Mallory Mavros Gerent
Finding Value in Challenges
Mallory Mavros Gerent, who grew up in New Lenox, will be the first in her family to graduate from college. On May 11, she receives her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. Meanwhile, Gerent, 32, continues to work as the head of human resources at Relief App, a fully remote technology startup. She lives in Andersonville with her husband, Sean.
How challenging was the full-time work/full-time school balance?
I set boundaries. I set aside certain times on the weekend to make sure I got my assignments done. I really leaned on my professors. They were incredibly helpful. Also, I had a real get-it-done attitude. No excuses. Get it done.
You also have to trust the process. Lean on the support that Loyola offers. There is support all along the way. You’ll never be alone in figuring things out.
I didn’t get the opportunity to go to college when I was younger. It was always very foreign to me. I’m the first person in my family to graduate college. Getting this education was a life goal of mine.
What effect did your studies have on your job?
Being in school helped me to move up the ladder at work. I was offered a higher position because I was getting the relevant education that I needed. Loyola has a nice way of letting students balance a full-time job plus their adult courses. I never felt like my work responsibilities or school load slacked.
Did any of the classes apply to your work?
Oh, yeah. Some of our assignments were like: Imagine working for an organization handling X problem with X external factors, what would you do? I was able to relate it directly to my current company with real-life insight. I’ve even gone to my professors seeking guidance on how to handle a particularly challenging HR scenario in my workplace. It was cool to have that resource right at my fingertips.
I took a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) course and it covered topics that are a common challenge in the financial technology world. Adding this wealth of knowledge to my repertoire is priceless in my career and personal development.
But it wasn’t just me. Other students were in the same boat. Having the opportunity to learn about other organizations in a dynamic and professional setting was unique.
Tell us about your professors?
They always, and still, made me feel welcome. Always. That allowed me to feel comfortable communicating with them and remain transparent about where I was at mentally. If I was having an off week or if I was feeling overwhelmed with work, I could lean on them. Around my second year I was invited to be a student ambassador. I was honored. It was an additional opportunity to connect with them in a new way.
Your job is remote. Your classes are remote. How hard was that?
When I started in the summer of 2022, everything went remote. It worked out in a way that we all were adjusting to life in quarantine anyway. But I never felt like I wasn't a true Loyola student. We were always collaborative.
What were your favorite classes?
I got something out of every single class I took, even the ones I was hesitant about. I never thought I would say this, but I even enjoyed my math and statistics courses. I found value in challenges.
How has your education at Loyola changed you?
I have a brand new sense of confidence. No one in my family took the college route, so being able to navigate school and figure out how to graduate with great grades and great connections gave me an immense new sense of self-assurance.
My classmates were really incredible. They all had different stories and backgrounds. It gave me the opportunity to look at the community in a whole new way and to connect with people who I wouldn’t have normally had the opportunity to connect with.
If a prospective student asked you why they should attend Loyola, what would you tell them?
I have massive pride in being a Rambler. Loyola is a prestigious institution. I met with two other schools when weighing my college options and they didn’t even come close to the kindness Loyola greeted me with. I always had the space to be me.
Some students seek out Loyola because it is a Jesuit school. Admittedly, when I joined, I didn’t know what that entailed. So when I saw the required theology courses I was nervous. I am not an incredibly religious person.
But the theology courses ended up being some of my most meaningful learning experiences. The courses were filled with open dialogue. Nothing ever felt forced on me and every single idea was respected. Growing up in a Catholic family, I didn’t have much space to challenge or question my faith. My professors allowed me to ask questions in a safe and accepting space. I was able to revisit religion in a new way.
What’s next?
My goal was always to go into psychology, which is still on the radar. I fell into HR and want to see where it takes me for now. It’s the best of both worlds. This degree applies to my current career but it can also help me pivot into the realm of psychology someday.
I am considering getting my master’s. My husband and I are also thinking of starting a family. I will continue participating as a student ambassador and remain to be an ally of the Loyola family.
