On May 17, the Class of 2015 will walk across the stage at graduation to accept our diplomas. We will laugh, we will celebrate, we may cry. But then we will leave Notre Dame.
Leaving this beautiful campus — the places and people we have grown to love — will be difficult. Starting out in a new city with a new job and new friends will be difficult. But I have been given too much in my time here to be sad or anxious about leaving. Instead, I am choosing to be thankful.
Thanks, Notre Dame, for a liberal arts education. From Presidential Leadership to Philosophy of Law to Wood Sculpture, I have developed a love of learning new things that will not end with graduation.
Thanks for my political science courses that taught me how to write clearly and argue effectively, how to look at issues from the perspective of the most marginalized and how to be a better citizen.
Thanks for my education, schooling and society classes that lit in me a fire I didn’t know I had.
Thanks, ND, for the opportunities I’ve had to learn off-campus — in South Bend, the Appalachian region, Honduras and London. Because of these experiences I better understand the world and my place in it.
Thanks to Fr. Ted, who truly embodied the phrase “God, Country, Notre Dame,” and whose life I will continually look to as an example.
Thanks to professors who were also role models and mentors. They are not only devoted to spreading knowledge but are also invested in our development as people.
Thanks to my classmates who humbled, impressed and motivated me with their work ethic, brilliance and kindness. Thanks to the Class of 2015, who I’m confident will change the world for the better.
Thanks to my friends. Through them, I have learned my strengths and many faults. Thanks for reminding me everyday how lucky we are to go to school here.
Thanks, most of all, to my parents, who first introduced me to this special place, whose undying support I don’t deserve (but very much appreciate) and to whom I owe all of my success.
I am a better student, leader, daughter, sister, friend and Catholic for having spent four years here. Thank you, Notre Dame, for giving me so much to be grateful for.
Maria Murphy
senior
Pangborn Hall
April 26
