The University of Notre Dame is a Holy Cross institution whose educational philosophy has been formed around five core principles inspired by Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. These principles, or pillars, of a Holy Cross education are Mind, Heart, Zeal, Family, and Hope, and they continue to shape our students today. Which pillar or pillars resonate most with you? Why?



Holy Cross values have been a part of my life since before I could speak. Growing up in a Notre Dame household, I was constantly learning the significance of these principles through everyday lessons and experiences. I was able to observe first hand how essential family is to our growth and development. 


I first became a brother when I was 4 years old. Initially, I was quite confused by the importance and responsibilities of my new role. However, as my relationship with my younger sister developed, I began to recognize I had the unique opportunity to create a bond that both my sister and I could cherish. Whether I was explaining physics concepts to her the night before a test, or she was comforting me after a hard day at school, over the next 14 years we were able to build a relationship characterized by unconditional love and support. This relationship has shown me that, through family, I not only have the opportunity to help those I love to grow, but that I can grow through their compassion as well. Family matters most to me, because the love and care that we provide each other serves to strengthen us all. (Word Count: 200)


Free Write:

Family matters to me because it has served as my support system throughout my academic career as well as taught me almost everything i know about how to create and nurture meaningful relationships. Since I was a young child my mother had always preached the importance of support and unconditional love. Today I use try to use the same kind of unconditional love and support that my mother has given me since I was a child to be there for my friends and my girlfriend.



For whom are you responsible?


As a child, I was ignorant to what many truly thought of me. I saw my culture as the perfect mix between loving family values, intellectual curiosity, and hard work in the face of adversity. However, as I grew older, the meaning of my deeply rooted heritage morphed into something I could barely recognize. Hispanic and African-American became synonymous with inarticulate and uneducated. 


It wasn't until I started working with other children of color that I realized through my own knowledge and experience, I have the ability to help those in my community overcome negative stereotypes. During 7th grade, I began to volunteer at my local library, where I tutored young children who mirrored my own background. To my dismay, I discovered that most of the children I tutored were satisfied with their subpar academic performance. In an effort to combat this, I began motivating each of the children I worked with through stories of my own academic achievements.


I am responsible for these children because they see themselves in me. Acting as their role model, I have the ability to show them that, regardless of race or economic class, anyone can achieve their academic goals.


Free Write: I am responsible for these children because I have the ability to show them that people like them can succeed academically


(Word Count: 198)



What excites you about the University of Notre Dame that makes it stand out from other institutions?


I’ll never forget what it feels like to stand in Notre Dame Stadium just seconds before kickoff. Because both of my parents are alumni of the university, I was no stranger to the excitement of game day when I first visited South Bend. However, being present in the stadium for the first time and hearing the roar of students and alumni cheering in unison, produced a passion and excitement within me that I had never experienced before. At Notre Dame, I see the opportunity to continue this passion through the University’s deeply rooted traditions of faith, service, and academic excellence. As I continue my journey of faith, attending a university that shares the same Holy Cross values I have fostered at home and throughout high school would be both rewarding and meaningful. In addition, programs outside of the classroom such as Social Concerns Seminars would allow me to connect with and serve others. Finally, through opportunities such as the DaVinci Grant Program, I would be able to build on the knowledge I acquired last summer while researching chronic stress responses in children with the NIH.


(Word Count: 187)