Few people have a presence on Loyola’s campus like Chuck Ogala. Odds are you have seen him between classes and been greeted warmly by him, even if you are a complete stranger. When it comes to warmheartedness, few people can even hold a candle to Chuck.
Growing up in Pikesville, he was exposed to both Baltimore County and the City. From a young age, he stood out, in Pikesville because he was black and in the city because he had grown accustomed to being in Pikesville. Ogala said, “I stood out… there were differences in terms of experiences and feelings in both, but there were lots of similarities standing out.”
Some people are afraid to stand out, but not Chuck, standing out provided him an opportunity to make more friends and spread positivity. “From a young age, I understood I could float between groups and get along with people. I took that in stride and it encouraged me to be more vocal, outspoken, and energetic. It’s why I have a vibrant personality. It was all a maturation from my experiences… took all of my differences and embraced them, it just took time,” said Ogala.
He took inspiration from his mother, who carried a bright and shining outlook even during her battle with cancer. “I feel like my entire personality, who I am now, is primarily thanks to my mom,... She was an outspoken person with a vibrant smile… I took inspiration from her,” said Ogala. The influence on his life is clearly felt, Chuck’s sincerity and caring attitude are apparent. While walking on campus with him, he was quick to say hi to everyone he knew and struck up conversations with people he did not know.
His mom’s passing was a dark time in his life but her effect on him and his attitude towards life, “I lost my mom in the tail end of 2021… she always told me and my sister to just keep pushing and be the best person you can be.” He took a year away from Loyola and the whole he left in the Loyola community was palpable. It took a while to recover from the loss and return to Loyola, “when I got out of that funk, through work, family, and friends, I did not want to ever feel that way again. And when life is rough I think about her and I try to give some positivity.” Upon returning to Loyola he quickly became the president of PRSSA and rejoined the rugby team where his play and his personality helped the team immensely.
Opmerkingen