16 M
ay
9, 2019
Tips with Trish: The end is near
In this column by Tricia Borelli, director of Counseling Services, she answers questions from students about their emotional well-being while attending college. Send questions to: Ms. Borelli, Loras, Box 100, or e-mail tricia.borelli@loras.edu. All names will be kept confidential. by TRICIA BORELLI Director of the Counseling Center
Dear Trish,
I’m graduating in a few weeks and I’m totally freaking out. I feel like I’ve been complaining about school for the past year, and now that the end is near, I don’t want it to come. I’m overwhelmed with finishing projects and papers and want to do well, but worry that I’m not making the most of the last few weeks with my friends. I’m also just sad about leaving Loras. It’s been my home for the past four years. I don’t have a job yet, and I’m not crazy about living back at home with my parents. I’ve gotten pretty used to my life as it is right now, and I like it. Things are just moving way too fast.
Scared Senior Trish says:
First, take a deep breath. The feelings you’re having about graduation are completely normal. College has been a big chapter in your life, and it’s coming to a close. Lots of students reach the end of their school career, and although relieved and excited to be done with college, are anxious and scared about the future. You are not alone. Think back to when you completed high school. It’s likely that many of the same feelings you had then apply now. You got through that time in your life and you’ll get through this one. Uncertainty is not all bad. Try to embrace the unknown and look at it like a new adventure. Keep in mind that your fears probably have more to do with your perception about what you are “supposed to do” after graduation than the act of graduating itself. It’s okay to celebrate your accomplishment, and you should. Getting a college degree is a huge milestone. Don’t spend so much time fretting about the next stage that you miss enjoying this stage. Try to finish strong academically, but don’t forget about the other things that have made this journey so special. Have a few more meaningful conversations with your professors or your favorite staff member from Student Life. Go out to Salsa’s one more time, or enjoy some time at that favorite coffee shop with your friends. Don’t beat yourself up for staying up late talking or watching Netflix with your roommates. College is definitely about the education you receive, but it’s also about the other learning that comes through lived experiences. It’s all of it that really prepares you for the real world, so focus on that instead of stressing about the future. Finally, congratulations on completing your degree at Loras College! Remember though, the Duhawk experience doesn’t end at graduation. You are now part of a fantastic group of alumni. Wherever you move, there will likely be Duhawks there. Seek them out and become an active part of this special group of people. Put Homecoming 2019 on your calendar right now, and don’t forget to make a point to stop by campus whenever you are close. You are always welcome here!
Trish
M ind & S oul
The Lorian
What sets a liberal arts education apart? by AUDREY MILLER staff writer
Think back to when you chose to attend Loras College. You certainly had a reason. It could have been anything from academics, to sports, to the campus community and atmosphere. For most people, school size also plays a large role in their college decision. Of course, Loras College is a small, liberal arts college. We all chose to come here – but why? What sets a liberal arts education apart? “There are a lot of studies indicating that students who attend liberal arts schools are more successful than their large-school counterparts,” Dr. Adam Moser explained. “There’s plenty of data which documents that, but no one says why. What’s the secret sauce about a small liberal arts school that makes these outcomes possible?” One study published by Richard A. Detweiler may have the answer. “In general, his data suggests that the relationships [faculty and staff] build with the students are the secret sauce that leads to their future success,” Dr. Adam Moser said, summarizing the research. “Graduates who had meaningful relationships with their professors had lots of positive outcomes.” Associate Dean of Students Kim Walsh can also attest to these positive outcomes experienced by Loras graduates. “Students with liberal arts degrees tend to possess many of the qualities, skill sets, and aptitudes that are in highest demand in the workforce, such as communication skills, teamwork skills and analytical skills,” Walsh said. “Students with liberal arts degrees learn how to learn. Students develop a passion for learning and carry it with them for the rest of their lives. A variety of careers are available to you with a liberal arts degree, and employment rates are looking good for liberal arts majors – many employers believe they acquire a broad range of skills.” In his study, Detweiler focused on student outcomes, surveying around a thousand college graduates. Half of his interviewees received their degree from a liberal arts college, and half did not. The key to this study was that
Detweiler wasn't focused on the perceived value of their institution or liberal arts education; rather, Detweiler focused on their experiences in college and their experiences after college. What Detweiler found was consistent with what Dr. Moser and Kim Walsh said – that our graduates have success in their careers after acquiring a liberal arts degree. But what is the cause of that success? Positive experiences. According to Detweiler’s study, graduates who had more positive experiences in college – students who participated in class discussions, discussed philosophical or ethical issues in their classes, had a good relationship with their professors, and knew their professors knew their name – tended to have greater measures of life success. So that “secret sauce” mentioned above boils down to these things, which we almost take for granted at Loras. But it's these aspects of Loras that makes our education so unique and fulfilling for students here. Do we recognize these benefits while attending this institution? “I believe [students] do, postgraduation,” Walsh answered. “While they are in college, I think most students struggle. I often hear students say that they can’t wait to get the general education components ‘over with.’” Although taking courses outside our majors may cause a bit of disgruntlement at times, Loras students can’t deny that the advanced general education curriculum is enriching and intellectually stimulating. We can certainly recognize the value of taking courses outside our major – and a diverse group of courses, at that. While faculty and staff can certainly get behind the Liberal Arts aspect of Loras’ identity, students here appreciate this style of education just as much. “Liberal arts education is set apart
