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March 28, 2019
N ews
The Lorian
Anna Hedges by ROSE GOTTSCHALK staff writer
Anna is a senior from Davenport, Iowa. She is majoring in biochemistry and neuroscience. She has loved all of her experiences at Loras so far, and is excited for what these last few months have in store for her.
Why did you come to Loras? I was recruited here for track, and I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school due to the aspect of being able to get a good education and still be able to compete in athletics. When I came on my visit, Loras felt like a tight knit community and it was very welcoming. This was also re-
thrower. I do shot, disk, and hammer. I’m also
professors. They may seem scary at first but
in Chem Club and Neuro Club, which helps
ultimately they are here to help. When I was
with outreach programs, or to the commu-
a first-year, I thought I would be judged by
nity in general. I’m also in Nu Rho Psy, which
my professors for not knowing anything. But
is an honors group for neuroscience in the
now, I’m able to go in and tell my professors
community, which also helps with outreach.
“I’m an idiot! Help me!” and they’ll make
I’m also the senior class representative,
sure I understand the material.
Phenomenal. I don’t think I regret doing anything here. Everything I’ve done has been the best time of my life and I couldn’t expect anything like that from anywhere else.
where I was voted on by my peers. This
What’re your plans after graduation? [I’m] going to work for Disney for six months. I’ve been accepted into the Disney College Program, where I’ll be interning with them at a Disney World. While there, I’ll be in the Dental school interview process, which will be my next step in my career.
flected in the track team; it felt more like
allows me to give back to the Loras Com-
a family and you felt like you felt in.
What’s your favorite Loras memory?
munity by giving clubs money, participating
I don’t know. There are too many to pick
in Beautify Loras, and being a voice for the
just one. Every track trip over J-term break
students to the administration so our prob-
I’ve gone on has been a good opportunity
lems can be heard.
to get to know each other better and make
What is some advice you would give to a younger student who is just starting their Loras journey?
lasting memories. Chemistry Olympics is
Don’t get behind on school work, like
If you had one word to sum up your Loras experi-
What has been your favorite class here at Loras? That is where everything I’ve learned started to click together. I had all these genetics and bio and chem classes and in biochemistry they all came together to make sense.
What are you involved in on campus? [I’m involved in] track team, where I’m a
readings. And don’t be afraid to go talk to
really fun when the high-schoolers come, as well Brain Games with the elementary school kids.
ence, what would it be and why?
Any regrets? No, no regrets at all. I don’t live my life with regrets. It is what it is, and I did everything for some reason. Straight facts.
Autism Awareness:
Honors Students educate Dubuque on ASD by AUDRREY MILLER staff writer
For the last three years, a senior honors group has been focused on bringing awareness to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Dubuque. As sophomores in the honors program, they were given the broad task of spreading awareness for ASD.
‘‘
We learned there were a ton of misconceptions and not a lot of info out there about ASD, especially in Dubuque, so we set out to educate.
Kayla Thompson
,, senior
This translated into a multi-year research an d d e ve l opm e nt process for a brochure and informational event to assist families and people affected by ASD. “We learned there were a ton of misconceptions and not a lot of info out there about ASD, especially
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in Dubuque,” senior Kayla Thompson said, “so we set out to educate.” The group’s project began as a very open-ended topic, so finding the initial direction to take the project was difficult. However, the group was successful in publishing a brochure last year on what ASD is and where to find resources in Dubuque. This year, their plan is to host an informational event in April. Now that they have made substantial progress on the project, all their hard work is paying off. Group members of this project include Thompson, a PR and Creative Writing double-major ; Olivia Clarey, an Elementar y Education major on a Special Education track; Shannon Schuster, a Spanish and International Studies double-major; Rachel Valente, a Biology major; and Davis Dahlberg, a Biochemistry major. With a group as interdisciplinary as this one, there were a wide range of strengths brought to the table. “We all have our strengths,” Thompson said. “For example, I’m taking the marketing for this event, since that’s what I do for my internship, and running with it. Davis and Rachel are taking another aspect they’re comfortable with. Olivia knows people in the area, since she’s worked with them before. It’s an interesting blend of strengths that really enhance our group.” On Saturday, April 6, the group will
host an event called Autism Resources Connect. The event was first proposed last year, out of a desire to bring the local ASD community together along with professionals to culminate the group’s research and efforts
into one event. “[This project] has had its ups and downs,” Thompson reflected. “It hasn’t always been fun, but I know from watching friends in the program before me that any change is good change. Whether we have 20 or 200 people (we hope for 200 obviously) at this event, we’ll impact someone. Our efforts mean something.” This honors event will take place on Saturday, April 6 in the ballrooms from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Anyone who may be interested in ASD (including education, psychology, and social work majors, along with professionals in those fields) or knows someone with ASD are welcome to attend. This event will not only shed light on what ASD is, but also what resources are offered in Dubuque for individuals with it. Dr. Lynn Gallagher will be speaking, and there will be plenty more informational resources at the event.
