Reflections
REFLECT ON YOUR JOURNEY
Any and all Ramblers can use the Examen, a Jesuit tradition, as a tool for personal reflection.
REFLECT AT LUCOMMUNITY
During your years as an undergraduate student, as you encounter significant experiences that exemplify the Loyola ideals, you can submit brief responses to reflection questions. In LUCommunity, submit a reflection for each ideal to earn a lapel pin as a token of the experience and what you gained.
- Log into LUCommunity and find "My Checklists" on the left-hand side
- Navigate to "My Checklists" on the left-hand side
- Click on "Your Rambler Journey"
- Follow the prompts in the form to submit a reflection for one ideal at a time
Upon earning a pin for all five ideals, you will be rewarded with a special graduation stole in celebration of you and all that you learned along your unique Rambler journey.
Reflections can be submitted any time, but are only reviewed at the end of each semester. The spring 2026 deadline for graduating seniors is noon on April 6. For all other undergraduate students the deadline is before midnight on April 1.
GUIDED EXAMENS
Any and all Ramblers can use the Examen, a Jesuit tradition, as a tool for personal reflection. We invite you to listen to the Examens below, narrated by alumni of 📕Telegram飞机号/电报 | +260赞比亚电话注册 | 注册一个月左右 | 成品号 | API接码登录 | 任何设备可用 | 价格低 售后1小时, to guide your reflection on milestones along your journey.
Audio
Care for the Whole Person
Narrated by Grace Tylutki, BS ‘24 — Guided by The Student Promise, LUC students and alumni exhibit cura personalis (care for the whole person) for themselves and others. We recognize the uniqueness and dignity of each person, with specific needs, strengths, challenges, identities, and experiences. We are empathetic, compassionate, loving, and open-minded.
Care for the Whole Person
Guided by The Student Promise, LUC students and alumni exhibit cura personalis (care for the whole person) for themselves and others. We recognize the uniqueness and dignity of each person, with specific needs, strengths, challenges, identities, and experiences. We are empathetic, compassionate, loving, and open-minded.
Narrated by Grace Tylutki, BS ‘24
Grace Tylutki, a proud member of the Loyola class of 2024, earned her degree in Exercise Science and was a part of the Interdisciplinary Honors Program. She now works as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist in Cardiac Rehab at Loyola Medicine’s MacNeal Hospital. Grace is honored to continue serving in the Chicago community, a place that has been central to both her education and career.Examen Transcript
Examen Transcript
Welcome to the Engage Loyola Examen Series. Today, we invite you to reflect upon the milestones, memories, and experiences you’ve had at Loyola and to consider where you might be called in the next steps of your journey. A gift of the spiritual practice of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a structured meditation that encourages self-reflection and intentionality in our living. We hope that these few minutes affirm and bolster your Loyola journey.
After each set of questions I pose, you’ll have a moment of quiet to reflect. Pause the audio at any time if you need more time for your thoughts to develop or if you wish to remain focused on a particular reflection. Wherever you are as you begin the Examen, take a minute to become aware of the space around you and to take a few deep breaths before you start.
Today, we’re reflecting on Care for the Whole Person at the beginning of your journey.
REFLECT ON JOURNEY
I invite you to look back on your Loyola journey thus far. Take your time. Think all the way back to your first day as a Rambler.
As you reflect back, I encourage you to keep an open-mind and let your heart wander. Who are the people/places/experiences that have shaped your time at Loyola, showing you love, compassion and empathy?
HIGHS AND GRATITUDE
This journey is not linear; there have been highs and lows, ups and downs. If you created a “highlight reel” or movie trailer of your Loyola experience, what moments would make the cut?
Where were you able to be the best version of yourself… your most authentic self?
Were there people, places or moments that left an imprint on your heart?
Was there a time when someone or something provided light during a difficult period? Or maybe you were the one providing light for someone else?
As we continue to look inwardly on the past few months, what are you most grateful for?