from other modes of curriculum with the implementation of interdisciplinary courses,” said junior Zach Ney. “Such classes, such as our advanced general education requirements at Loras, instill both an appreciation for the connection between disciplines, but also offer a challenge for students to step out of their comfort zones. Both in undergraduate education and the dreaded ‘real-world’, being able to communicate within your field of study is important, but it is almost equally critical (if not more) to be able to communicate with others in different disciplines. Accordingly, I believe the most important aspect of a liberal arts education (and what sets it apart) is the implementation of curriculum that encourage interdisciplinary communication and learning.” Another student, junior Jessalyn Roling agreed with this sentiment. “Because of my liberal arts education, I am becoming a well-rounded and informed person,” Roling said. “My wide variety of courses have given me the opportunity to discover several different fields of interest, guiding me as I discover all of my strengths. My liberal arts education has allowed me to get involved in several organizations and find jobs and internships throughout campus. Most importantly, my time at a liberal arts institution introduced me to a wide variety of incredible professors and students who challenge and motivate me every day.” Although the specific “Liberal Arts” aspect of Loras may or may not have been what initially drew you to attend Loras – considering the sports, community, and specific academic programs that often draw students – it’s likely the reason you’ll have great career outcomes after graduation. So embrace the advanced gen. ed.’s, speak up in classes, and spend some extra time in your professors’ offices. Your future career will benefit from all the important, individualized attention you’re receiving with your liberal arts education.
Summer 2019: A Summer of Growth Many Duhawks plan to challenge themselves spiritually over the break by ETHAN HOLVERSON staff writer
As the school year draws to a close, students and faculty have started making their summer plans for their jobs, vacations, living arrangements, etc. One thing that is commonly pushed to the back burner during this time is our spiritual lives. During the school year, Loras offers a variety of different opportunities for us to grow in different ways. Classes are designed to help us grow mentally, athletic programs are available to help us grow physically, living with and around our friends helps us grow socially and emotionally, and there are various opportunities offered to grow spiritually (Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Reconciliation, etc.). With all of these different resources available within a 10 minute on-campus walk, it can be pretty easy to take for granted the opportunities that are available during the school year. However, once you take your last final exam and leave campus, these opportunities are no longer available until the next school year, and it becomes decision time. Will this summer be a summer of growth, or a summer of complacency? Summer break is a break from the rigors of college school work, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a break from
God. Whether you consider yourself a “religious” person or not, summer break is a perfect time to make great strides in your relationship with God. This begins with making good prayer habits. Summer is a great time to try something new, like praying with scripture, doing a daily rosary, or even making a visit to see Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration. Jesus wants to talk to you, and prayer is the way in which we can do that. If you aren’t sure where to start, here is what some other students are planning to do this summer: First-year Seth Kurzynski said, “I plan on continuing and strengthening my daily prayer life. I plan on going to Mass each weekend, and I will try to make it to daily Mass about once each week. I’m also hoping to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration and I also want to get involved at my local parish, helping with youth events.” Junior Alex Riedel said, “I plan to continue going to Sunday Mass, and
continue to seek out the Truth.” Sophomore Alex Rhomberg said, “I plan to grow spiritually by incorporating prayer and Confession into my daily schedule.” Sophomore Joanna Dillon plans to do something a little different, saying, “This summer I will be spending my summer working at the Amate House putting Love into action. Part of this includes field work at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, working with members of the community and churches that have been impacted by violence and conflict. This summer, I have been blessed to have the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone to do something very meaningful. I am excited to help others and show God’s love through my actions.” If you are Catholic, and have a desire to find out more information on where Mass (and other Sacraments) can be found by where you’re living this summer, MassTimes.com is a great resource that provides this information. For those who are staying in the Dubuque area, there are two 24 hour Adoration chapels near Loras campus that are available to the public (The Power of Prayer and St. Mary’s chapel in East Dubuque).
