1. The built-in support system.

For some people it's the baseball team, for others the Education Club. In reality, it's wherever someone feels comfortable. For me, it's my Dance Marathon friends. No matter who you are or what you're involved in, there are plenty of options here at Loras. Whatever you're a part of, the other people involved will guide and support you wherever you need it. The best part though, is that all of these individual clubs, organizations, and teams all support each other. We like to call it, "Duhawks supporting Duhawks." You can find us DM people at a volleyball or basketball game, and you can find some athletes at a CAB event.

2. Einsteins.

Einsteins is still kind of a new addition to campus, but it's a coffee shop that also has bagels and some sandwiches. I enjoyed Einsteins way too much last year, and this year I live right across the street which is even better, but as I am typing this I can see my mom's worried face.

3. Jane and Karen.

No matter what time of day, you can always find Jane or Karen at the caf swiping cards. Jane's always there when you need a mood lift and Karen is always there to provide a laugh. These two are honestly two of the top five best people to talk to on campus.

4. Routine.

During the summer, I go to work, come home, eat dinner and probably watch television for the next four to six hours. As nice as that is, it gets boring after a while. When I'm back on campus I have classes, work, homework, extracurricular activities, etc. I'm constantly moving around and working on things. It's extremely draining, but I love it and I'm ready to be busy again.

5. New Duhawks.

New Duhawks are arriving on campus in just a few short days! All their nervous little selves make me so happy. Not the fact that they're nervous, but just because this is the start of such an incredible adventure for them and I can't wait for them to learn to love this school as much as I do.

6. Brunch

Weekend brunch is the best attribute of the caf and I'm so excited to eat that french toast.

7. Duhawks are rare.

Since Loras is a small school, there aren't a lot of my college friends in my hometown. We come from various states and countries, as other schools do, but there are less of us. That being said, I don't see many distant friends at all over the summer. It's nice to be surrounded by such awesome people again.

8. FRIENDS.

Often over the summer, I found myself hanging out with my parents on the weekends. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm happy to soon be surrounded by all my friends (especially my roommates) for another great year as a Duhawk.