Isabel Puno

What is your favorite campus tradition? South quad vs. North quad snowball fights after the first day of snow!

What is your favorite spot on campus? I love being by the lake, whether hammocking right beside or walking around. It’s so beautiful and relaxing, especially when you’re there to watch the sunset!

What is your best Notre Dame memory? My first Football game. I will never forget the joy I had being able to dress up in Notre Dame gear, see the whole campus so pumped for the game, and doing pushups for touchdowns! 

What is your favorite Dining Hall Meal? Southwest Salad and pulled pork!

What is your favorite thing about dorm life? My favorite thing about dorm life is having a set family that I can always count on, cheer for, and take pride in being a part of. GO DUCKS!

What clubs/activities are you involved in? Filipino American Student Organization (FASO), Howard Hall Council

What made you choose Notre Dame? I chose Notre Dame because of the sense of community, school spirit, and religion that were very evident in the photos, videos, and emails from Admissions since I had never been on campus before.

What is your favorite part about being an international student at Notre Dame? Having different perspectives and experiences from most of the students here and being able to share that with them is so fulfilling!

How did you adjust to life on campus? I came in with a culturally open mindset and made as many friends and connections as I could. The people around me helped me cope with being so far away from home; my dorm friends, my Filipino friends, and even my professors and hall staff!

How do you celebrate your culture/heritage at ND? I am active in the Filipino club and share my knowledge of Filipino culture with the members! I help with the traditional Filipino dances that are performed in our cultural show, Fiestang Filipino!

What advice do you have for international students? It won’t be easy being so far away from home, but you should always be open to new experiences that will help you grow as a person. Be brave and go outside of your comfort zone. Embrace the culture here at Notre Dame and make friends from different backgrounds! Before you know it, Notre Dame will become your home too.