Student: Darlyn Lopez

Where are you from? 

Chicago

What do you like to do?

I love spending time with friends and family. I love camping whenever I can with my family; it's always such a nice way of escaping everyday routine. As much as I enjoy quality time, I also enjoy my alone time by painting or reading.

How are you involved in Community Service & Action? 

I am the first intern to work for CSA, and I worked closely with the director, Megan Barry. I had the opportunity to work on the CSA website and make it more student-user-friendly while also incorporating Megan's ideas. While interning at CSA, I was able to learn about the amazing things CSA has to offer, learn more about the differences in the programs, and highlight them on the website. I had an amazing experience here at CSA as an intern, and I've grown an amazing community with the staff.

What tips do you have for building and maintaining community in college?  

I think it's very important to put yourself out there so you attract people with a similar personality or sense of humor. Once you feel like you get along, ask to connect with them on social media. It feels awkward the first time you do it, but you will slowly get used to it and eventually build a community.

What advice would you give to an incoming student at Loyola? 

It can be very intimidating, especially in your first semester. There's a lot you have to get used to, like classes, campus, so many people with different backgrounds, and starting a new chapter. So much has happened in my life these past three years, and I've learned so many lessons, failed so many tests, made so many friends, and grown as a person. You have so much to look forward to, but you should enjoy every moment because these 4 years will somehow fly by.