"For the last year, it was an honor to be co-VP of Cavanaugh Hall. One of the most important parts of being involved with leadership was learning about diversity--and I don't mean physical diversity. So often we think of diversity as being about religion, cultural background, or even gender. But, when working with student leaders and commissioners, my eyes were opened to a diversity that stems from one's passions. Everyone has different ambitions, different drives, different paths, and they collaborate to create amazing things. Being co-VP has helped me see and embrace this diversity. I also love being a part of upholding Cavanaugh's dorm spirit. We have our own personality--sometimes we're seen as a quiet dorm, and we spend the most flex points, considering our proximity to LaFun.
"The dorm has fostered a sense of family in me. My parents are divorced, and I'm not from the Midwest, so I can't always engage in events geared towards families. But, for example, my roommate's father invited me to be his 'second daughter' for the dorm's upcoming Father-Daughter weekend. I love that about Notre Dame.
"Not every university has student leaders in their dorms. But at Notre Dame, responsibilities are spread across student leadership as well as rectors and administrators. And I think that's a valuable way for the student body to engage with the administration. That way, we feel a stronger sense of community with the personalities of the dorms, and we're better equipped to give back."

"I wanted to be a doctor ever since seventh grade. I was a pre-med major and spent two summers working in a hospital. But it was during that time that I realized that I wasn't seeing the specific type of connection I knew I needed in my future career. I was also working at the local high school during those same summers, and watching the growth and progress of the kids was so, so rewarding. So in the middle of my sophomore year--after getting through orgo, too--I changed to an English major and started looking into ACE, the Alliance for Catholic Education.

"I interned for ACE during my junior and senior year. To be an intern, you commit to ACE a year ahead of everyone else, and you become somewhat of a spokesperson. You go to dorms, clubs, and events to talk about ACE with people who might be interested. Being an intern helped me mentally prepare and become even more excited about my future. And seeing the enthusiasm of other interns, as well as people who showed interest, was inspiring to me.

"Over spring break, I was spending time with ten other friends when I got the call about where I'd be assigned post-college for ACE. My heart skipped a beat when I saw 'Colorado, USA' on the caller ID. So I'll be going to Denver, Colorado after graduation to teach middle school language arts! I also hope to coach sports when I'm there, too. That's another thing that I've found: there are valuable connections to be made when you both teach and coach. Sometimes kids aren't as interested in homework or their schoolwork, but you see a shining side of them when they play a sport. As a teacher, you can foster that kind of growth. You can say to them in the classroom, 'I've seen your potential. I know what you're capable of.' 

         "Is there anything you're nervous about?"

"Of course I'm a little nervous, but I think everyone is. I'm excited about the good days, when I come home and know I've made a difference in someone's life, when I know they feel more capable. But I'm also excited about the bad days, because it means I still have so much to learn and so much further to go. I'll be living with four other ACE members, so when I come home, I'll be able to share stories and bounce ideas off them."

"I write as an intern for the Notre Dame Admissions blog. I love my job...it feels weird calling it a job, but that's what it is! On Tuesdays, we answer questions on the Tumblr. And that's one of the coolest parts to me. I'm able to play a part in a high school senior's journey. One thing I hope readers of the blog realize is that, no matter what, they'll be okay. There's no denying it: the college application process is hectic and stressful! Everyday life doesn't stop--and if you're the kind of person who's applying to Notre Dame, you're probably booked as it is. And now you must now suddenly evaluate your worth and present yourself to different colleges. It was a really tough time for me! So I want to provide support, advice, and positivity for seniors who are going through the same things, especially because I know what it's like to be told no. It takes a toll on your self-confidence. But It'll be okay, no matter what. And I know that from experience.
"I attended St. Mary's my freshman year and transferred to Notre Dame my sophomore year. Although that's not how I planned to spend my four years in college, it was a very important experience for me. I think I needed that time at St. Mary's to regain my academic confidence and feel supported in my endeavors. I honestly loved my time at St. Mary's.  There's a powerful sisterhood, a community, that students at Notre Dame don't fully appreciate. In applying to Notre Dame, I knew I needed to be ready to accept both futures, one at St. Mary's and one at Notre Dame.
"I think high school seniors sometimes place so much value in their prospective colleges that they create an unrealistic image in their heads. What I'd like to tell them is this: no matter where you find yourself, you will be a gift to your community."
          "Any final thoughts?"
"Go Irish and go Belles!" 

