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As the end of my time at Notre Dame approached, I wanted to soak in every last drop of wisdom this place has to offer — and I wanted to document it all. Of course, I learned in the classroom from all of the University’s amazing professors, but I also found a professor in each of my peers. For my senior year, I began carrying a little red notebook with me everywhere I went. I asked everyone — from total strangers to my closest friends — to write down their “best life advice” in it. I started doing this because I realized everyone had something to teach me, and that has certainly proved true. But what I’ve also found is that everybody has something to say and they want the chance to say it. Especially on a Friday night.

I’m honored to have received advice from hundreds of members of the Notre Dame community — in class, at the bars, on the quad, in the dorms and across the country.

In rereading the books — we’ve now filled three together — I’ve noticed some common themes that come up again and again. This is the kind of analytical work my English degree has prepared me for. For one, I’ve seen a clear testament to what I believe to be one of, if not the most special, and wonderful part of Notre Dame: residential life. Anyone who knows me knows I never exit a conversation without managing to bring up my beloved Farley Hall. It’s no surprise that the word “Farley” comes up very often in the books. In the somewhat silly “I LOVE FARLEY” or “FARLEY FOREVER,” I see a testament to Notre Dame’s strength in creating and fostering community. I can say with absolute certainty that my community in Farley is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has made me who I am. It’s my family.

Love of Farley is not the only common theme I’ve found amongst my peers’ advice. Again and again, you have insisted on gratitude, on appreciating all of life’s little glories, on following your gut and avoiding regret, on believing in yourself, on uplifting others and on letting others uplift you. You said: “If you’re ever 50-50 on something, do it. You’ll never regret a risk as much as you’ll regret not giving it a shot!” And: “Find something that you are truly interested in. Where your passion thrives, you will thrive.” There was some practical advice too — like “Say hi to the people you know on campus but try to pretend you don’t.” I’m sure we’ve all been there. Or “Read more books, don’t waste time on TikTok.”

Most of all, though, you wanted me to know that “it’s all about the people” — the people we surround ourselves with, the people we love. You said to hold onto them and thank them. So, I want to take this chance to thank all of our people, who have gotten us where we are and who will continue to carry us on. Thank you!

The advice I’ve received has certainly impacted my life for the better. As I look toward graduation, I ask myself, “Why worry twice?” I tell myself: “trust the journey,” “hug all your friends,” “live in the moment” and “ball out.”

I know Notre Dame did not create us, but it did choose us and shape us into who we are today. And I think Notre Dame should be very proud. Because, if the words in the little red notebooks are any indication, these future graduates are excellent people who will be a gift to this world. I am so proud to be a member of the Class of 2026 and of the Notre Dame community. There is truly no other place like this on Earth.