Student: Ade Olu-Ajeigbe

Ade Olu-Ajeigbe
Senior
Major: Bioinformatics; Minor: Computer Science

Where are you from?
Chicago, IL

What do you like to do?
I enjoy drawing. I play two instruments - guitar and piano. I also love to cook.

How are you involved in Community Service & Action?
I am the leader of the Wednesday Loyola for Chicago group that works with Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Chicago. We help encourage and mentor the young minds at Jordan Elementary school.

What is one of your favorite stories from your community engagement experiences?
During my time as a volunteer for the pantry, there was a time that a woman needed help carrying food to the bus stop. She had had a horrible week, and this helped her as she needed food for her kids. She explained that she had been experiencing back pain from working long hours and that made everything easier. I think being able to help her in a small way made me realize the impact of even the smallest action.

How do you envision living out the call to “Build the Greater Good” after you graduate?
After graduating, I want to continue working in the community as a volunteer delivering food to individuals who need it. I’m passionate about creating solutions to food insecurity in my local community. I want to continue contributing to the community as a volunteer storing, facilitating, and delivering food to individuals who need it. In addition, I hope I can collaborate in other ways like organizing food drives and raising funds for under-served community pantries.

How are you involved at Loyola outside of CSA?
I work at Lakeview Pantry. It is a great experience helping people be able to obtain food and supporting individuals who need food delivered to them.

What is your favorite place on campus?
I have two favorite places on campus the Quad and Halas. Loyola has a beautiful campus, and the Quad is a great place to take it in and have fun. Halas has so many things to do from rock climbing, swimming, and basketball.  

What tips do you have for building and maintaining community in college?
It starts with being knowledgeable about the needs of the community. From there, the main way to build community in college is to get involved. Finding ways to support the community through clean up, donations, or helping to organize events within community are great places to start. Also, joining clubs on campus with your interests are the best way to explore what you are truly passionate about.  

What advice would you give to an incoming student at Loyola?
Loyola is a wonderful university with multiple opportunities. Try everything! Learn as much as you can! Embrace the culture at Loyola. There are so many great people here that you can grow with from faculty to students.