Loyola University Chicago

Catholic Studies

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Major Minor of The Month

Megan Lynch
Senior
Majors & Minors
Major: Communication Studies Minor: Catholic Studies, International Studies, & Studio Art
Hometown
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Why did you choose to become a CS Minor:

 

I became a Catholic Studies minor because I wanted to explore my faith in different ways. I’ve always loved Retreats and Campus Ministry, and I’ve had amazing experiences with these programs at Loyola, but Catholic Studies gives me a way to approach the big theological questions through interdisciplinary academics. I love that I can read a short story, experience a play, or delve into a religious text and they can all inform my faith (and I get class credit!).

 

What is a fond memory you’ve had as a CS minor:

I absolutely loved my All Things Ignatian class. It’s the class every Catholic Studies minor is required to take, and I took it with Dr. Murphy and Lauren Schwer who are both fabulous. I distinctly remember our retreat at LUREC – it was a mix of sitting in a circle discussing Ignatian spirituality with Father John Murphy and sitting in a circle playing mafia with each other. It was everything I love about Catholic Studies – deeply profound conversations, wonderful people, and a little bit of silliness.

 

Favorite Saint:

Margaret of Scotland

 

Career Goals and Aspirations:

I don’t have a distinct career that I’m working towards, but I know I want to interact with a lot of people, be creative, work in a hands-on environment, and make at least one person smile everyday. I’m pretty open.

 

Favorite Catholic Author:

Flannery O’Connor

 

Best Catholic Studies class taken at Loyola:

I took a Liberation Theology course with Dr. Miguel Diaz my sophomore year that was great! I wrote a paper about ecofeminist liberation theology and the cool part was that I actually knew what I was talking about. It opened my eyes to the idea of base communities and Church at a very local level, which I love. 

 

Favorite Service Experience:

I was a Book Buddy through Open Books – I sat with first graders and read with them for a few hours a week. It was great to hang out with the kids who maybe

don’t get a lot of one-on-one attention, and help them fall in love with books the way I did when I was their age. 

 

Most important idea of all time:

Charity

 

Most important invention:

I REALLY like toasters! But probably plumbing.

 

Inspiration to do Good:

Experiencing genuine connections with people, especially strangers.

 

Central idea of Catholic thought that intrigues you:

The connection between spirituality and the environment.

 

Favorite Movie:

Pride & Prejudice (2004, obviously)

 

Pet Peeve:

People talking over each other

 

Favorite Food:

Sachertorte

 

Favorite type of Music/ Favorite Song:

Bastille’s new album has been playing nonstop on my iTunes since it was released!

 

Any Body Piercings or Tattoos:

Just my ears!

 

Crazy fad went through in the past:

In 4th grade I wore a white polo shirt and a khaki skort to school every single day.

 

Qualities valued in a person:

Honesty, kindness, positivity, passion

 

If named the president of Loyola, what would you do as your first presidential act:

Promote the arts programs! I want students to be able to get into all of the plays, musicals, and concerts for free the same way we can get into most home sports games.

 

Nicknames:

Megsy Bogues (I don’t know why), Peg

 

Most Delicious Item at Portillos:

Italian beef

 

Pizza Topping:

Italian sausage

 

Favorite Season:

Fall! Knitwear weather!

 

Dream Travel Destination:

Iceland

 

Guilty Pleasure:

90’s girl music (Alanis Morissette, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton)

 

Something you couldn’t give up if you tried:

Knitting

 

Favorite Green Vegetable:

Spinach

 

Meet anyone past or present, who would it be?:

Dave Grohl

 

If you could be omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, or omnibenevolent, which would it be?:

Is none an option? That’s too much knowledge/expectation for one person!

 

Favorite Olympic Sport (Summer or Winter):

Ski jump