By Marissa '26

Notre Dame recently welcomed admitted students and families from the Class of 2030 to our campus. This annual event is a reminder of the moment when my acceptance letter first arrived in 2022, and everything suddenly felt real. Receiving that letter brought a mix of excitement and fear. It was such a big decision, knowing that the choice would shape my next four years of high school. There were so many thoughts running through my mind — wondering what it would be like at ND, if my friends would get in too, and how everything might change. The hour leading up to the letter’s arrival felt especially nerve-wracking, constantly checking for the email and waiting to see what it would say. 

When the admission letter finally arrived, it marked the beginning of something completely new. At the time, it was hard to imagine what the next four years would actually look like. As an eighth grader, starting high school means meeting new people, trying new things, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Even though there were nerves about leaving middle school behind, there was also a sense that this was the start of an important journey.

 
Marissa '26 Freshman and Senior Year

Looking back, it’s easy to see how much growth has happened since that moment. The worries about fitting in went away, and new experiences inspired confidence. Freshman year brought excitement, new classes, and opportunities to get involved. Over time, those first nervous feelings turned into a sense of belonging. Both old and new friendships grew, and ND became a place filled with wonderful memories and accomplishments.