepare to step into tomorrow, remember that discernment begins not with perfect clarity, but with trust. You do not walk this path alone — God walks with you, guiding you through hope, challenge, and choice.

1) Invite God into tomorrow.
Pause to imagine tomorrow’s day. Where might God already be waiting for you — in conversations, studies, friendships, or quiet moments?

2) Listen for where faith leads.
Notice what stirs in you as you think of tomorrow: excitement, fear, hope, uncertainty. Bring these before God. Ask: How is my faith guiding me in the midst of these feelings?

3) See your life as a journey.
Remember that each step, whether certain or uncertain, is part of a larger story God is unfolding in you. Where do you sense you are being invited to grow, to trust, to love?

4) Name one next faithful step.
Discernment is less about having the full map and more about taking the next step with courage. What is one step you can take tomorrow that is guided by faith?

Closing Prayer
“God of the journey, give me faith to walk into tomorrow with openness. Teach me to trust Your presence in each decision and each relationship. May my choices, though small, be guided by Your wisdom and rooted in Your love.”

Thank you for spending time with this Engage Loyola reflection. Return to this Examen anytime you want to reflect on this part of your Loyola journey. Or, try another of the Engage Loyola Examens available where you found this reflection.

LUC students and alumni are intellectually humble while they engage in critical inquiry, research, purposeful learning, and professional development. Applying what they learn and striving for continuous improvement, Ramblers are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. LEARN MORE

Narrated by Aidan Doyle, BS ‘23
Aidan Doyle graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2023, where he double-majored in Mathematics and Secondary Education. During his time at Loyola, he was heavily involved in Campus Ministry, New Student Programs, and Undergraduate Admissions through a variety of roles. Since graduating from Loyola, Aidan has been working as a high school math teacher and recently earned a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame.

Examen Transcript

Welcome to the Engage Loyola Examen Series. Today, we invite you to reflect upon the milestones, memories, and experiences you’ve had at Loyola and to consider where you might be called in the next steps of your journey. A gift of the spiritual practices of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a structured meditation that encourages self-reflection and intentionality in our living. We hope that these few minutes affirm and bolster your Loyola journey.

After each set of questions I pose, you’ll have a moment of quiet to reflect. Pause the audio at any time if you need more time for your thoughts to develop or if you wish to remain focused on a particular reflection. Wherever you are as you begin the Examen, take a minute to become aware of the space around you and to take a few deep breaths before you start.

Today, we’re reflecting on Expand Knowledge: At the Beginning of Your Journey.

Get yourself into a comfortable position. Release the tension in your arms and legs. Take a few deep breaths… inhale… exhale.

The first step of the examen is to center yourself and become aware of God’s presence in this moment. You are God’s beloved; God is always with you. Ask for God’s assistance as you begin this reflection on your journey of expanding knowledge.

The second step of the examen is to review the events of a certain time period. Our theme today is expanding knowledge, at the beginning of your journey. How does this theme resonate with your life and intellectual pursuits? Are you a new student beginning your Loyola experience? Are you an alum beginning a new job or moving to a new city? Reflect on the journey you have begun, and review the intellectual curiosities and desires to learn that have brought you to this time and place.

The start of a new journey or adventure can often bring much uncertainty. There are many things we may not know as we encounter new circumstances. What can help you prepare for those unknowns in your pursuit of knowledge? What have you learned since beginning your journey?

The third step of the examen is to recognize where you felt most true to yourself and connected to God during the beginning of this journey. In the midst of uncertainty and confusion, God works in mysterious ways to assist us on our journey.

Has there been a classmate or coworker who has helped show you the ropes or modeled learning and development? Have you felt a renewed sense of effort and courage? Where else have you seen grace, love, and peace in your life at this new beginning? Give thanks to God for these experiences.

At Loyola, we strive to be intellectually distinguished and pursue excellence. Honing your academic skills and talents is, ultimately, a way of honoring God in gratitude for such gifts. At the beginning of your journey, how can you see yourself further developing your skills and talents?

The fourth step of the examen is to reflect on instances where you felt less connected to God. There are many things that can happen which can cause God to feel more distant from us. Did you say or do something hurtful to yourself or others? Did you resist an opportunity to better yourself?

