Jessica Bautista. There’s a 99 percent chance you’re friends with her, have met her, know of her, have had your ID swiped by her in Halas, have had your photo taken by her, or simply crossed paths with her at some point at LUC. Bottom line: Jessica is literally everywhere on campus. If you’re not friends with her now, you most likely will be later on. Jessica’s friendly personality is what makes her so easy to get along with and makes others fall in love with her so quickly. Get to know what she’s all about by reading our interview with the beautiful and quirky Jessica Noelle!
Name: Jessica Noelle Bautista
Hometown: Zion, Illinois
Year: Senior
Major/Minor: Exercise Science Minor Psychology
HC: Being a senior at Loyola, what do you think is your most memorable experience so far?
JB: That’s difficult. I am thinking of all the inside jokes, nights, and concerts I’ve been to. One memorable experience was sorority reveals night. As much as I love most surprises, but the anticipation of reveal night was eating me alive. I remember shaking when I got my envelope, which revealed what sorority I was accepted to. When I read Chi Omega, I started jumping up and down, screaming. Eventually I started crying happy tears. I never cried happy tears before. I cried even more when we lined up in front of the sororities. I saw my best friend carrying my owl with my name on it and cried more before I started running towards Chi-O. The rest was all a blur because I was too happy. #Blessed
HC: What organizations are you involved in on campus?
JB: Chi Omega, Exercise Science Club, UNICEF, Kapwa, Humans of LUC
HC: I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Humans of LUC. Could you tell me more about it?
JB: Humans of LUC is Facebook page that was created my sophomore year. I, and the Humans of LUC staff, interview members of the Loyola community who we find interesting and who deserve some spotlight. Personally it has given me the opportunity and courage to meet other students and staff I have always wanted to introduce myself too. The page has grown immensely since then and we have more photographers than before. A dream for the page is for it to expand to all Chicago students.
HC: What is your favorite thing about Loyola?
JB: The opportunities Loyola offers and its location. I love Chicago. There is still so much to explore even after living here for four years. I am currently looking at physical therapy schools across the country and most schools’ locations seem boring compared to Chibera.
HC: Any plans after graduation?
JB: The plan is to enroll into physical therapy school and finding ways to pay off my student loans without crying everyday. I also have a bucket list of ideas and plans I want to do before I’m 30 years old. Like be an extra in a movie, go scuba diving, learn Tagalog, take up boxing, have abs. Or go to Hogwarts.
HC: Is there anything you wished you knew when you were a freshman on campus?
JB: I wish I figured out what I wanted as my career choice sooner. But I don’t regret initially enrolling in the nursing program my freshman year. I met great people and have more appreciation for the practice. However if I realized I hate blood, needles, and poop sooner, I would have saved myself some serious time, money, and stress. And I wish I knew before college that some people will come and go in our lives and be mere lessons, instead of trying to holding on. But there was no way of me knowing this without my experiences.