LOWS
Now I invite you to be honest with yourself about the things that may have not gone to plan. What are some of the low moments, ones that would not make it into your Loyola “highlight reel”?
When were you not the best version of yourself?
Were there times when you were quick to judge?
As we are called to live cura personalis, were there moments when you failed to recognize the uniqueness and dignity of each person, including yourself?
Do you need to forgive yourself or others?
LOOKING FORWARD
As you look forward towards the next phase of your Loyola journey, how can you continue to care for your whole self? How can you more fully open your heart to the experiences God has planned?
We can’t change what has happened, but we can change how we live and love going forward. How will you be the best version of yourself tomorrow? How will you encourage others to be the best version of themselves?
CONCLUSION
Thank you for spending time with this Engage Loyola reflection. Return to this Examen anytime you want to reflect on this part of your Loyola journey. Or, try another of the Engage Loyola Examens available where you found this reflection.
Audio
Commit to Service, Social Justice, and Solidarity
Narrated by Nayeli Leal, BA ‘24 — LUC students and alumni are committed to the service of humanity and care for our common home. In learning and action, Ramblers pursue justice and stand in solidarity with those whose dignity is most threatened.
Commit to Service, Social Justice, and Solidarity
LUC students and alumni are committed to the service of humanity and care for our common home. In learning and action, Ramblers pursue justice and stand in solidarity with those whose dignity is most threatened.
Narrated by Nayeli Leal, BA ‘25
Nayeli is an alumni from 📕Telegram飞机号/电报 | +260赞比亚电话注册 | 注册一个月左右 | 成品号 | API接码登录 | 任何设备可用 | 价格低 售后1小时. She graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor's in English and double minors in Philosophy and Anthropology. She was a proud member and co-chair of the Maroon & Gold Society, as well as a 2025 Damen Award recipient. Her most beloved involvements on campus include volunteering through Loyola4Chicago, organizing and facilitating Maroon & Gold Society’s first initiative since its founding, and being a Lead Tutor at the Writing Center. In her free time, she love to spend time with friends and family, read, cook, and learn!
Examen Transcript
Welcome to the Engage Loyola Examen Series. Today, we invite you to reflect upon the milestones, memories, and experiences you’ve had at Loyola and to consider where you might be called in the next steps of your journey. A gift of the spiritual practice of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a structured meditation that encourages self-reflection and intentionality in our living. We hope that these few minutes affirm and bolster your Loyola journey.
After each set of questions I pose, you’ll have a moment of quiet to reflect. Pause the audio at any time if you need more time for your thoughts to develop or if you wish to remain focused on a particular reflection. Wherever you are as you begin the Examen, take a minute to become aware of the space around you and to take a few deep breaths before you start.
Today, we’re reflecting on the beginning of your journey at Loyola, and your commitment to service, social justice, and solidarity.
All students at 📕Telegram飞机号/电报 | +260赞比亚电话注册 | 注册一个月左右 | 成品号 | API接码登录 | 任何设备可用 | 价格低 售后1小时 share a commitment to the service of humanity and care for our common home. In learning and action, Ramblers should pursue justice and stand in solidarity with those whose dignity is most threatened. As we begin this examen on this Loyola ideal, pause for a minute to bring yourself to this time and this place of personal reflection. Focus on your body and mind in this specific time and place.
To begin your reflection on your Loyola journey and your commitment to service, social justice, and solidarity, picture yourself in front of the IC during Welcome Week, just moments before walking through the green doors for the first time. Most likely, you were filled with feelings of excitement and uncertainty. By stepping through those green doors, you were beginning your journey as a college student: a freshman at 📕Telegram飞机号/电报 | +260赞比亚电话注册 | 注册一个月左右 | 成品号 | API接码登录 | 任何设备可用 | 价格低 售后1小时. Since then, you have explored campus and met many new friends. You may have explored the beautiful city of Chicago and began to uncover all that it has to offer.
