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When I was about seven years old, my older sister had an assignment on Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” and for no apparent reason, I took it upon myself to memorize the words. I began reciting it in a British accent (again, for no apparent reason) to anyone who would listen. Though I didn’t see it as any more than a party trick at the time, the poem eventually took on a deeper meaning as I got older.

For those unfamiliar with the poem, it tells of a traveler faced with a diverging path. He weighs his options — both appearing to be equally traveled — and eventually makes his choice. In the end, he reflects on his decision from a time far in the future.

As a senior in high school, I felt a particular connection to the last few lines of the poem: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference.” Its message about the lasting effects of any decision motivated me to follow the path that spoke to my heart, which, at the time, was not the most traveled. In response, I took a gap year to do volunteer service, keeping the college path “for another day.”

The college decision-making process led me to the next fork in the road, albeit a fork presenting more options than Frost’s two. After much consideration, I (obviously) landed on Notre Dame, and, though not quite “ages and ages” from the decision, the time has come to reflect on my choice.

Academically, Notre Dame provided me with more than enough opportunities to become a well-rounded learner. The applied and computational mathematics and statistics (ACMS) major built a foundation of differential equations, statistics and data mining, to name some highlights, I can use in my future. My concentration, biological sciences, gave me the chance to fall in love with genetics, which I plan to continue studying through genomics research in graduate school. My humanities classes taught me how to express myself and develop as a writer. In fact, my love for writing has grown into a passion that I pursue through Scholastic and the Writing Center. All in all, I am blessed to say that my love for learning is still alive after four years of college.

The college experience is greater than what happens in class, and extracurricular involvements have contributed significantly to my time at Notre Dame. My role as a tutor in the Writing Center exposed me to a multitude of perspectives, in addition to showing me how much I enjoy teaching. On the intercollegiate figure skating team, I committed myself to the pursuit of fun; I’m by no means headed to the Olympics but that never mattered to me. In the marching band, I left the tunnel each game day surrounded by friends, knowing I was part of something much larger than myself.

While academics and extracurriculars are certainly important, my time at Notre Dame would not have been half as enjoyable had it not been for the relationships I formed. My community is characterized by connections of all levels. Some I only know through passing smiles, yet they feel like a network all the same. Classmates take on a more important role; we struggle together and become closer through it all. In the span of just a few years, many of my friends have become family. Each of these bonds contribute to my journey in its own unique way, making this campus feel like home.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the tremendous impact that two of my professors, Dr. John Duffy and Dr. Victoria Woodard, have had on me. Professor Duffy has supported me professionally through nominations for publications and writing opportunities and personally through his ceaseless reminders of how capable I am. Professor Woodard has been so much more than a professor; she has served as a role model, mentor and most of all, a friend.

When I consider the other paths I could have chosen four years ago, I realize they may have led to equally good outcomes. However, it seems hard to believe that the blessings I found on this campus could ever be found elsewhere — I am convinced Notre Dame is full of some of the best people on Earth. As a senior graduating a semester early, I can confidently say that I chose the path that led to Notre Dame and “that has made all the difference.”