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Major Minor of The Month
- Jennifer Christopher
- Majors & Minors
- Major: Psychology Minors: Catholic Studies, Pastoral Leadership
- Hometown
- Bartlett, IL
Favorite Saint: St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Career Goals and Aspirations: My career goals include becoming a practicing geropsychologist, a psychology professor, and a researcher. As a geropsychologist, I hope to demonstrate compassion towards older adults who are undergoing various life adjustments. As a researcher, I am interested in conducting research on neurocognitive decline in aging populations. Lastly, I would like to share my knowledge and experience with others as a professor.
Favorite Catholic Author: Flannery O'Connor
Best Catholic Studies class taken at Loyola: “All Things Ignatian” with Fr. James Prehn SJ, EdD and Fr. John D. Murphy SJ. It was such a wonderful experience to learn about Loyola’s Jesuit heritage. I was truly inspired by the life of St. Ignatius.
Favorite Service Experience: My favorite service experience was at the Assisi Health Care Center at Clare Oaks. I volunteered in a variety of settings including Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, Long Term Care, Memory Care, and the Retirement Community. My responsibilities included performing initial and follow-up assessments, distributing the Eucharist, and assisting with weekly Communion Services. It was truly a blessing to witness the healing and strengthening power of the Eucharist in every day life. Also, I learned that one can truly help others just by being present, attentive, and compassionate.
Favorite Loyola Memory: I have had so many amazing experiences during my time at Loyola. One of my favorite memories was from my Psychology Maturity and Aging course. I had the opportunity to interview and compose a memoir for a Catholic Sister. At the end of the semester, Dr. Jennifer Fiebig invited me to be a part of her research team studying Women Religious. It was truly inspiring to learn about Women Religious. I learned so much from conducting research, composing a Thesis paper, and presenting at conferences.
Most important idea of all time: Matthew 22: 37, 39—“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Inspiration to do Good: My Grandpa helped plant the seeds of my faith. He shared with me that the most important thing in life is to help others. Until he was 97 years old, he made crucifixes, sold them, and donated the money to impoverished families. He truly led by example, and I hope to help others just as he did. Just as Mother Teresa stated, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Central idea of Catholic thought that intrigues: I am very intrigued by Catholic Social Teachings, particularly the Life and Dignity of the Human Person. I feel that it is truly important to acknowledge that every human being is made in the image and the likeness of God; therefore, each person deserves to be treated with respect.
Involvement at Loyola: Leadership Team Member of Loyola’s Chapter of Theta Alpha Kappa: The Theology and Religious Studies National Honors Society, Executive Board Member of Loyola Italian Club, Employee at the Center for Tutoring and Academic Excellence, Student Ambassador, Member of Psychology Club and DOP, and a Eucharistic Minister at Madonna della Strada
Favorite Spot on Campus: Madonna della Strada Chapel
Favorite Movie: The Wizard of Oz
Favorite Food: Chicken Marsala
Favorite type of Music/ Favorite Song: Frank Sinatra and the Beatles; “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles
Most important invention: The Printing Press
Any Body Piercings or Tattoos: Ears Pierced
Crazy fad went through in the past: Collected American Girl Dolls
Qualities valued in a person: Compassionate, Faithful, Understanding
Nicknames: Jen
Most Delicious Item at Portillos: Italian Beef Sandwich
Pizza Topping: Italian Sausage
Favorite Season: Spring
Dream Travel Destination: Cefalù, Sicily, Italy
Guilty Pleasure: Eating Ghirardelli Dark and Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate
Something you couldn’t give up if you tried: Spending time with family and friends
Favorite Green Vegetable: Zucchini
Meet anyone past or present, who would it be? Mother Teresa
If you could be omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, or omnibenevolent, which would it be? I would chose to be omnibenevolent, because I sincerely believe that loving one another unconditionally is what will ultimately lead to peace on Earth.
Favorite Olympic Sport (Summer or Winter): Ice Skating
