The typical path for a Latter-day Saint does not lead them to a Catholic institution. However, in examining Notre Dame, I found the commitment to both academic and moral formation very intriguing. These values, central to the university’s mission, are best expressed by Blessed Basil Moreau in his statement that "the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart." In Father Moreau’s words, I find a similarity with core beliefs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — namely, the divinity of the human being through our relationship with God and a perspective that goes beyond our day-to-day lives. Since I applied to Notre Dame, I have believed that at this university, I could become the best version of myself, intellectually and spiritually.

I realized within my first few days on campus that the assertions made in the university’s mission statement are not empty words but legitimate commitments. Nearly every building, including my residence hall, features a chapel where regular religious services are held and students, faculty and friends gather. While I regularly attend meetings for the Church of Jesus Christ off-campus, I try to supplement spiritual time by attending nightly Masses held within my dorm. In these settings, I often feel the same sense of grounding and peace that I experience through my personal worship. I have also felt welcomed into the Notre Dame community through such services. I have met great friends who kindly explain practices, answer questions and share items such as prayer booklets or rosary necklaces to help me become more fully involved. In such moments, as during the ritual expression of the Sign of Peace, I feel a connection not only to those around me but also to God our Father, for whom we all are in attendance.

Being at Notre Dame has also allowed me to develop my individual faith and beliefs. During the week, when the chapels are empty, I use these quiet spaces for prayer and scripture study. As I step out of the academic world and into a sacred space, I am able to assess life from a broader perspective and seek divine guidance. These simple daily habits are essential in helping me perform as a student, interact positively with others and, in general, be a better version of myself. When I discovered and embraced these habits as a freshman, they helped propel me through what was a turbulent time of change and adjustment. It was in a chapel on campus, during one such study, that I realized I needed to share what I was learning and experiencing.

Young men of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints everywhere are invited to offer two years of voluntary service as representatives of the church and of Jesus Christ. In doing so, they can be sent nearly anywhere in the world with the charge to teach His Gospel and serve those they meet. My first year at Notre Dame was filled with faith-building experiences in which I saw the hand of God bless my life and the lives of those around me. Encouraged by these experiences, I submitted an application to serve as a missionary following my freshman year. I was uncertain how the university would view my request to pause my studies and leave campus for two years. However, upon approaching my advisor and the Dean of the Engineering School, I was met with nothing but total support. Obtaining a leave of absence was simple, and I was reassured of my continued enrollment following my completion of missionary service. Once again, I experienced firsthand the veracity of Notre Dame’s commitment to cultivate both the mind and the heart.

After an incredible two years living in different communities across Thailand, serving and teaching about Christ and His Gospel in the Thai language, I am re-enrolled at Notre Dame as a computer science major. Since returning to campus, I have been given many opportunities, including from my professors, to share about my experience in Southeast Asia. Adjusting from full-time volunteer to full-time student is difficult, but the reception I have received from friends, new and old, has been a blessing. As a Latter-day Saint, I am in a unique position because of my beliefs and how I practice my faith. But the response I have seen from the Notre Dame community has been one of respect and curiosity. From my peers to my professors, I have witnessed the “willingness to enter into the conversation that gives [Notre Dame] its life and character.” In these interactions and throughout my time at the University of Notre Dame I have seen the embodiment of the Master’s words when He proclaimed, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).