Student: Ailynn Duarte
Ailynn Duarte
she/her
Class of 2024 - Biology
Where are you from?
Kewanee, Illinois
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love cooking and trying new recipes. I also enjoy trying new coffee shops and restaurants around me!
How were you involved in Community Service & Action as a student?
I was an L4C leader and mentor for CSA!
Why do you engage in the Community?
I love learning about the people around me and their interests and passions. Engagement provides space to learn about community members' experience and hear unique perspectives on life. Additionally, getting involved with the community allowed me to transition into college really well. Coming from a small town, I did not know the area at all so being able to spend intentional time within the community taught me so much about my new home.
What is one of your favorite stories from your experiences of involvement with service and justice at Loyola?
My favorite memory would have to be volunteering at Envision Unlimited and planning the community members a Halloween party. When our group first got there, one of the residents asked, “Are you coming to our Halloween party.” It just so happened our day of service was on Halloween, so we said yes. A couple weeks before the party, we asked for details and realized that we would need to plan the party. On Halloween, we made a ghost craft, decorated some cookies, sang karaoke and played bingo. It was a lot of fun enjoying each other's company and showing up in our costumes to service.
How are you living out our mission of building the greater good as an alum?
To me, living out the mission of building the greater good as an alum means taking all the experiences from my time at Loyola, especially CSA and allowing them to drive my work. CSA taught me the importance of building community connections and being able to apply these skills to my current role has allowed me to feel more fulfilled. As I continue my professional career, I aspire to keep carrying this mission forward in all that I do.
How were you involved at Loyola outside of CSA?
I was a part of Phi Delta Epsilon and was a part of a research lab.
What is your favorite place on campus?
3rd Floor of the life science building especially at night!
What are you doing now?
I am preparing to apply to medical school this cycle and gaining patient contact hours. I was working as a community health navigator for the South Side Health Equity Collaborative and helped patients and residents of the southside address their social determinants of health.
What do you miss about being a student?
I miss flexibility. In college, it was awesome having the opportunity to explore new interests in classes and activities provided through the university. Additionally, as a student, there is a little more flexibility in scheduling, and I miss the ability to switch gears and have a new schedule daily.
What advice would you give to current Loyola students?
Soak up every moment at Loyola and prioritize making meaningful relationships with your classmates, professors and advisors. Do not be afraid to ask professors for advice and definitely attend office hours! We are fortunate enough to be able to pursue higher education at an institution with amazing peers and professors.