Henry Jackson
What is your favorite campus tradition?
It’s got to be tailgating. Meeting people from all over campus, and indeed all over the world, to watch and celebrate Irish football is quite the experience. I’d never watched football before I came to Notre Dame, now I am a massive fan!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favourite spot on campus is a window seat, facing the dome, on floor twelve of the Hesburg Library. If you get to the library early enough on Sunday’s you can always nab a good seat. Something about looking over campus is inspiring. I love to work while looking out over the magnificent vista.
What is your best Notre Dame memory?
Out of the many incredible memories that I have, I think my favourite was a Christmas-time rock concert put on by my R.A. in Legends. It was a fantastic atmosphere, all my friends were there and it demonstrated the sheer talent of the Notre Dame student body.
What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal?
Southwest Salad, hands down. The salads, and the dining hall food in general, is exceptional.
What is your favorite thing about dorm life?
The best thing about dorm life is the relationships that you form. Some of my best friends are in my dorm, and its incredible how we were bunched together randomly. My dorm in particular, Keenan Hall, puts on a comedy event every year called the Keenan Revue. Working on and producing a show was an amazing team building experience. Pretty much any dorm event is a blast and you get to build friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
What clubs/activities are you involved in?
I am involved in Student Government, as the Senator for my dorm. I also write occasionally for The Observer and am an associate editor for Beyond Politics.
What made you choose Notre Dame?
‘The West Wing.’ The main character of the popular 90s TV show, President Jed Bartlet, was a fictional Notre Dame alumni. The characteristics of fairness, fidelity and hope that were ascribed to his education at the University in the show were very attractive to me. I looked into Notre Dame and what I heard about it in the show was reaffirmed. Applying was the best decision I have ever made.
What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame?
Being an international student at Notre Dame, while not uncommon, can make you stand out. My accent is certainly a differentiating feature. This in my experience has made it easy to make friends. Talking to your fellow students about your unique background is helpful in conversation. Additionally, learning about the lives of other international students, as well as domestic ones, has given me a new appreciation cultures around the world.
How did you adjust to life on campus?
Notre Dame has always got a seemingly infinite number of activities and events occurring simultaneously. The way that I adjusted to life on campus was to throw myself into Notre Dame’s vibrant student pastimes. I went to sailing practices, concerts and embraced that at first alien concept of football. If you engage with Notre Dame, Notre Dame will bring out the best in you. By filling your schedule with different events and work helps make adjusting to college life a smooth transition.
How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND?
I love telling my fellow students stories from home, it has really helped me celebrate and appreciate my life in the U.K. Additionally, on Sunday’s I try and watch premier league soccer to give my friends a taste of British culture.
What advice do you have for international students?
Meet as many people as possible. Notre Dame brings some of the most talented students in the world to work and study in a cohesive community. Engaging with these individuals will not only make you feel at home it will greatly help you with your studies. In my view learning from those around you is the best form of education there is.