Andy Allain
| Major: | Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Year: | Sophomore |
| Hometown: | Destrehan, Louisiana |
| Organizations: | Camp Pelican (Head Counselor), Camp Challenge (Head Counselor), Cardoner Leadership Fellow, SCORE Outreach Program |
- Why did you choose Loyola?
I chose Loyola for many reasons. The first is that my mother graduated from Loyola, so I have wanted to go here since I was a young child. The second reason is the great feeling I get walking around campus. Between the beauty of the physical campus, as well as its friendly atmosphere, no other campus compares in my opinion. Lastly, after looking into many other colleges, I decided that of the ones I was interested in, Loyola was the best one for me.
- What was your first visit to campus like?
My first campus visit was Jazz Brunch, and the only way I can describe it is awesome. Just walking onto campus, I could feel that Loyola was the place for me. After being greeted by all of the different students and faculty members, I had already felt welcomed. By the time I had gone on the tour, I was hooked on Loyola. That’s what really helped my decision in coming here.
- What’s the best thing about
The best part about Loyola is its community. Loyola is a small enough college so that you know pretty much everyone you need to. With a student to teacher ratio of 11:1, you know your teachers and they know you. Also, it is pretty much impossible to walk to class without seeing at least one person that you know. I am so glad that I am not just another number in the crowd, and I really feel like I have a place at this University.
- What is your favorite Loyola or
I have to say, I absolutely love Mardi Gras. I ride in the Krewe of Centurions, and in my opinion there is just nothing else in the world like it. I love the atmosphere, the parades, and Popeye’s chicken at 7a.m. while you stake out your favorite parade watching spot on Fat Tuesday. If you’ve never experienced Mardi Gras with a native New Orleanian, you don’t know what I’m talking about, but if you have, you understand why I enjoy it so much
- Have you completed an internship? If so, where and what was your favorite part? How did Loyola prepare you for it?
This past summer I was part of the SCORE outreach program. The purpose of SCORE is to have college professors and undergraduates work with high school teachers and students to collaborate on a research effort. I worked in Dr. Spence’s lab, and helped him set a world record for the fastest data collection using a laser to date. My favorite part was being able to work in a real lab and see what life will be like after college.
- Tell us more about the organization(s) you participate in on campus?
My favorite organization on campus would have to be Ambassadors. Personally, I love meeting people and making new friends, and being an Ambassador gives me the opportunity to do that almost every day. Not only that, but I know most of my closest friends and mentors through the Ambassador program.
I am also a Cardoner Leadership Fellow. Through the Cardoner program, I have learned about the rebuilding of