Student: Simbiat Odetola
Simbiat Odetola
she/her
Class of 2026 - Biology, with Bioethics minor
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria.
What do you like to do?
I enjoy spending time with family, reading nonfictional novels - especially at the beach, listening to music, cooking, traveling, trying new foods, and watching movies. I also enjoy volunteering, whether it’s at an animal shelter, a food pantry, or the hospital, where I connect with people and contribute to my community.
How are you involved in Community Service & Action?
Every semester since my freshman year, I have actively participate in CSA by volunteering at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen.
Why do you engage in the community?
I am passionate about community service and helping others in any way I can. I have learned a lot through actively participating in my community, seeing and hearing community members’ unique perspectives on life experiences. My goal is to help build a stronger, more educated, and well-connected community, and volunteering plays a key role in fulfilling that goal.
What is one of your favorite stories from your community engagement experiences?
One of my favorite CSA stories happened at the St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen on a Friday evening. There was a Friday when I couldn’t volunteer because all the spots were filled. When I returned the following week, one of the guests came up to me and asked where I had been and if I was okay because he hadn’t seen me. That simple gesture reminded me how much relationships and consistency matter in community work. It showed me that the connections we build through service go both ways. We’re not just there to serve, but to be part of a community that notices and cares for each other.
CSA's motto is See the Good. Be the Good. How have you engaged that concept?
I see the goodness everywhere - whether it’s with the students, volunteers or members of the community. I think about the interactions I witness at the Soup Kitchen, where Loyola volunteers, adult volunteers, and guests naturally form connections with one another. These moments of kindness, conversation, and mutual respect remind me that community service is not just about giving, but also about building relationships that uplift everyone involved.
How are you involved at Loyola outside of CSA?
Outside of CSA, I am involved in leadership roles, serving as Secretary of the Bioethics Club and participating in campus organizations like the Red Cross, MSA, and Wellness Wolfpack, among others.
What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus has to be the spot outside Madonna that echoes when you speak into it, all while enjoying the amazing view.
What tips do you have for building and maintaining community in college?
College is more so about understanding the community you live in and recognizing that you have some role to play in it. I’d say go out there and challenge yourself - never be afraid to get up and try again, no matter how many times you fail.
Where have you found Loyola’s mission alive in your time at Loyola?
I would say I've found it everywhere and every day! I see it with professors in all the classes I've taken, in the faith communities - especially as a Muslim on campus - who love and support each other with the help of God regardless of background.
What makes you most excited for the upcoming semester?
I am excited to be back on campus, to attend basketball games, and to begin my leadership role as a Soup Kitchen leader!
What advice would you give to an incoming student at Loyola?
EXPLORE Loyola!! There's so much the institution has to offer - all you have to do is explore! Get involved, stay connected, and find your community. Ask questions when in doubt, participate fully, and build strong relationships with your professors. Most importantly, remember that earning your degree is the goal, so make the most out of your college experience!