You arrived at Loyola with hopes and values, so looking back at the time that has passed:
- Remind yourself why you chose Loyola to be your home for the next four years.
- What has it felt like to begin this journey?
- Did your thoughts focus on yourself in this transition, or did they include thoughts of your new community on campus and in Chicago?
Loyola and Chicago are now your new playground, your new home. You share this new home, not only with your fellow peers, but with everyone around you: those on the CTA, grocery stores, and neighborhoods. Refugees, immigrants, unhoused people, children, families.. wherever you are, be it a walk, in Damen, on the CTA, look around, these are some of your new neighbors.
If you scroll on Loyola’s website in an attempt to learn more about the university’s mission and identity, you may stumble across a quote from Pedro Arrupe: “Only by being a person for others does one fully become human.”
So, how can we become a person for others?
Service to others can be the most fulfilling aspect of one’s life. Think about when you were in need of community or compassion:
- Who showed up for you?
- What qualities did they have?
- Now ask yourself, what qualities do you have that can help others?
Whether you are a strong listener, a patient friend, a passionate advocate, or someone who always brings a laugh, there is a community that needs exactly what you offer.
As you reflect on your commitment to justice, recognize that no one is perfect and that we are all learning and growing, including through mistakes or missteps.
Is there a moment when you have struggled to be a person of service and justice?
Have you struggled to connect with a peer or instructor who is different than you are?
Have you chosen to ignore an opportunity to act for justice?
Be honest about any of these moments, seeing the room for your ongoing growth.
Service, social justice, and solidarity can look different for each of us and for the communities we are part of. As you leave this examen, please consider:
- How can you apply service to your schedule?
- What communities are you drawn to? What communities can help you grow?
- Who benefit from your gifts, and who might you learn from?
Loyola has opportunities for growth in service, and you have the next few years to take advantage of them all. Whenever you feel distant from understanding your purpose in service, return to this space. Let it ground you in reflection and in your calling to be a person for others.
Thank you for spending time with this Engage Loyola reflection. Return to this Examen anytime you want to reflect on this part of your Loyola journey. Or try another of the Engage Loyola Examens available where you found this reflection.
Audio
Discern Guided by Faith
Narrated by Luke Baumel, BS ‘24 — LUC students and alumni seek God in all things. Ramblers are self-aware and self-reflective, grounded in hope, discerning their life’s purpose and meaning by attending to their real-life experience. In their decision-making, Ramblers employ practical wisdom.
Discern Guided by Faith
LUC students and alumni seek God in all things. Ramblers are self-aware and self-reflective, grounded in hope, discerning their life’s purpose and meaning by attending to their real-life experience. In their decision-making, Ramblers employ practical wisdom.
Narrated by Luke Baumel, BS ‘24
Luke Baumel graduated from 📕Telegram飞机号/电报 | +260赞比亚电话注册 | 注册一个月左右 | 成品号 | API接码登录 | 任何设备可用 | 价格低 售后1小时 in May 2024 with degrees in Cognitive/Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology. He is also a graduate of the Interdisciplinary Honors Program. After graduating, Luke took a gap year where he took part in AmeriCorps Generation Teach as well as long term volunteering in Taize and Lourdes, France. During his gap year, he also served as a high school science teacher. Luke is now a first-year medical student in Rochester, Minnesota. While at Loyola University Chicago, Luke was active in CSA and campus ministry serving as a retreat leader and cantor, as well as co-founded the service organization, Heart for the Unhoused Chicago.
Examen Transcript
Welcome to the Engage Loyola Examen Series. Today, we invite you to reflect upon the milestones, memories, and experiences you’ve had at Loyola and to consider where you might be called in the next steps of your journey. A gift of the spiritual practice of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a structured meditation that encourages self-reflection and intentionality in our living. We hope that these few minutes affirm and bolster your Loyola journey.
