Leo in Baltimore

Learning About Redlining Changed How I See Baltimore Forever Before learning about redlining, I thought I understood Baltimore. I noticed differences between neighborhoods, but I didn’t fully understand why those differences existed or how deeply they were connected to history. Researching redlining completely changed the way I see the city, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at Baltimore the same way again. Through my research, I learned how redlining maps created in the 1930s labeled predominantly Black neighborhoods as “hazardous,” cutting them off from loans, investment, and long-term resources. These decisions weren’t just about housing, they shaped environmental conditions that still exist today. One of the most striking connections I found was between redlining and tree canopy coverage. Neighborhoods that were historically redlined often have far fewer trees, which leads to higher temperatures, worse air quality, and increased health risks. In some parts of Baltimore, ...

 Participating in Research Studies at Johns Hopkins: Why Loyola Students Should Consider It  I didn’t realize how important research participation could be until I actually started doing it. Research studies are a huge part of how universities and hospitals learn more about health and everyday life and students play a real role in that process. Being part of research made me feel like I was contributing to something bigger while also learning how studies actually work. Right now, I’m participating in about three different research studies, one of which is at the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus. The process has been straightforward and well-organized, and I never felt confused about what I was signing up for. What I also didn’t expect was how flexible many studies are. A lot of research is done virtually, which makes it much more accessible for students who don’t have a car or can’t easily travel across the city. Another major benefit is the compensation. The money from surveys a...

World AIDS Day Ball at the Downtown Cultural Arts Center As a student, there is nothing I love more than a SIDE QUEST. This time, going downtown for the World AIDS Day Ball felt like stepping into a completely different part of Baltimore. Hosted by Maryland Safe Haven at the Downtown Cultural Arts Center, the night immediately felt very welcoming and rooted in community rather than feeling like a typical formal event. The energy in the room was something I noticed right away. People were dressed confidently, and the atmosphere felt alive. This wasn’t a “ball” in the traditional sense, but one connected to LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, where performance and self-expression are central. Throughout the night there were performances that crowd was fully involved in, cheering people on and reacting in real time. It felt like a space where everyone was encouraged to show up as themselves.                               ...

What Baltimore’s Murals Say in Hampden vs. Greenmount Murals are everywhere in Baltimore, but they don’t all say the same thing. Walking through Hampden and Greenmount, it’s clear that murals reflect the neighborhoods they’re in and the people they are meant to speak to.                                     (hamden mural, photo cred: http://baltimurals.com/hampden) In Hampden, many murals feel decorative and playful. You see bright colors and pop culture references,  and art that fits in with the neighborhood’s creative and commercial vibe. These murals often feel designed to attract visitors or add to the area’s identity as artsy and trendy. They are visually interesting, but they don’t always tell a specific story about struggle or history.                                           ...

Experiencing the Baltimore German Christmas Village as a Loyola Student As a Loyola University Maryland student, the holiday season usually means finals, cold walks across campus, and quick breaks between assignments. Visiting the Baltimore German Christmas Village offered a completely different way to experience the season and explore the city beyond campus. Located in the Inner Harbor, the village felt like stepping into a small European-style market right in the middle of Baltimore. The German wine (Glühwein) was honestlyso good. It comes warm and spiced andwas perfect for the cold and felt very Christmas-y without being too strong. After trying it, I’d definitely recommend grabbing a bottle for your own holiday parties. It’s easy, cozy, and instantly makes things feel festive. The village was filled with wooden stalls selling traditional German food, drinks, and handmade goods. The smell of pretzel and sausages filled the air and created a beautiful warm contrast to the cold weathe...

  Designing for a Baltimore Nonprofit Taught Me More Than I Expected Working as a graphic designer for the Baltimore nonprofit Love & Cornbread showed me what nonprofit work really looks like behind the scenes. From the outside, people usually only see a logo or a social media post. Being involved in the design process showed me how much effort goes into making sure information actually reaches the community. Love & Cornbread focuses on food access and supporting people who are often overlooked. My role was to design graphics for meal programs, events, and outreach posts. These designs weren’t about being trendy or artistic. They needed to be clear and easy to understand so people could quickly know where to go and what was being offered. If the message wasn’t clear, important information could be missed.                                          ...