Eduardo Elias

What is your favorite campus tradition?

My favorite campus tradition is singing the Alma Mater after every football game as this highlights the unity of the Notre Dame community.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

The Grotto

What is your best Notre Dame memory?

My best Notre Dame memory is attending the first football game with my friends as it was extremely fun to cheer in the crowd and you feel a part of a community. 

What is your favorite thing about dorm life?

My favorite thing about dorm life is that everyone is extremely welcoming and always eager to meet new people and help others. I always felt surrounded by very kind and supportive students.

What clubs/activities are you involved in?

I’m involved in the Association of Latinos Professionals for America (ALPFA) as well as the Latino Honor Society.

What made you choose Notre Dame?

There are so many reasons as to why I decided to attend Notre Dame. However, I’d say that the most important is that I was looking for an university that provided a high quality education, but, at the same time, had a tight-knit community. Rather than being in an institution where students compete amongst each others, I was interested in being in an environment where students are eager to help others as well as worry about the well-being of others and that’s precisely Notre Dame.

What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame?

My favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame is that everyone is always interested and even eager to learn more about my country’s culture and traditions.

How did you adjust to life on campus?

I adjusted to life on campus by attending all activities that were held in campus and in my dorm. This allowed me to meet a lot of people and create long lasting friendships.

How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?

I celebrate my culture at Notre Dame by talking about my country and its traditions to my friends and through clubs like the Association of Latinos Professionals for America. 

What advice do you have for international students?

My advice for international students is to be open about meeting everyone by putting yourselves out there. Also, try to meet other international students as it is very interesting to learn about their different cultures and they understand what it’s like to not be in your home country.