The start of a journey can feel exhilarating and exciting. However, it may soon begin to feel overwhelming and fearful. It is easy to be tempted into poor choices. Have you sacrificed your personal integrity? Have you disconnected from previous relationships? Ask for forgiveness and reconciliation.

The fifth and final step of the examen is to look forward to the next part of your journey, prayerfully reflecting on what has arisen in your examen today. What might you be called to do as you continue through this new journey? How can you learn from your reflections today? Remember that God is not only present in church, but present in all things. How can you encounter God through your work and studies? How can you honor God by pursuing excellence and expanding knowledge?

Thank you for spending time with this Engage Loyola reflection. Return to the Examen anytime you want to reflect on this part of your Loyola journey. Or, try another of the Engage Loyola Examens available where you found this reflection.

LUC students and alumni work collaboratively and imaginatively to understand and address complex societal issues in an ever-changing technological and interconnected world. LEARN MORE

Narrated by Elena Martinez, BS ‘25 
Elena Martinez graduated from Loyola in May of 2025 with a major in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology. She was heavily involved in Campus Ministry with my main involvements being in Labre and CLC. She was also a yoga instructor, through which she enjoyed the aspect of bringing health and wellness to her community. She hope to pursue a career in healthcare while also doing advocacy work. At Loyola, Martinez was able to dive into her Catholic faith and be well acquainted with the Jesuit mission. This mission has now been instilled within her, and she will forever carry it in her heart wherever she goes.

Examen Transcript

Welcome to the Engage Loyola Examen Series. Today, we invite you to reflect upon the milestones, memories, and experiences you’ve had at Loyola and to consider where you might be called in the next steps of your journey. A gift of the spiritual practice of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a structured meditation that encourages self-reflection and intentionality in our living. We hope that these few minutes affirm and bolster your Loyola journey.

After each set of questions I pose, you’ll have a moment of quiet to reflect. Pause the audio at any time if you need more time for your thoughts to develop or if you wish to remain focused on a particular reflection. Wherever you are as you begin the Examen, take a minute to become aware of the space around you and to take
a few deep breaths before you start.

We invite the presence of goodness into this space.

Begin to imagine the beginning of your semester. Perhaps you were facing a particular challenge. Perhaps you were ready and excited for a fresh start. Perhaps you felt the heaviness of a broken world. Contemplate on how you can make a small difference in the world. Imagine looking at yourself through a mirror and the reflection that looks back at you is you at the beginning of the semester. Give this self a hug and a smile and tell yourself, “you are enough."

We then make our way to the middle of the semester. Notice the people that surround you. The activities and communities that have found you and have uplifted you. Think about the faces and the memories. Notice your path slowly starting to unfold. The yellow brick road ahead starts to clear for you. Think about a passion of yours. Think about how this passion can unfold in goodness for the rest of the world and your surrounding community. Imagine seeing yourself through a mirror at this stage, and notice how much you have changed in just a few weeks. Notice the twinkle in your eye and your heart that is on fire for love and justice in this world. What kind of social justice comes to your mind? Think about the ways in which you have grown to love and think more deeply. We bring gratitude into our hearts for these experiences that have begun to shape us.

Now, we let ourselves begin to unfold as we get to the end of the semester. Like a butterfly finally bursting out of its chrysalis. Imagine staring at yourself through that same mirror as you make your way to the end of one journey but the beginning of the next. As you come to this crossroad, notice the way goodness has formed you into the perfectly imperfect person that you are. Begin to feel love enter into your heart, giving thanks for
the communities and the people that have mentored you, shaped you into who you are and who you will someday be. Think about the knowledge you have acquired from the semester that will only help you have a more well rounded perception of the world. Bring gratitude into your heart for these valuable lessons that you will carry with you forever.

Think about the memories that will come to us as whispers in the night that will remind us of where we came from and what we have learned to understand more fully each of our unique purposes in life.

Begin to view yourself as a puzzle piece in creation. You are on the path, trust in the timing, for you will do wonders and set the world ablaze.

Begin to take one last deep breath in through your nose, and then out through the mouth, give thanks for this moment and for this time shared together. Slowly make your way back into this present moment.

Thank you for spending time with this Engage Loyola reflection. Return to this Examen anytime you want to reflect on this part of your Loyola journey. Or, try another of the Engage Loyola Examens available where you found this reflection.