Lindsey Villanueva

While not understanding what a Jesuit education meant, Lindsey was drawn to the values espoused by Loyola’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) and more importantly – the flexibility and care offered to all its students. And no one needs more flexibility than a new parent. Lindsey applied to Loyola just after her son’s first birthday. She felt like her son was the catalyst she needed to drop out of community college and embark on this educational journey. “There is something about Loyola and the instruction that kept me running on faith. I had so many moments in my time here where I wanted to throw in the towel and focus on family. But due to the unwavering support from Loyola and its amazing instructors, I persevered. I even had my second baby during the Fall 2021 semester!”

Her time at Loyola was enriched with life-changing and impactful moments. While volunteering at the Greater Chicago Food Depository Lindsey was moved to understand the depth of food insecurities in our community. Says Lindsey “We are all aware of hunger and the food insecurities that surround us, but I’m not sure that we understand how much actually goes into fighting it. After my first time volunteering, I knew that it would be something that I would do again and again – and teach my children/family”. She plans to continue her volunteer journey with this organization and Salvation Army even after graduation.