Examen - Expand Knowledge
Expand Knowledge
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.
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 an
MEd 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.
Expand Knowledge
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.
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 an
MEd 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.