Arisa Banks

1. Why did you choose Loyola?

I choose Loyola because I really liked the campus, and I appreciated the students’ friendliness. I felt completely welcomed from the students and staff. I felt like the faculty and professors were really invested in growing you a as student. Also, Loyola has an excellent Communications and Music program, and those are the two fields I wanted to study.

2. If you could give one piece of advice to a prospective student about the college application process what would it be?

I would tell a prospective student to do everything asked of them, and to make connections with their admissions counselor and financial aid advisors. I would also suggest the student research their chosen major. 

3. What was your first visit to campus like?

My first visit was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the tour guide, which I found out later, was a Loyola Ambassador. That experience inspired me to want to get involve with this program once I came to the school. I came for a regular visit the first time I toured the school.

4. What’s the best thing about Loyola University?  Why?

I would say the best thing about Loyola is the environment and the small population. Everyone is friendly, and due to the school’s fairly small population, you feel like you are a part of a community. Everyone is familiar with each other, and you get to interact with your fellow students.

5. What’s the best thing about living in New Orleans?

I love New Orleans! Other than the fact New Orleans is my hometown, I love the music community of the city. The music community is inspiring, and I love interacting with the musicians in the city. There is always some form of entertainment in the city.

6. Where is your favorite place on campus or in New Orleans?  Why?

My favorite place on campus is Satchmo’s because it is a nice area to just go and relax. I also enjoy the events there, like “open mic nights” and the “poetry jams.” During the day, it is a cool place to eat and relax in between classes with friends.

7. What is your favorite Loyola or New Orleans event? Why?

I love Loyolapalooza! Loyolapalooza takes place in the Spring, and it is a concert. It showcases local talent, including student bands, and also has major artists come to perform. The show is amazing and so much fun!

8. Have you completed an internship? If so, where and what was your favorite part? How did Loyola prepare you for it?

I am actually completing an internship in New York now working at MTVN Networks. I am interning with Nickelodeon in the Music & Media Licensing department. Loyola definitely prepared me for this internship. I believed I was prepared for the internship, because all of my courses were relevant to the internship. Also, I have been taught how to interact in a professional setting from many of the forums held at Loyola on Career Development.

9. How has your time at Loyola enhanced/challenged you as a person?

Loyola has grown me in many ways. For one, I have grown in my faith from attending Loyola. I have always been a spiritual person, so the values and founding principles of the school encouraged me to be representative of those values. I love the fact that God is openly acknowledged and discussed on campus. Also, I believe Loyola has prepared me for the corporate world because I have been able to interact with people from all walks of life. This is very essential because I will have to engage with different types of people.

10. In what ways does Loyola foster involvement in community action?

Loyola encourages community service. Every organization on campus fosters community service. Community service is also ingrained in the creed of the school. One of the largest organizations on campus, LUCAP, is a community service organization. This should stand as a testament of Loyola’s commitment to community service.

11. Tell us more about the organization(s) you participate in on campus?

I participate in BSU, Black Student Union. This organization is the second largest organization on campus. I am also involved with Legal EU, which services local and student bands with intellectual property. The Production EU handles events and productions on campus and in the New Orleans area. Lastly, Genesis Gospel Choir performs at local events and events on campus, including Chapel service on Thursdays.  

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