Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

My Rudy parallel

I've never spoken with Rudy Ruettiger in person, but I know there is one thing we can both agree on: Transferring into the University of Notre Dame was one decision we both would never regret.
As my senior year begins, it is fun to look back and see my transition from when I came into the Notre Dame family my sophomore year. Though I didn't transfer in with dreams of making the football team, I did want to become a member of the Band of the Fighting Irish. After juggling transfer orientation and band rehearsals, I auditioned for band and was lucky to earn a spot in the ranks.
Being a member of the trombone section alone proved to me the value that Notre Dame students place in friendships. The unity of the section and the band as a whole is just one aspect of the most unique student groups out there.
Having the opportunity to trot out of the tunnel and march on the stadium field with these people brought the greatest sense of energy into every game day. Even though the crowds never chanted my name, they were always cheering for my school and my new home, which is something magical in itself.
Just as Rudy needed some guidance along the way, I found mentors that have taught me the value in being true to myself. Fr. Martin, my first art professor at Notre Dame, taught me that I could capture any moment with the proper amount of patience and dedication. The key was to set aside doubt and begin with the basic relationships and structure, and then fill in the details. My thesis advisor, Prof. Robert Sedlack, taught me that if I wanted to be a good designer, I had to master the skills, but also have good character. He proved to me that there is so much good that design can do in the world and there is no better time then now to do it.
When it comes to encouragement, I am blessed to have all the friends I have made here at Notre Dame. Being back to see all the familiar faces makes me realize that the greatest things I will leave here with upon graduation next May are the memories and life lessons that we have experienced together.
And though the plot line of my "Rudy" story isn't the blockbuster one, it is the one that I will always remember. I thank everyone for making the past three years a story worth telling and look forward to the final two semesters that are still unwritten.

 

Contact Stephanie Wulz at swulz@nd.edu
    The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.