My freshman year at Saint Mary's college, an Observer comic referred to Saint Mary's women as parasites. Some people, including my friends, were quite offended by this, but I didn't really care. I couldn't attend Notre Dame, even though I was in the top five percent of my high school class, scored well on the ACT and had a nice repertoire of activities that encompassed academics, athletics and fine arts. I simply couldn't afford it.
So I went to Saint Mary's, received a scholarship and made some wonderful lifelong friends. And if I could do it again, and could go to Notre Dame for free, I would still choose to pay for my Saint Mary's education. I am currently a graduate student at Notre Dame. I was also accepted to the Chemistry program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, whose Top-10 ranking far surpasses that of Notre Dame. Why, then, did I choose to come to Notre Dame for grad school?
Here's a lesson I learned, and am willing to share with you: Sometimes the best (based on popular choice) is not the best choice for every single person in that populous. I am doing what I've done all along — what is best for me.
So keep that in mind, ladies and gentlemen at both schools, before you decide to judge. What is best for you may not be best for someone else. Don't berate others' choices, for a choice is something we've been given.
And to my Belles, if you see me around Notre Dame's campus, I'll be wearing my ring, my french cross and something that let's everyone know I'm Saint Mary's. That's how I'm changing stereotypes of SMC chicks — not by arguing in Viewpoint articles.
Kristi Pellegrini
grad student
off campus
Mar. 4