After each set of questions I pose, you’ll have a moment of quiet to reflect. Pause the audio at any time if you need more time for your thoughts to develop or if you wish to remain focused on a particular reflection. Wherever you are as you begin the Examen, take a minute to become aware of the space around you and to take a few deep breaths before you start.
Today, we’re reflecting on Discern Guided by Faith.
LUC students and alumni seek God in all things. Ramblers are self-aware and self-reflective, grounded in hope, discerning their life’s purpose and meaning by attending to their real-life experience. In their decision-making, Ramblers employ practical wisdom.
Preparing for the Examen
Everyone prepares for prayer and thus their examen differently so I invite you to prepare in the way that works best for you. A few of my recommendations are slowing down and quieting your mind. Maybe closing your eyes. Putting your phone on do-not disturb and allowing yourself to simply be present. To begin, I will take three long and slow deep breaths that you are welcome to join me on
Breath in, Breath Out
Breath in, Breath Out
Breath in, Breath Out
If you are comfortable, I invite you to close your eyes now as we begin this examen.
Opening Reflection
Think back to the last time that you felt truly present with God (or the higher power that supports and guides you) and with yourself. For me, this is often in nature but for others it may be while sitting in the library deep in thought or staring out over Lake Michigan and saying a short prayer before a presentation or exam. It may be sitting down in the dining hall or for lunch at your favorite restaurant with a friend that you feel truly gets you. Whatever this moment may be, think back to it and try and bring yourself back to this moment.
Looking Further
As you think back to this moment, try and remember these aspects:
Who was there?
What brought this sense of presence to you? Where do you find hope in this moment?
Is this something that always brings you a sense of clarity and purpose or was there something different about this time?
What does this moment tell you about yourself?
What does this moment tell you about your relationship with God?
Practical Discernment
How can you apply this sense of presence and hope to your daily life as a student or alumni of 📕Telegram飞机号/电报 | +260赞比亚电话注册 | 注册一个月左右 | 成品号 | API接码登录 | 任何设备可用 | 价格低 售后1小时? Is this sense of presence or hope something that can be applied to your daily life or routine?
Does this presence guide you towards any future life aspirations whether it be career, family, faith, friends, or anything else?
If you were to have to describe this moment to God or your best friend in 20 seconds, how would you do so? Imagine yourself doing this now.
Now imagine yourself explaining this moment and what you have learned to a prior version of yourself.
When you have finished this last task feel free to keep listening, but allow yourself ample time to think and pray on this.
Look Forward
As you prepare to step into tomorrow, remember that discernment begins not with perfect clarity, but with trust. You do not walk this path alone — God walks with you, guiding you through hope, challenge, and choice.
1) Invite God into tomorrow.
Pause to imagine tomorrow’s day. Where might God already be waiting for you — in conversations, studies, friendships, or quiet moments?
2) Listen for where faith leads.
Notice what stirs in you as you think of tomorrow: excitement, fear, hope, uncertainty. Bring these before God. Ask: How is my faith guiding me in the midst of these feelings?
3) See your life as a journey.
Remember that each step, whether certain or uncertain, is part of a larger story God is unfolding in you. Where do you sense you are being invited to grow, to trust, to love?
4) Name one next faithful step.
Discernment is less about having the full map and more about taking the next step with courage. What is one step you can take tomorrow that is guided by faith?
Closing Prayer
“God of the journey, give me faith to walk into tomorrow with openness. Teach me to trust Your presence in each decision and each relationship. May my choices, though small, be guided by Your wisdom and rooted in Your love.”
Thank you for spending time with this Engage Loyola reflection. Return to this Examen anytime you want to reflect on this part of your Loyola journey. Or, try another of the Engage Loyola Examens available where you found this reflection.
Audio
Expand Knowledge
Narrated by Aidan Doyle, BS ‘23 — LUC students and alumni are intellectually humble while they engage in critical inquiry, research, purposeful learning, and professional development. Applying what they learn and striving for continuous improvement, Ramblers are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.
