Fearless

Notre Dame.  Home of the Fighting Irish.

These past two days have been revitalizing, dear friends.  First, a successful rehearsal and day spent wandering campus.  Visiting friends, most of whom seemed to enjoy my presence.  Hearing the sound of the band recruits blasting our fight song.

I admit it took me a while but I found joy again.  It seems I may have forgotten what it looked like.  Perhaps the quiet summer really did take its toll on me.

But a few experiences really helped awaken me. 
The girl with no fear showed a rare moment of fright.  It reminded me of surprise and humanity. 
The songs of Notre Dame reignited my passion for this beautiful and powerful school.
The basilica helped open my heart again to God's blessing.

Today, the class of 2015 moved into campus.  And as I walked from the parking lot to South Quad, I breathed in air thick with hope, anticipation, joy, anxiety, prayers, wishes.  And I was happy.  I was ready for my last year at Notre Dame, I was ready to make this a year to remember.

Who knows what this year will be like.  With any luck, there will be academic success, friendship old and new, happy hours around the lake, romance, new experiences, exploration, theatrical projects.

All I know is that I am ready.  And I have left my fear behind.

It has been said before but freshmen often don't appreciate everything enough.  I won't make that mistake this year.  I look forward to making senior year a joy.