May 2, 2023
Finding Value in Challenges
Mallory Mavros Gerent, who grew up in New Lenox, will be the first in her family to graduate from college. On May 11, she receives her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. Meanwhile, Gerent, 32, continues to work as the head of human resources at Relief App, a fully remote technology startup. She lives in Andersonville with her husband, Sean.
How challenging was the full-time work/full-time school balance?
I set boundaries. I set aside certain times on the weekend to make sure I got my assignments done. I really leaned on my professors. They were incredibly helpful. Also, I had a real get-it-done attitude. No excuses. Get it done.
You also have to trust the process. Lean on the support that Loyola offers. There is support all along the way. You’ll never be alone in figuring things out.
I didn’t get the opportunity to go to college when I was younger. It was always very foreign to me. I’m the first person in my family to graduate college. Getting this education was a life goal of mine.
What effect did your studies have on your job?
Being in school helped me to move up the ladder at work. I was offered a higher position because I was getting the relevant education that I needed. Loyola has a nice way of letting students balance a full-time job plus their adult courses. I never felt like my work responsibilities or school load slacked.
Did any of the classes apply to your work?
Oh, yeah. Some of our assignments were like: Imagine working for an organization handling X problem with X external factors, what would you do? I was able to relate it directly to my current company with real-life insight. I’ve even gone to my professors seeking guidance on how to handle a particularly challenging HR scenario in my workplace. It was cool to have that resource right at my fingertips.
I took a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) course and it covered topics that are a common challenge in the financial technology world. Adding this wealth of knowledge to my repertoire is priceless in my career and personal development.
But it wasn’t just me. Other students were in the same boat. Having the opportunity to learn about other organizations in a dynamic and professional setting was unique.
Tell us about your professors?
They always, and still, made me feel welcome. Always. That allowed me to feel comfortable communicating with them and remain transparent about where I was at mentally. If I was having an off week or if I was feeling overwhelmed with work, I could lean on them. Around my second year I was invited to be a student ambassador. I was honored. It was an additional opportunity to connect with them in a new way.
Your job is remote. Your classes are remote. How hard was that?
When I started in the summer of 2022, everything went remote. It worked out in a way that we all were adjusting to life in quarantine anyway. But I never felt like I wasn't a true Loyola student. We were always collaborative.
What were your favorite classes?
I got something out of every single class I took, even the ones I was hesitant about. I never thought I would say this, but I even enjoyed my math and statistics courses. I found value in challenges.
How has your education at Loyola changed you?
I have a brand new sense of confidence. No one in my family took the college route, so being able to navigate school and figure out how to graduate with great grades and great connections gave me an immense new sense of self-assurance.
My classmates were really incredible. They all had different stories and backgrounds. It gave me the opportunity to look at the community in a whole new way and to connect with people who I wouldn’t have normally had the opportunity to connect with.
If a prospective student asked you why they should attend Loyola, what would you tell them?
I have massive pride in being a Rambler. Loyola is a prestigious institution. I met with two other schools when weighing my college options and they didn’t even come close to the kindness Loyola greeted me with. I always had the space to be me.
Some students seek out Loyola because it is a Jesuit school. Admittedly, when I joined, I didn’t know what that entailed. So when I saw the required theology courses I was nervous. I am not an incredibly religious person.
But the theology courses ended up being some of my most meaningful learning experiences. The courses were filled with open dialogue. Nothing ever felt forced on me and every single idea was respected. Growing up in a Catholic family, I didn’t have much space to challenge or question my faith. My professors allowed me to ask questions in a safe and accepting space. I was able to revisit religion in a new way.
What’s next?
My goal was always to go into psychology, which is still on the radar. I fell into HR and want to see where it takes me for now. It’s the best of both worlds. This degree applies to my current career but it can also help me pivot into the realm of psychology someday.
I am considering getting my master’s. My husband and I are also thinking of starting a family. I will continue participating as a student ambassador and remain to be an ally of the Loyola family.
May 2, 2023