Care for the Whole Person

Transcript

Next up is Christian, a senior international business major and communication minor. He’s gonna tell us about something called Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person. Loyola’s approach to education considers the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. It’s a Jesuit inspired way of being in the world that helps you stay mindful, connected, self aware and happy. Take it away Christian.

– Thank you, Alex. I’m blessed to have a loving family who always encouraged me to use my voice to amplify those silenced by structural inequities throughout society. I wanted a university that would allow me to achieve my goals while caring about my physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The two words that allow me to choose Loyola University, Maryland were Cura Personalis, which means care for the whole person. I was introduced to this concept my first year at Loyola through the Summer Multicultural Awareness Program, which is designed to ensure new students of color have a support system and can enter any space proudly and confidently. I met many of my best friends through this program. I also had other opportunities to advocate for individuals locally, regionally, and nationally. Whether through traveling to Capitol Hill to discuss environmental justice or immigration reform with lawmakers, or marching and Selma, Alabama with civil rights activists like Reverend Jesse Jackson and Dr. Naomi Barbara King, moments like these have strengthened my values of community and solidarity. As a Jesuit university, Loyola prides itself in discernment when taking a holistic approach and not just choosing a career path or major, but in every opportunity that allows students to be successful while considering others wellbeing. My experience with Campus Ministry’s sophomore road trip program inspired me to do so. Cura Personalis extends even to my international business major. Loyola is preparing the next generation of dedicated leaders who will strive for equity in and outside of the workplace. And in my role as vice president of policy and advocacy for Loyola’s Student Government Association, I aim to care for all in our community. The focus on the whole person has helped me to understand how to properly care for all individuals in every aspect of my life and I know I’ll take this with me into my career and life beyond Loyola. Back to you, Alex.

– Thank you, Christian. Your story is amazing. From your experiences in the Sellinger School in Leadership Development to serving in student government, advocating for social justice issues, playing rec sports and participating in a retreat for career discernment. No doubt your value for caring for the whole person will translate to caring for others in your future profession. That was fantastic.