Rambler Sampler // A Glimpse at Student Life Today

Oscar Vazquez '24

Hometown: Waukegan

Grade School: Thomas Jefferson Middle School

College: Harvard University, engineering

Cocurriculars and Accomplishments:

UniDos (Club President), Boys' Varsity Soccer, Track and Field, Clavius, Croissants et Conversations, Bowman Scholars, Architecture Club, Insignis, Arrupe, Student Ambassadors, National Hispanic Recognition, AP Scholar with Distinction, National Honors Society, French Honors Society, Salute/Certificate to Academic Achievement (University of Illinois System), and Loyola Scholar.

My Most Influential Person at LA...

My most influential coach at Loyola was Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach Lorenza Stephens. Whether it was through helpful advice on how to be a more efficient left back or providing a necessary pep talk about how one should carry themselves on or off the pitch, Coach Lorenza always proved to be a reliable mentor. When I didn't believe in my own ability Coach Lorenza always pushed me to trust in myself and to keep my chin high even when I was at a low point Sharing common ground as we both hail from Waukegan, there was always the sense that he rooted for my success a small detail that made a world of a difference.

My Dreams for the Future...

My dreams for the future include majoring in mechanical engineering in hopes of working to find ways to make renewable energies more efficient and counteract the damage constantly inflicted on the environment. Through a successful career I will be able to give back to the community which I was raised in and inspire more students from disadvantaged areas to devote themselves to academics.

The Greatest Lesson I've Learned at Loyola...

The greatest lesson I've learned at Loyola is that through being confident in your own ability you increase your opportunity to experience growth. Through a rigorous curriculum provided to every student it can be easy to become overwhelmed. However, with a good support system organization plan and enough determination anyone.

"The final two years of my time at Loyola I competed on the track and field team as a sprinter. Although track is not my main sport, the community is unforgettable due to their discipline. We work relentlessly in the off-season to ensure high performance during the season. I will continue to carry these values with me into my future."

"I'm a member of the Clavius Honors Program We benefit from presentations related to the STEAM topics throughout the year Here, we learned about mechanical engineering and what the presenter did in a day at her worksite. I am grateful that I was able to participate in this group as it allowed me to become curious about different career paths and settle into an engineering major in college."

"I have participated in the boys' soccer program throughout my four years at Loyola Academy. Through practicing and competing with the team, I was able to further my work ethic, learn to lead and communicate with confidence, and concentrate and perform even when put under high pressure situations Thanks to Coaches Justin Dunn and Lorenza Stephens, I leave the program with values that I will put into effect outside of the pitch and with bonds which I will carry for the rest of my life."

"I've had the opportunity to play two instruments at Loyola- saxophone my freshman year and guitar my senior year. Performing with the guitar ensemble group, led by Mr. Sean McQuinn, has been a highlight of my senior year. Playing an instrument provides the opportunity to express oneself and de-stress in the midst of the hectic school day while also learning patience."

"I am the president of Loyola Academy's Hispanic youth group, UniDos. Here we are at the Latinx conference hosted by St Ignatius We met with influential Latinx figures, such as attorney Justice Jesse Reyes, and learned how to preserve and embrace our culture. Moderated by Ms. Berenis Fernandez '07, the club continues to promote a positive image of the Latinx culture throughout Loyola."