When Loung migrated to the U.S., she gained opportunities her sister lacked in Cambodia. As a newly matriculated university student, you will have opportunities unavailable to those unable to attend college. You are indeed a "lucky child."
Loyola Hall RA, A.J. Piper has seized many opportunities here at Fairfield. Take a look at what he has to say about some of these experiences:
The value of experience is unquantifiable. That said, some experiences seem to hold far more promise than others. While it may add to your street cred to develop a working knowledge of hundreds of drinking games, poker tricks, and mixed drink recipes, I am convinced that it is and will forever be far more rewarding to gain experience by giving of oneself to those who could use your help. In this vein, I loved singing growing up, sitting around a campfire playing guitar etc, but had no formal experience. I decided to join the Glee Club and have been reaping the experiential benefits ever since: the opportunity to meet tens of dozens of talented women, the honor of being asked to perform at several formal events, and a Spring Break spent touring Italy and to be spent this year touring Prague, Vienna, and Budapest...not a bad deal in my opinion and this is just one example.
I value service above nearly all else and our campus ministry provides students with the opportunity to get involved at nearly all levels (local to international). This past Spring Break, I served with Habitat for Humanity for a week in Portland, ME. While there, my ability to give without limit was stifled by a relatively severe bout with MONO, but the positive effect one can have on localities was clearly observed and is still appreciated.
Perhaps the most important long term experience I have enjoyed is my involvement with the Ignatian Residential College. As a resident and as an RA I have come to understand the power of community and the value of experience. I simply cannot express in words all that I have gained from the program, but I am confident that this program has positively influenced my becoming in impossibly many ways. To any Freshman reading this response: Make the Ignatian Residential College your home for sophomore year. You won't regret it.
A.J. Piper, Loyola Hall RA
What dreams do you have for your four years here? Join the conversation by clicking on the Comments link.
After my sophomore year in college, I volunteered at a camp for children affected by AIDS. Spending just a week with these young children changed my life and made me rethink the small things I take for granted. One eleven year old girl had been sexually abused and physically beaten; she was growing up in a poverty-sticken foster home. Talking to her made me realize how lucky I am to have a living family that can provide for me. This experience changed my character and allowed me to be thankful for the small things in life.
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