College is undoubtedly what you make of it. You can choose whether or not you want to exceed limits or skim the surface and just get by. You can become involved in all sorts of activities and volunteer or simply stick to your studies. Ultimately, how you experience and utilize your college experience is completely up to you. At many schools, no one will really push you to exceed your goals. However, at a Jesuit college, it’s a little different.
Shout out to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), for creating the baseline of that incredible difference
When most people first hear the term “Jesuit” they probably automatically think “religious." While the majority of students who attend Jesuit colleges and universities fall somewhere under the realm of Christianity, students who do not practice should not feel out of place.
Receiving a Jesuit education does not translate to “let’s teach you all about the Bible” or “attend mass every day.” While there may be a semi-religious feel at a Jesuit institution, religion is in no way forced upon you. This facet of the college experience is definitely made available, but a Jesuit education is generally more focused on personal, moral and academic excellence.
So while you may laugh at the theology, philosophy and general education requirements, understand that the rigorous coursework at Jesuit institutions aims to expand the horizon of students. The extra requirements do not exist to squeeze extra tuition out of students or to place unnecessary stress on already hard-working students. I'm pretty sure Saint Ignatius never meant to torture 20-year olds by sticking them in unnecessary lectures.
The idea behind the extra requirements at Jesuit institutions is that everything you learn in each of your courses can be, in some way, shape or form, taken outside the classroom. At a Jesuit university, you can be sure that your professors will deeply question you, challenge you and force you to think in ways you probably never have before. A Jesuit education forms well-rounded students with a passion for knowledge and personal growth.
There is something special present on a Jesuit campus that I do not think compares to a public university. I know that at my school, I truly feel the warmth and friendliness emanating from my peers and educators everywhere I go. Each student is seen as capable of academic achievement, capable of making a difference in the world and capable of inspiring this change far beyond their college years.
In addition, administrators and professors on a Jesuit campus are expected to care deeply for their students and go the extra mile for them when needed. I have found that the faculty and staff truly want young adults to reflect on their purpose in life, and to figure out what kind of person they want to be.
And finally, one of my favorite Jesuit ideals is becoming “men and women for others.” In a generation where Millennials and members of Generation Z are viewed as selfish and egotistical, this line is so incredibly important. Many ambitious college students tend to forget that their goals in life should not only positively affect them, but they should positively impact those around them as well. Jesuit schools are huge advocates for service and social justice and offer a plethora of opportunities for students: international service programs, community service programs, national service trips, retreats and so much more.
Even more importantly, they also understand that this type of service might not be for everyone, and that’s OK. What our administration does hope is that every student will find their gifts and talents and use them to better the world in some sort of way throughout the course of their life. The Jesuit tradition stresses that we must become the best version of ourselves and recognize our personal talents in order to help those around us, which is something I actually never realized was true until this year.
Words cannot describe how grateful I feel and fortunate I am to experience four years of my life at a Jesuit university. My college education reaches far beyond exams, papers and letter grades. Each and every day I am challenged. Each and every day I am reminded of my purpose. Each and every day I am presented new opportunities to better myself.
And that is why I am proud to attend a Jesuit university.
