Dear freshman-year Alli,
Welcome home! I hope hearing that phrase shouted repeatedly during Welcome Weekend hasn’t already made the message lose its meaning, because believe me — by the time you’re a senior, you’ll mean it.
We both know you’ve always been a sentimental person, and I’m happy to report that nothing has changed in three years. You can already imagine how well you’re taking all the “lasts” of senior year: the last day of summer, the last time you’ll decorate a picture wall with your freshman-year roommate, the last time you try (and fail) to start the wave at a SCubs game, your last silly little dress for your last first day of class, the last time you’ll step onto this campus as an undergrad with the whole year about to begin, the feeling of endless possibilities ahead.
You get the idea.
Even though I know you’re like a super cool and busy freshman (sarcasm: still intact), I was hoping you would have a second for some advice. Mom and Dad have inundated your brain with a million “make good choices!” but now that you’re officially on your own, here’s what I wish I’d known standing in your shoes as one of Badin’s newest residents, just three short years ago.
…
Trust your gut. No one knows you better than you know yourself — remember that when it comes to decision making.
Use college as a time to date yourself. These next four years are going to fly by; use this time to get to know who you are without the influence of others. It’ll make your future relationships better.
Be curious and consume life. It’s through new experiences that you’ll grow as a person, so don’t be afraid to try new things — even if you’ll suck at first. Your world isn’t going to expand itself!
Listen to Mom and Dad. No one will look out for your best interests more than they do. You may not always like their advice or take it (guilty), but it’s always worth listening to.
Finally, be water, my friend. I can guarantee that your “four-year plan” is not going to go according to plan, and that’s okay. The majority of things in life are arbitrary. For your own sanity, go with the flow and trust the process.
…
With that being said, I know the likelihood that you’ll listen to me is … low. So, I decided to gather thoughts from some fellow Domers (who are much more brilliant than me, anyways). If you don’t trust me, trust them:
“Give yourself grace!!! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People at Notre Dame are more than willing and happy to help you. You will regret the opportunities you didn’t take, not the ones you did,” Alice O’Brien ‘27.
“At least once a week, go have a meal at a different dining hall. Half the school goes to either NDH or SDH, so don’t limit your social circle by staying in one part of the campus,” Will Segale ‘25.
“Take advantage of every moment without becoming a Gcal addict. The best moments of college are not planned, and packing your schedule to the brim won’t give you the time to process or grow in appreciation for all that the day has brought,” Mary Jordan ‘26.
“Just say yes (unless it’s illegal),” India Byrne ‘26.
“Meet with your professor early in the semester! Let them know you are excited for the class and ask them to share what set apart previous students that performed well in the class,” Wendy Angst, professor of management and organization.
“Don’t worry about making the most of every moment, and everything will fall into place over time. But, if you’re ever 50-50 about taking a chance and exploring a new opportunity or experience, always push yourself to do it,” Kyle Crosby ‘26.
“You’re not gonna get it right the first time. It’s bound to happen; it’s even natural. You might cry about your failed attempts. But, then you’ll learn from them. Then you’ll come face to face with the same situation later on. You might still not even get the result you want the second time. But you’re chipping away at it every time you try,” Nick Seifried ‘26.
“Good things take time,” Devon Creelman ‘26.
“I am so proud of you for all the hard work you put in and unflinching determination you possessed that got you to this university that you knew felt right. And oowee is it ever the right place to be! Your gut is correct — continue to follow it. Your heart is true — let it continue to lead you. Cherish every minute of your home under the dome!” Emma Lupica ‘15.
“Remember that it’s all gravy, and don’t just take your meals to-go,” Ryn Weiss ‘26.
“The next four years will fly by, so make every moment count. Cherish every home football game, appreciate the friends you’ll meet along the way, take that class that sparks your interest and never stop exploring the opportunities waiting at your feet,” Elizabeth Cherf ‘25.
“Keep your mind and heart wide open, savor your time here and treasure your new friends. All the best!“ David Bruscino ‘84.
Got it all? Cool.
Listen to Dad when he says, “soak it up” and enjoy your freshman year. Love you always, dude.
Yours truly,
A wizened (or washed up) Alli
Allison Elshoff is a senior business analytics major with minors in the Hesburgh Program of Public Service and impact consulting. Her top three things to exist are hammocks, outfit repeating and mini spoons. You can reach her at aelshoff@nd.edu.
