Advice to Loyola Student Visiting Baltimore

      Since Baltimore, Maryland is the place that I have been living this Summer, I would recommend that a Loyola Student knows a number of things to be best prepared. Loyola is located in Baltimore, Maryland so there are some conveniently located places to attend when taking a break away from classes and study time. Baltimore is a place where it’s very easy to use your bike since they have designated bike paths for bikers. Miss Shirley’s in Roland Park is a great place to go to for brunch. Although Baltimore is popular for seafood, I would recommend going to PF Chang’s and trying their barbecue pork spare ribs. Some traditional aspects of this city include going to church, joining in on a community service opportunity such cleaning a park or reading to children. One site to visit is the Inner Harbor in Federal Hill. I would recommend that when getting close to people here, it’s good to pray for wisdom and trust God’s leading just like anything else. In terms of influence, people have been hospitable, supportive and have challenged me to be selective about safe places to visit. Overall, it can be a lot to be prepared to experience when visiting Baltimore, MD.

      Some places you can easily get to if you’re living on the Loyola campus can be in walking distance. For an example, this Summer I got to check out the Pantry in the Campus Ministry Department. This is where you can pick up food and toiletries needed on campus if you can’t afford them. Another place to check out on campus is Starbucks where they sell coffee, teas and breakfast. Finally, these easily located places can help make your student experience more productive. 

      When traveling around, if you would like to get around the city, although there are many travel options, I would recommend using a bike. There are travel lanes for people who would rather bike around the city. There are also times where people like to organize bike ride events. Finally, bike riding could also be a great way to get exercise and stay fit!

      There is a great place to check out for brunch in Roland Park called Miss Shirley’s. Miss Shirley’s is known for creative breakfast dishes. Some include cheddar and green onion chicken and waffles, friend green tomatoes and coconut cream stuffed French toast. Finally, this would be a great place to take your family to if they came to visit. 

      Although, I would recommend going to Miss Shirley’s, I also would suggest trying a specific food at PF Changs. That is their barbecue pork spare ribs. The meat easily falls off the bone, is smothered in barbecue sauce and is served with seasoned French fries. This dish was one of my favorite food items since I have been in Baltimore, MD.

      Aside from eating great food, there are a number of places to get involved and gain fruitful experiences. Greater Grace World Outreach for an example has been a place where I have learned God’s word, fellowshipped with the body of believers in Jesus and enjoyed worship service. There is also an organization called Blue Water Baltimore where they organize teams to help clean up different parts of the city to make it a place where people can enjoy the environment better. I would also recommend volunteering at Reading Partners and the Good News Club if you are interested in working with children. Finally, getting involved in the community is a great way to learn how to work well with others.

      When you have some free time from classes and community related programs, checking out a scenic place like the inner harbor is a great way to catch some scenic views. There is water, boats, a boardwalk, ice skating, a place to play volleyball, and the aquarium. You will be sure to get an adventurous experience and get some exercise. 

      To give you some advice, I would say pray for wisdom on who you get close to while you are here. It’s great to have friends but not be desperate to have friends to the point where you lack wisdom in dealing with them. Especially since sometimes people are only going to tell you what they want you to know and that could mean that you would lack certain information to make certain decisions with them. Having a friend that I knew since college was helpful for me since she introduced me to people she already knew. I found having a labor together that honors God encourage experiencing meaningful gatherings. Finally, praying about what to agree to with people, while knowing that God is trustworthy encourages unity.

      Finally, while being here, I have been influenced to value hospitality since people have been welcoming at my church. I have been able to attend family dinners, be hosted at friend’s homes, got the chance to do a community bike ride event, volleyball, tubing, share the gospel to the loss and I am planning to attend an upcoming church picnic. It’s helpful to read reviews that are posted online for an organization that you are thinking of joining. Overall, I have had a positive experience regarding my time in this city because God led and preserved me here.