A Scholarship That Opens Doors Beyond the Classroom
Caroline Fawcett Psychology and Criminal Justice major, Class of 2027
Caroline Fawcett, Psychology and Criminal Justice major, Class of 2027
At Loyola University Chicago, student scholarships don’t just help provide an academic experience – they transform lives. From access to an education compromised of over 80 majors and minors, immersive study abroad programs, and internship opportunities, to the privilege of calling Chicago home and serving its communities, attending Loyola gives students a chance to build out the future of their dreams.
Caroline Fawcett is one example of a life changed by the ability to study at the University.
“I want to make it clear that financial aid is the reason I ended up at Loyola. Yes, I fell in love with the school when I toured it. And I went to a private Catholic high school with a Jesuit brother school and really connected with their mission. But without the financial support of donors willing to invest in students like me, I could have never attended the institution and want to stress just how life-changing my scholarships are.
I want donors to really understand the personal impact they’re making – without them, I wouldn’t be able to pursue the education of my dreams, or even move to Chicago. Aside from that, the financial aid I’ve received has alleviated so much of the extra burden for things like paying my own rent, grabbing a bite to eat out with friends, exploring everything the city has to offer… Loyola being where it is, it’s important to take advantage of everything it can show you aside from just inside the classroom. It’s so freeing to know I can have a balanced life without feeling guilty.”
Of course, that balance includes soaking up all there is to learn and in Caroline’s case, this is centered around studying law; especially as it concerns women’s leadership and advocacy.
“I’m the youngest of a single-mother, all-woman household, as I have four older sisters and my dad passed away when I was younger, so women’s leadership and advocacy is very important to me. I was interested in prelaw before starting here but now the idea of being a lawyer and being able to give back to my community is even more appealing after seeing how meaningful receiving help can be.”
The impact of giving at Loyola doesn’t just end once students receive their degrees, but extends into their futures, professionally, personally, and beyond.
“I think getting a scholarship very much deepened my perspective and I’m going to do whatever it takes to one day be in the position to not just help others in my career but specifically donate to students like me. I am so grateful for the investment in my education – it truly opens doors and I carry the support I’ve been given with me every day. It’s the motivation behind everything I work on and the drive behind me taking on new opportunities.”