When I was admitted to Notre Dame, it was opening night of the production of “ Descendants: The Musicalwhere all my friends came. I was standing in our circle before the show when the clock on the wall passed 6:42 p.m. I couldn’t bring myself to open the Notre Dame application portal, so the show started and I moved on. When the break came, I couldn’t wait any longer, so I opened up about my decision. Looking back, I should have gotten in so much trouble for that – so unprofessional. (Kudos to my director for being excited rather than angry.)

When I opened the email to see our beautiful Golden Dome, I first ran to my friend Catherine, a classmate at ND who I have known since fifth grade. We were excited about the prospect of four more school years together. But March 16, 2023 wasn’t just the opening of my first and last musical; it was also my 18th birthday. I came to Notre Dame doing something I loved for the first time and on the day I came of age.

All in all, this day was possibly one of the most chaotic, wonderful, and unforgettable days of my life.

My experience was exceptional. I hope yours is just as incredible, if not more so. What an incredible achievement it is to make your dream come true – to be welcomed into a community that you love so much and feel so at home in.

So today – heck, the next few weeks, months and years – take time to revel in the glory of this moment. It is a turning point in your life that should not be taken lightly.

When I was a sophomore in high school, I took a course on the science of happiness from Laurie Santos, a highly respected Yale professor. She told her class that the excitement they felt when they arrived at Yale was probably the most joy they had ever had about anything Yale-related. She noted that they probably didn’t wake up every morning as excited as they were the day they received the acceptance letter, and everyone agreed.

I can’t say I wake up every day as excited as I was that March 16th, but when I look up at the dome, see a priest on a bicycle, and eat with friends at the architectural marvel South Dining Hall, or even when I’m on the quietest floors As I study in the library overlooking campus, I feel hopeful and excited – just like I did that day. My mother can attest that I often call her as I jog around the lakes or walk up Notre Dame Avenue just to tell her how lucky I feel to be here now.

My point is: don’t let that excitement wear off. You are (hopefully) on your way to becoming one of the most remarkable communities anyone could hope for. So stay tuned, celebrate with friends, read about the future, buy merch, watch the ND football playoff game, or even perform in your own musical.

Whatever you do today, it should be driven by the fact that YOU DID IT!

Congratulations, Class of 2029! We can’t wait to see you in the fall.

GO IRISH!