"After three semesters at St. Mary's, I transferred to Notre Dame, and I'm now in my third semester. I knew I needed a job and didn't feel I was a good fit for the dining hall. I applied for an internship with the Admissions Office. It's been awesome. I mean, it's also great for a resume. But I get to talk with people who are interested in transferring here. I wrote a blog post about it and answer questions on the Tumblr page for Admissions. Those of us who have transferred are very open about helping those who are interested. There are actually three transfer students who are interning with admissions right now, and I'm one of them."
            "Why do you think there are so many of you in this internship group?"
"I honestly think that we're everywhere. A lot of people don't realize it. Once you meet one of us, you're 'in'.' 
            "What do you miss the most about St. Mary's?"
"The fresh-baked cookies at the dining hall!"

Seen on God Quad.

"A few years ago, the Creativity and Innovation Club had the idea of bringing TED talks to Notre Dame. It just so happened that both student government and DPAC were thinking the same thing at the same time. Eventually, we came together and made TEDxUND happen. This year was our second year--the first year, I was an assistant, and now I'm the student leader."
                "What has been the most rewarding part of being involved with TEDxUND?"
"The most rewarding part? I've never really thought about it that way. I suppose I'd say that it has been making a change in the community. We've brought so many people together not only to share their ideas but also to listen and discuss. It's not really an 'experience' for me; this is just something that I enjoy.
"It might be a little nerdy to say, but it's so exciting to me that TEDxUND has brought so many people together. Just look at the sponsors on the nametags: DPAC, Hesburgh Libraries, student government, graduate student life, office of the provost, university communications. There are no agendas or overarching influences. TEDxUND is really about sharing ideas and perspectives, and providing a platform for voices to be heard."

"I applied to Notre Dame because one of my biggest role models, who lived next door, graduated from here. After I applied, I looked online at the statistics of students. I saw that something like 76% of students are Catholic and 80% are white. I wasn't used to being in the minority. I was so nervous before I arrived on campus."
"When I saw the Golden Dome for the first time, I thought, 'This place is so beautiful, but will I be happy here?' It's a beautiful campus, but I would be miserable if I didn't have friends. I didn't really know the culture, and English is my second language.
"Orientation was not a smooth transition for me. Honestly, it was pretty awkward. Especially when they put us into groups by area code...because I've never had an area code. I was the only one who raised my hand when they asked, 'Who is an international student?' I didn't know what people were talking about when they named their favorite cereal or their favorite show.
"I've made a great friend group with some of the girls in my dorm. Now, I ask lots of questions. I feel like a toddler who is learning to speak: 'What's Lent? What's tailgating? What's pregaming?' Gradually, I've learned what people are talking about. They've introduced me to all the nice things, like Chick-Fil-A and the Bachelor! My friends made a list of all the movies I need to see! It's super long. We cover one of them every weekend.
"The most important part of diversity is communication. I'm so different from my friends, but they explain their stories and ask me about mine. I've explained Chinese New Year to them, and what it's like to be an only child, and about my high school."

"When I started working here, my three kids had already gone through college. I used to say I had three boys and a girl, but now I say I have three men and a woman. But I was very surprised by the politeness of Notre Dame students. For big events, there's inevitably going to be some pushing in a tight space and long lines. But I always hear people say, 'Sorry! Excuse me! Thank you!' I like to think this generation is so polite because of the way we raised them!"

"My favorite show I've seen at DPAC was the showing of 'Walking the Camino.' I'm always interested in adventure and trying new things. It was incredibly inspiring to me. And I had a friend who has made the journey before. The combination of influences has had me considering taking the hike myself...!"

"This is my last semester here as a grad student. I like to do illustration, but I generally do research and take time with each piece. The art department asked me to do drawings for TEDxUND, something more intuitive and reactive. So I sat in the balcony with markers and an easel and let drawings of each TEDxUND speaker come organically. I only have 12 minutes to understand and draw each person, which, I'm realizing, is not a lot of time to draw, listen, and understand simultaneously. I'm trying to stay engaged in each talk. It's easy to disconnect when you're absorbed in an activity--even driving--so my goal is to be consciously drawing something new.
"The drawings are based on each speaker's representation of themselves. I had a moment of panic earlier today when two speakers challenged the audience: they said your perception of self should not be shaped by how others define you. And I said to myself, 'Am I representing these speakers the way they want to be represented?' All I really have to draw from is their presentation. But I think these drawings are just a representation of my interpretation of the talks. The goal is to encourage other people to engage in the TEDxUND talks in a visual or creative manner."

Rest in peace, Fr. Hesburgh.

 Seen outside Sted's.