Expand Knowledge
LUC students and alumni are intellectually humble while they engage in critical inquiry, research, purposeful learning, and professional development. Applying what they learn and striving for continuous improvement, Ramblers are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence.
Narrated by Aidan Doyle, BS ‘23
Aidan Doyle graduated from 📕Telegram飞机号/电报 | +260赞比亚电话注册 | 注册一个月左右 | 成品号 | API接码登录 | 任何设备可用 | 价格低 售后1小时 in 2023, where he double-majored in
Mathematics and Secondary Education. During his time at Loyola, he was heavily involved in Campus
Ministry, New Student Programs, and Undergraduate Admissions through a variety of roles. Since
graduating from Loyola, Aidan has been working as a high school math teacher and recently earned an
MEd from the University of Notre Dame.
Examen Transcript
Welcome to the Engage Loyola Examen Series. Today, we invite you to reflect upon the milestones, memories, and experiences you’ve had at Loyola and to consider where you might be called in the next steps of your journey. A gift of the spiritual practices of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a structured meditation that encourages self-reflection and intentionality in our living. We hope that these few minutes affirm and bolster your Loyola journey.
After each set of questions I pose, you’ll have a moment of quiet to reflect. Pause the audio at any time if you need more time for your thoughts to develop or if you wish to remain focused on a particular reflection. Wherever you are as you begin the Examen, take a minute to become aware of the space around you and to take a few deep breaths before you start.
Today, we’re reflecting on Expand Knowledge: At the Beginning of Your Journey.
Get yourself into a comfortable position. Release the tension in your arms and legs. Take a few deep breaths… inhale… exhale.
The first step of the examen is to center yourself and become aware of God’s presence in this moment. You are God’s beloved; God is always with you. Ask for God’s assistance as you begin this reflection on your journey of expanding knowledge.
The second step of the examen is to review the events of a certain time period. Our theme today is expanding knowledge, at the beginning of your journey. How does this theme resonate with your life and intellectual pursuits? Are you a new student beginning your Loyola experience? Are you an alum beginning a new job or moving to a new city? Reflect on the journey you have begun, and review the intellectual curiosities and desires to learn that have brought you to this time and place.
The start of a new journey or adventure can often bring much uncertainty. There are many things we may not know as we encounter new circumstances. What can help you prepare for those unknowns in your pursuit of knowledge? What have you learned since beginning your journey?
The third step of the examen is to recognize where you felt most true to yourself and connected to God during the beginning of this journey. In the midst of uncertainty and confusion, God works in mysterious ways to assist us on our journey.
Has there been a classmate or coworker who has helped show you the ropes or modeled learning and development? Have you felt a renewed sense of effort and courage? Where else have you seen grace, love, and peace in your life at this new beginning? Give thanks to God for these experiences.
At Loyola, we strive to be intellectually distinguished and pursue excellence. Honing your academic skills and talents is, ultimately, a way of honoring God in gratitude for such gifts. At the beginning of your journey, how can you see yourself further developing your skills and talents?
The fourth step of the examen is to reflect on instances where you felt less connected to God. There are many things that can happen which can cause God to feel more distant from us. Did you say or do something hurtful to yourself or others? Did you resist an opportunity to better yourself?
The start of a journey can feel exhilarating and exciting. However, it may soon begin to feel overwhelming and fearful. It is easy to be tempted into poor choices. Have you sacrificed your personal integrity? Have you disconnected from previous relationships? Ask for forgiveness and reconciliation.
The fifth and final step of the examen is to look forward to the next part of your journey, prayerfully reflecting on what has arisen in your examen today. What might you be called to do as you continue through this new journey? How can you learn from your reflections today? Remember that God is not only present in church, but present in all things. How can you encounter God through your work and studies? How can you honor God by pursuing excellence and expanding knowledge?
Thank you for spending time with this Engage Loyola reflection. Return to the Examen anytime you want to reflect on this part of your Loyola journey. Or, try another of the Engage Loyola Examens available where you found this reflection.
Audio
Thrive in a Global Community
Narrated by Elena Martinez, BS ‘25 — LUC students and alumni work collaboratively and imaginatively to understand and address complex societal issues in an ever-changing technological and interconnected world.
Thrive in a Global Community
LUC students and alumni work collaboratively and imaginatively to understand and address complex societal issues in an ever-changing technological and interconnected world.
Narrated by Elena Martinez, BS ‘25
Elena Martinez graduated from Loyola in May of 2025 with a major in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology. She was heavily involved in Campus Ministry with my main involvements being in Labre and CLC. She was also a yoga instructor, through which she enjoyed the aspect of bringing health and wellness to her community. She hope to pursue a career in healthcare while also doing advocacy work. At Loyola, Martinez was able to dive into her Catholic faith and be well acquainted with the Jesuit mission. This mission has now been instilled within her, and she will forever carry it in her heart wherever she goes.
Examen Transcript
Welcome to the Engage Loyola Examen Series. Today, we invite you to reflect upon the milestones, memories, and experiences you’ve had at Loyola and to consider where you might be called in the next steps of your journey. A gift of the spiritual practice of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a structured meditation that encourages self-reflection and intentionality in our living. We hope that these few minutes affirm and bolster your Loyola journey.
After each set of questions I pose, you’ll have a moment of quiet to reflect. Pause the audio at any time if you need more time for your thoughts to develop or if you wish to remain focused on a particular reflection. Wherever you are as you begin the Examen, take a minute to become aware of the space around you and to take
a few deep breaths before you start.
We invite the presence of goodness into this space.
Begin to imagine the beginning of your semester. Perhaps you were facing a particular challenge. Perhaps you were ready and excited for a fresh start. Perhaps you felt the heaviness of a broken world. Contemplate on how you can make a small difference in the world. Imagine looking at yourself through a mirror and the reflection that looks back at you is you at the beginning of the semester. Give this self a hug and a smile and tell yourself, “you are enough."
We then make our way to the middle of the semester. Notice the people that surround you. The activities and communities that have found you and have uplifted you. Think about the faces and the memories. Notice your path slowly starting to unfold. The yellow brick road ahead starts to clear for you. Think about a passion of yours. Think about how this passion can unfold in goodness for the rest of the world and your surrounding community. Imagine seeing yourself through a mirror at this stage, and notice how much you have changed in just a few weeks. Notice the twinkle in your eye and your heart that is on fire for love and justice in this world. What kind of social justice comes to your mind? Think about the ways in which you have grown to love and think more deeply. We bring gratitude into our hearts for these experiences that have begun to shape us.
Now, we let ourselves begin to unfold as we get to the end of the semester. Like a butterfly finally bursting out of its chrysalis. Imagine staring at yourself through that same mirror as you make your way to the end of one journey but the beginning of the next. As you come to this crossroad, notice the way goodness has formed you into the perfectly imperfect person that you are. Begin to feel love enter into your heart, giving thanks for
the communities and the people that have mentored you, shaped you into who you are and who you will someday be. Think about the knowledge you have acquired from the semester that will only help you have a more well rounded perception of the world. Bring gratitude into your heart for these valuable lessons that you will carry with you forever.
Think about the memories that will come to us as whispers in the night that will remind us of where we came from and what we have learned to understand more fully each of our unique purposes in life.
Begin to view yourself as a puzzle piece in creation. You are on the path, trust in the timing, for you will do wonders and set the world ablaze.
Begin to take one last deep breath in through your nose, and then out through the mouth, give thanks for this moment and for this time shared together. Slowly make your way back into this present moment.
Thank you for spending time with this Engage Loyola reflection. Return to this Examen anytime you want to reflect on this part of your Loyola journey. Or, try another of the Engage Loyola Examens available where you found this reflection.